>>Fraud Becomes Central Campaign Issue
(St. Paul, MN) — Republicans are making fraud prevention a central issue in Minnesota’s governor’s race ahead of the August 11th primary. House Speaker Lisa Demuth says her leadership helped shine a spotlight on fraud by creating a legislative fraud committee, arguing that waste and abuse ultimately drive up costs for taxpayers. Her GOP rival, Kendall Qualls, says responsibility for past fraud failures falls on leaders of both parties and that elected officials must be willing to acknowledge mistakes and improve oversight. The winner of the Republican primary will advance to the general election this fall.
>>Minnesota Reminds Applicators of June Dicamba Restrictions
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is reminding applicators that state dicamba restrictions are now in effect. Over-the-top applications on dicamba-tolerant soybeans are prohibited after June 12th south of Interstate 94 and after June 30 north of I-94. Applications are also banned when temperatures exceed 85 degrees or when the forecast high is above 85. Officials say the restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of herbicide drift and protect neighboring crops and sensitive areas.
>>FFA Day with the Saints Set for July 26th
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) — Minnesota FFA members and supporters are invited to celebrate agriculture and baseball at FFA Day with the St. Paul Saints on July 26th at CHS Field. The event includes a pre-game picnic beginning at 12:30 p.m. before the game at 2:07 p.m. FFA members will participate in several on-field activities, including throwing out the first pitch, assisting with promotions, and leading the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch. The event will also recognize Minnesota FFA members and honor this year’s State Star Award recipients for their achievements.
>>Google Grant to Support Water Restoration Project in Southeast Minnesota
(Mountain View, CA) — Google is providing more than $375,000 to help restore water quality and wildlife habitat in southeast Minnesota. The funding will go to Trust for Public Land and support the restoration of 84 acres of former farmland into a floodplain forest along the Zumbro River in the Richard Dorer Memorial State Forest. The project, conducted in partnership with the DNR, is expected to reduce pollutant runoff into the Zumbro and Mississippi rivers while improving habitat for rare species and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. The grant is part of Google’s broader effort to invest in water stewardship projects in communities where it operates data centers.
>>Itasca County Authorities Seeking Help Locating Missing Man
(Grand Rapids, MN) — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man. Authorities say 47-year-old Randy Darland was last seen in the Keewatin or Nashwauk area and was last known to have contact with family and friends around December of 2025. He was reported missing on Monday. Investigators say Darland is known to spend time throughout Itasca County, as well as in Duluth and the Twin Cities. Anyone who has seen Darland or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office or call 911.
