>>Senator Mitchell Takes the Witness Stand
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell took the witness stand this morning in her ongoing burglary trial. Mitchell is accused of breaking into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes in April of 2024—allegedly to retrieve her late father’s ashes and other sentimental items. Officers found her in the basement around 4 a.m., dressed in black, with a flashlight and a crowbar nearby. On the stand, Mitchell testified in her own defense, explaining that she was trying to collect personal belongings her stepmother refused to give her. She described herself as a single parent, a foster care provider, and a former commander in the National Guard. Mitchell also holds a law degree and previously worked as a meteorologist. The defense has repeatedly told the jury that Mitchell was concerned about the well-being of her 75-year-old stepmother, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
>>Minnesota Job Market, Labor Force Maintain High Levels in June
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s job market held steady in June, with little change across key employment indicators. According to the Department of Employment and Economic Development, the state lost about 800 jobs last month—essentially flat—and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.3 percent. More than 2,100 Minnesotans joined the labor force, continuing a strong trend of growth in 10 of the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate also held steady at 68.2 percent. Both figures continue to outpace national averages. The U.S. unemployment rate sits at 4.1 percent, with a labor force participation rate of 62.3 percent.
>>Drought Conditions Improving
(Undated) — There’s some good news on the drought front in Minnesota. The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows conditions are slowly improving across the state. Right now, 26 percent of Minnesota is considered Abnormally Dry—that’s down from 37 percent just last week. Moderate Drought conditions have also eased slightly, now affecting just four percent of the state. And Severe Drought? That’s been cut in half, down to just one percent. The driest area remains in northwestern Minnesota. And there could be more help on the way. The National Weather Service predicts another round of showers and thunderstorms will move through parts of the state tomorrow.(Fri)
>>One Injured in Motorcycle/Pickup Crash
(Big Lake, MN) — One person was hurt in a two-vehicle crash in Sherburne County around seven this morning in Big Lake Township. Both a pickup and a motorcycle were going east when they collided. The driver of the motorcycle, 33-year-old Samantha Porter of Elk River, was taken to CentraCare in Big Lake with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the pickup, 37-year-old Jonathan Volkers of Foley, was not hurt.
>>Twins Announce New Uniform Patch
(Minneapolis) – In a sign of the times, the Minnesota Twins have announced they will finally add the club’s first official jersey patch partner. The Twins are teaming up with St. Paul-based Securian Financial. You’ll start to see the new patch when the Twins open the second half of the regular season Friday night in Colorado. The latest patch will appear on the sleeve of all Twins jerseys. Securian Financial will also have a presence around Target Field and across TV and radio broadcasts.
>>70 New Specialty Drinks at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
(Falcon Heights, MN) — There will be 70 new things to drink at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. The “specialty sips” list was released this (Thurs) morning. New beers include Caramel Corn Cream Ale by Lift Bridge Brewing, Bad Apple Crisp Honey Lager from Bad Weather Brewing, and Churro Cream Ale by Headflyer Brewing. Wine drinkers might want to try the Grape Ape wine slushy by Alexis Bailly Vineyard in Hastings, the Rocking Rose from Cannon River Winery, or the Brianna pineapple wine slushy by Parley Lake Winery in Waconia. The Midway Sunset mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink available at the Ballpark Cafe. The full list is on the State Fair website.
