>>Crews Work to Restore Power from Devastating Storm in Beltrami County
(Bemidji, MN) – Utility crews are racing to restore power across Beltrami County after powerful storms brought 90-to-120-mile hour winds causing widespread damage. Thousands lost power, and emergency officials warn some residents could be without electricity for up to a week. The National Weather Service confirmed the storm that hit Bemidji was not a tornado, but Mayor Jorge Prince called it “the worst storm to ever hit the city.” The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting today(Monday) to assess damage and coordinate recovery efforts.
>>Some Lawmakers Upset They Weren’t Provide Protection Morning of Shootings
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — Some Minnesota lawmakers were upset they weren’t provided law enforcement protection after former Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman were shot. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley says the Department of Public Safety did a great job of contacting everyone on the suspect’s hit list, including sending state troopers. Bruley said, “there’s no way we could have sent people to every legislators’ house. We would not have been able to investigate or capture this individual, which had to be done simultaneous to protecting those people.” Vance Boelter remains in custody on state and federal charges. His next court hearing is on Friday.
>>Moorhead Police Investigating Late-Night Shooting
(Moorhead, MN) — Police in Moorhead are investigating a Sunday night shooting that left one person injured. Officers called to reports of gunshots spoke with witnesses and recovered several shell casings. Shortly after, a male with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound showed up at a local hospital. No arrests have been made, and a weapon has not been recovered. Investigators believe the victim and suspect know each other. Anyone with information is urged to contact Red River Regional Dispatch.
>>4th Defendant Pleads Guilty to FOF Juror Bribe Scheme
(Minneapolis, MN) — A fourth defendant is pleading guilty to their role in the scheme to bribe a juror in the federal Feeding Our Future trial. Thirty-six-year-old Abdiaziz Farah of Savage, who was convicted of fraud after the first trial for the 250-million-dollar fraud of a federal nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a juror. Last summer, Farah and his co-defendants attempted to give Juror fifty-two a cash bribe in exchange for a not guilty verdict, with more money promised if she voted to acquit the defendants. Farah’s sentencing date will be scheduled later.
>>Gas Prices Climbing Amid Global Tensions, Iran Airstrikes
(Undated) — Oil prices continue to rise as conflict escalates between Israel and Iran, with U.S. involvement now adding pressure. GasBuddy says while prices will likely keep climbing, they don’t expect the extreme spikes circulating across social media. Expect gas prices to rise another 7 to 15 cents nationally this week, and diesel to jump 10 to 20 cents. In Minnesota, gas prices have already climbed 17 cents in the past week, now averaging $3.10 a gallon. National averages sit at $3.18 for gas and $3.64 for diesel. Forecasters warn conditions remain volatile and could shift quickly.
>>Target Keeping Prices Steady for Back to School Shopping
(Minneapolis) — Minneapolis-based Target say it’s keeping its 2024 prices for many Back to School Supplies for this year. Target says the pricing will remain the same for 20 must-have supplies that will add up to a total of under $20 dollars. The retailer announced it will have more than one thousand items selling for under $5 including its popular $5 backpack. And, students and teachers can still get a 20% discount on their back to school shopping. For more discounts, Target Circle Week is set for July 6th through the 12th.
>>Polaris Donates $1 Million to U of M Extension Youth ATV Program
(Rochester, MN) — A $ 1 million donation from Minnesota-based Polaris is being used to expand the U of M Extension’s Youth A-T-V Safety Program. Executive director Nicole Pokorney says they’ve worked with Polaris the last seven years on offering A-T-V certifications to children. She says this gift is going to give the program leverage to build partnerships and hire a staff person to broaden the reach to all audiences. There’s more information on the U of M extension website.
>>$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Cottage Grove for Saturday’s Drawing
(Roseville, MN) — A Powerball ticket purchased in Cottage Grove for Saturday night’s drawing is a one-million-dollar prize winner. The Minnesota Lottery says the ticket sold at the Cottage Grove Holiday stationstore matched the first five numbers: 3-16-32-52-and 62 and the Powerball was 4. Lottery officials also say a North 5 ticket that won more than 99-thousand dollars in Friday’s drawing was sold at a Holiday stationstore in Shakopee.
