>>DFL and Republican Conventions Kick Off Friday
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota DFL State Convention begins tomorrow in Rochester, but one major Senate candidate will not be there. U.S. Representative Angie Craig says she is skipping the convention to focus on the August primary in the race for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat. DFL Chair Richard Carlbom says he is not surprised by the move and expects Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan to secure the party endorsement this weekend. Carlbom says the party’s focus will now be uniting behind its endorsed candidate heading into November’s election. Minnesota Republicans are holding their state convention in Duluth.
>>Former Minneapolis Police Chief Speaks Publicly for First Time
(Minneapolis, MN) — Former Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara is speaking publicly for the first time since abruptly resigning from the department. In a statement released through his attorney, O’Hara said the circumstances surrounding his departure should not define his four years leading the Minneapolis Police Department. He thanked officers and community partners for their work during what he called extraordinary challenges and said he and his family plan to return to New Jersey. O’Hara resigned just hours before Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was expected to announce possible disciplinary action. An internal investigation found substantiated evidence that O’Hara interfered in a misconduct investigation by allegedly deleting information from his city-issued cellphone.
>>Pedestrian Struck by Car in Twin Ports Hospitalized in Duluth
(Superior, WI) — A pedestrian is hospitalized in Duluth after being struck by a vehicle this morning (Thurs) in Superior, Wisconsin. Officers say the man was injured and unconscious. Police say he entered the street against the traffic control. No word on his current condition. The driver stopped and is cooperating with investigators.
>>Xcel Customers Could See Some Relief
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota Xcel Energy customers could see smaller natural gas rate hikes, and possibly a refund, under a proposed settlement in the utility’s latest rate case. Xcel had originally requested an 8.2 percent increase, but the agreement would cut that nearly in half to 4.1 percent for residential customers. Consumers have already been paying a temporary 6.8 percent increase since January, meaning customers could be refunded the difference, plus interest, if the settlement is approved. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is expected to make a final decision this fall. Xcel serves more than 430-thousand natural gas customers statewide.
>>Essentia Health Expanding ER Department in Virginia
(Virginia, MN) — Essentia Health is investing 13 million dollars to expand the emergency department at its Virginia hospital, with a focus on improving care for patients experiencing mental health crises. The project will expand the ER from 7 treatment rooms to 12, helping ease pressure on a department that sees about 13,000 patients each year. Hospital officials say the added space will reduce situations where mental health patients and other emergency cases must share a limited room. Construction will happen in phases so patient care can continue during the project, which is expected to wrap up late this year. Funding is coming from Essentia Health, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, and private donors.
>>Swift County Deputy Accepts New Job and Wants to Purchase His K-9 Dog
(Benson, MN) — The Swift County Board is deciding what’s next for K-9 officer Red after the dog’s handler resigned and accepted a position elsewhere. The officer has offered to buy Red and his equipment for one dollar. Sheriff John Holtz says the county has invested more than $60,000 in Red, including training and equipment costs. While Holtz says he understands the bond between handlers and police dogs, he says the county must also protect taxpayer investments and Red’s well-being. A committee proposal going before the board next week would allow the former handler to match a market-value offer for the K-9.
