>>Republican Candidate Dorau Running for Senator Mitchell’s Seat
(Woodbury, MN) — At least one Republican is seeking the vacated seat of DFL Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury. G-O-P candidate Dwight Dorau announced he’s running in the November 4th special election in Senate District 47. Dorau is a retired Air Force commander and teacher at Johnson High School in St. Paul. He lost the House District 47-A election to Democratic Representative Eth Cha last November. Cha and District 47-B Representative Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger are both running in the August 26th DFL primary for the Minnesota Senate.
>>Home Destroyed in Otter Tail County Fire
(Dent, MN) – Firefighters were called to a house fire in the city of Dent in Otter Tail County just after 4 o’clock this morning. When they arrived, they found the residence engulfed in flames. It appears the home is a total loss. No injuries were reported from the fire. The cause has not been determined. The investigation continues by the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
>>It’s Been a Stormy and Soggy July
(Minneapolis, MN) — Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay says the wet weather pattern that started in June has continued into this month. “The whole state just in July so far—we’re running about an inch above normal. If you look at both months together, you’ll see about two and a third inches above normal. So overall, most places are seeing a wet summer.” Boulay says multiple rounds of severe storms brought damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain. The only part of the state still dealing with moderate drought is the northwest corner.
>>Sturgeon Lake Road Overpass Ribbon Cutting
(Undated) — Officials gather this afternoon(1:30 PM) to celebrate the completion of the Sturgeon Lake Road overpass. Prairie Island Tribal Council leaders, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Red Wing officials are celebrating the completion of the overpass. The new bridge replaces a dangerous railroad crossing that frequently blocked the only permanent road to Prairie Island, often with trains carrying hazardous materials. Tribal leaders have advocated for this safety upgrade for decades, and the project marks a significant milestone in improving access to the community, the nuclear plant, and Treasure Island Resort & Casino.
>>Governor Walz Endorsed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is backing Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in his re-election bid, even as Frey faces a challenge from the DFL-endorsed candidate. In a statement early today(Thurs), Walz called Frey “a partner I can trust to actually deliver progressive policies that improve people’s lives.” The governor praised Frey’s work on housing and public safety, saying he’s proud to support the mayor’s campaign so they can “continue working together to move Minneapolis into the future.” Frey is seeking a second term, while State Senator Omar Fateh won the DFL endorsement at the city convention.
>>Farm Aid Bringing More Star Power to Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — Farm Aid organizers have added Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, and Steve Earle to the lineup for the 40th anniversary show, set for September 30th at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. They’ll join a powerhouse group of headliners that already includes Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and Waxahatchee. Farm Aid raises money to support family farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.
>>Minnesota Ranks 27th in National School System Study
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lands in the middle of the pack in WalletHub’s latest ranking of the best school systems in the U.S., coming in at 27th overall. The state scored 23rd for quality but lagged in safety, ranking 32nd. The study evaluated factors like academic performance, funding, class size, and teacher credentials.
>>Xcel Energy Attendance Record
(St. Paul, MN) — Xcel Energy Center has set a new all-time comedy attendance record, with comedian Nate Bargatze selling 32,103 tickets over his two shows last weekend. The previous record was 18,299 tickets sold. Xcel Energy Center General Manager Kelly McGrath says the shows were milestones for the venue. The two shows marked the first time Bargatze has performed at Xcel Energy Center. It also marks the first time any comedian has performed two consecutive nights in the venue’s history.
