>>MN Gov. Walz at Democrats Counter Convention Blasts Trump’s VP Pick J.D. Vance
(Milwaukee, WI) – At what Democrats call their “counter convention” in downtown Milwaukee, Governor Tim Walz this morning labeled Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance “the perfect Frankenstein monster created by the Heritage Foundation.” Walz said passionately, “I read Hillybilly Elegy. I read it because I come from a town of 400, and I know a little bit about small towns. And his dismissive, derogatory approach to how he viewed it… it’s decades of policies of people like him and venture capitalists and others that gutted many of our small towns.” Walz says, “J.D. Vance and his advanced Yale degree tells us the biggest threat to our national finances and well-being is Social Security.” But analysts say an interview with the New York Times seems to indicate Vance opposed cuts to Social Security. He’s quoted as saying, “I don’t know why people think that you solve many problems by taking a bunch of elderly people and saying, ‘You’re on your own.’ ”
>>Authorities ID Minnesota Woman Who Died in Fargo Jail
(Fargo, ND) — The woman who died in the Cass County jail in Fargo is identified as 37-year-old Alexis Beryl Phillips from Ogema, Minnesota. Sheriff’s deputies found Phillips unresponsive late Monday night and tried to revive her, but she died in her cell. Investigators say Phillips had a medical emergency. She was arrested last Friday for driving under suspension. Authorities are still investigating Phillips’ death.
>>MN Power Leak Spills Nearly 1M Gallons of Coal Ash Wastewater
(Cohasset, MN) — Nearly 1 million gallons of coal ash wastewater have spilled from Minnesota Power’s Bowell Energy Center in Cohasset. Officials say the leak came from a pipeline that brings wastewater from an inactive coal combustion residual pond to the plant for process water. The wastewater flowed over land, reaching Blackwater Lake, connected to the Mississippi River. It’s unknown when the leak started, but it has been contained.
>>American Red Cross Facing Blood Shortages This Summer
(Undated) – The American Red Cross is reporting a shortfall in donations this summer. Spokeswoman Sue Thesenga says it isn’t unusual to see a decline in blood donations due to busy summer schedules, but “right now, the Red Cross has a critical need for blood donations to support those life-saving transfusions this summer. So it’s important for people to recognize we need people to continue giving blood, so make an appointment and keep your appointment this summer.” Thesenga says the need is constant; every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood.
>>New HydroStations Debut at MSP Airport
(MSP, MN) – There are ten new HydroStations at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport to re-fill water bottles, thanks to a partnership with Minnesota-based Pentair. MSP spokesman Jeff Lea says simply, “It is a re-fill station, but it is also the technology with a video screen to highlight ways to reduce waste and support sustainable practices.” Lea says you can bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it at a HydroStation after passing through security. He says they complement the existing water refill stations at MSP.
>>DNR Confirms Zebra Mussels in Three MN Lakes
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota DNR reports zebra mussels have been discovered in three more lakes in the state. Invasive species have been found at Union Lake in Polk County and First Silver and Heilberger Lakes in Otter Tail County. The DNR is urging Minnesotans to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for these mussels, particularly as they can attach to boats and other hard surfaces, making it easier for them to spread to other lakes and colonize new habitats.
>>UMN Researches How Common Tansy Spreads, How to Stop
(Undated) – The University of Minnesota is seeing tansy, a common yet invasive plant, spreading rapidly in the northeastern part of the state. Researcher Ryan Briscoe Runquist says the weed can easily take over large pastures, establishing dense monocultures. She explains, “It outcompetes native forages or more nutritious forages, and it kind of impedes further reforestation and restoration efforts.” Briscoe Runquist says besides not being the best tasting, the plant also affects livestock, as the number of chemicals in tansy can be potentially toxic if too much is ingested.
>>Part of Minneapolis’ Plymouth Avenue Renamed After Civil Rights Activist
(Minneapolis, MN) — A portion of Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis has been renamed to honor longtime civil rights activist Spike Moss. “Spike Moss Way” stretches from Newton Avenue to Lyndale Avenue, a commemorative change approved by the Minneapolis City Council and signed by Mayor Jacob Frey. Moss is known for his activism for racial justice and against police brutality in Minnesota.
>>Dodge County Free Fair Begins
(Kasson, MN) — What’s considered the oldest county fair in Minnesota kicks off today! The Dodge County Free Fair at the fairgrounds in Kasson includes a bull riding show, car races, 4H and FFA shows, food, drinks, fireworks, and more. The fair runs through Sunday.
