>>Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Meet Following Minneapolis Mass Shooting
(Minneapolis) – Gun violence prevention advocates are meeting following the mass shooting in Minneapolis at an apartment building Wednesday afternoon. Two people and the suspect were killed and six others including three police officers were injured in the incident. Today’s news conference featured physicians from Hennepin Healthcare, where victims of the shooting were taken for treatment. Speakers discussed the human toll they see from gun violence and the impact on victims, families, first responders and healthcare professionals. The news conference was organized by Protect Minnesota, who says nearly 600 Minnesotans were killed by gunfire last year.
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>>Federal Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Prison Term for Ex-State Senator Justin Eichorn
(St. Paul, MN) — Federal prosecutors want former Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn to spend five years in prison. The Grand Rapids Republican pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child pornography after arranging to meet someone he believed was a 17-year-old girl for paid sex and requesting explicit photos. Federal sentencing guidelines call for 15 to 21 months, but prosecutors are seeking 60 months, followed by lifetime supervised release with restrictions on his internet use. Eichorn will be sentenced September 23rd.
>>New Legislation Would Prevent Some Lawmakers from Retirement Benefits
(Washington, D.C.) – Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig has introduced legislation to prevent members of Congress who engage in misconduct from receiving taxpayer-funded retirement benefits. The bill would close loopholes that currently allow members who have committed serious ethics violations to continue receiving a pension. The legislation is called the “Congressional Pension Accountability Act.”
>>More Boundary Waters Entry Points Reopening as Wildfire Activity Winds Down
(Ely, MN) — More of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will reopen next week as wildfire activity continues to wind down in northeastern Minnesota. The Superior National Forest says six BWCAW entry points will reopen Tuesday, along with several recreation areas. About 150 of the wilderness area’s roughly 2,000 campsites have been affected by wildfire, and some campsites and portages remain closed. The July Lightning fires have burned nearly 72,000 acres. The Sioux, Bear Trap and Thumb fires are all 97% contained. Recent rainfall has helped dampen remaining hot spots, with little to no fire activity reported. Fire restrictions have been lifted across the Superior National Forest, including the BWCAW.
>>Prosecutors Seek 14-Month Prison Term for Man Who Sprayed Congresswoman Omar
(Minneapolis, MN) — Federal prosecutors are seeking a 14-month prison sentence for the man who sprayed Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with vinegar from a syringe earlier this year. Anthony Kazmierczak pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer. Prosecutors say the attack represented a credible threat of violence and left Omar and others fearing they could be physically harmed. Kazmierczak is scheduled to be sentenced September 17.
>>Timberwolves Sign Forward Kuminga
(Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Timberwolves today signed forward Jonathan Kuminga to a contract agreement. Terms of the deal were not announced. Kuminga has spent five years in the NBA splitting time between the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors. Last season he averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and a career-best 2.3 assists per game. He was a member of the 2022 NBA Championship team with Golden State.
>>Canterbury Park Hosts Minnesota Festival of Champions
(Shakopee, MN) – Canterbury Park will host the 33rd running of the Minnesota Festival of Champions tomorrow in Shakopee. The day-long horse races will feature purses dedicated to horses bred in the state and is considered the biggest day of racing at Canterbury Park. The eight-race program begins with first post at 5:10 p.m.
