>>Prosecution, Defense Give Opening Statements in Senator Mitchell’s Trial
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The burglary trial of Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury got underway this morning (Tues) with opening statements. Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald said Mitchell broke into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes through a basement window using a crowbar and was dressed in all black in April of 2024. He told the jury, “This case will be about what the defendant did, what she admitted to, and what you will see and hear with your own eyes and ears.” Defense Attorney Bruce Ringstrom says Mitchell was checking on her stepmother and had to go in through the window, so she didn’t startle her due to her worsening Alzheimer’s disease. She has pleaded not guilty to first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools.
>>Air Quality Alert for Much of Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued an air quality alert for a large portion of the state through 11 o’clock tonight(Tues). It covers east central, west central, north central, northwest, central, and northeast Minnesota. Light winds are allowing the Canadian wildfire smoke to linger across northern Minnesota, especially near Lake Superior. Residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly.
>>Minnesota Lawmakers Continue to Debate Stillwater Prison Closing
(St. Paul, MN) — Republican state Senator Michael Kreun of Blaine is concerned Minnesota will soon have an even bigger prison problem. He says the closing of the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater could mean the state runs out of room for prisoners. D- F-L Representative Maria Isa Perez-Vega of St. Paul has visited Stillwater and says the conditions are unsafe for everyone, “and that was the decision that they made.” The Stillwater prison is being phased out over the next four years until its final closure in 2029.
>>Representative Craig Pushes for Rural Mental Health Support
(Washington, DC) — Bipartisan legislation introduced by D-F-L Congresswoman Angie Craig would expand mental health resources in rural Minnesota. The Farmers First Act, would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and improve access to care through rural clinics and hospitals. Craig says farmers face unique stressors and deserve better access to mental health support. The bill is backed by major groups including the National Farmers Union, American Farm Bureau Federation, and the American Psychological Association.
>>MN Bio-Fuels Applauds Extension of Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit
(Burnsville, MN) — The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association says producers in the state could benefit from a provision in the new federal budget. Executive director Brian Werner says the budget bill extends the Clean Fuels Production Tax credit for two more years through the end of 2029. He says that’s a good thing because it gives up to a dollar a gallon in ten-cent increments to biofuels that have lower emissions than gasoline. Werner says the bill also restricts eligibility for the 45-Z credit to fuels made from feedstock grown in the U-S, Canada, or Mexico.
>>Department of Ed Reminds Parents to Save Back to School Receipts
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding parents to save back-to-school shopping receipts for valuable tax credits. Spokesman Ryan Broman says most expenses for educational instruction or materials qualify including things like pens, papers, textbooks, computer software, or musical instruments. Broman says the child must be attending kindergarten through 12th grade at a public, private, or home school and meet other qualifications.
>>State Fair Announces Final Grandstand Show
(Falcon Heights, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair is announcing the final show of the upcoming concert schedule. Three-time, Grammy-award winner Nelly will take the Grandstand stage on Saturday, August 30th. He will be joined by Ja Rule, Mya and Ying Yang Twins. Tickets range from $54 to $121 dollars. Nelly just performed a postgame concert at the Minnesota Twins game last weekend. The Minnesota State Fair opens on Thursday, August 21st.
>>Buxton and Ryan Representing Twins at MLB All-Star Game
(Atlanta, GA) — Center fielder Byron Buxton and pitcher Joe Ryan are the representing the Twins tonight (Tues 7pm) at the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Manager Rocco Baldelli says it will be a good time for Buxton to showcase to the world what he can do. Buxton belted 20 homers in the first round of the Home Run Derby last night. He’s hitting .289 with 21 home runs and 56 R-B-Is — and is 17-for-17 in stolen base attempts. Ryan is making his first All-Star appearance. The right-hander is 9-and-4 with a 2.72 earned run average this season.
>>Big Honking Truck Parade Comes to Downtown Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — A new parade will be heading down the Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. The city says the first-ever “Minneapolis Moves: The Big Honking Truck Parade” will roll down the mall on July 31sy. Mayor Jacob Frey says the parade will include fire engines to snowplow and other city vehicles, and will be fun for all ages. He added it will bring more life to the Nicollet Mall. Local businesses will also have deals along the parade route. It will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. and kids will be able to take pictures with the trucks.
