>>First Lady Biden Visiting MN for Campaign and Pride Events
(Washington, DC) — First Lady Jill Biden is coming to Minnesota this weekend. The White House says Doctor Biden will arrive at M-S-P late Saturday morning and attend a Biden Victory Fund event. She’s also scheduled to stop by Twin Cities Pride in Minneapolis and celebrate tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 12:45 pm). Mrs. Biden last visited the state in February of 2022.
>>Deadly Minneapolis Crash Suspect Facing State & Federal Charges
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Brooklyn Park man accused of causing a high-speed crash that killed five women in south Minneapolis is facing state and federal charges. Hennepin County prosecutors charged 27-year-old Derrick Thompson with ten counts of criminal vehicular homicide on Thursday. The U-S Attorney’s Office is charging Thompson with possession of fentanyl, possession of a firearm as a felon, and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Officers found a bag in Thompson’s rental S-U-V after the crash containing more than 21 hundred fentanyl pills, 14 grams of powder, over an ounce of cocaine, 13 ecstasy pills, and a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine. A conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in prison.
>>2 Charged in Death of Child on Red Lake Reservation
(Minneapolis, MN) — Federal prosecutors are charging two people from Red Lake in connection with the death of a child on the reservation. Court records allege that 41-year-old Julius Fineday and 63-year-old Sharon Rosebear, “willfully deprived a minor of necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care, and supervision, despite being reasonably able to make the necessary provisions.” Fineday is accused of felony neglect causing the child’s death in 2022 and Rosebear is facing one count of child neglect. The complaint does not list the victim’s age.
>>Person Fatally Struck by Boat on Otter Tail County Lake
(Hobart Township, MN) — Authorities in Otter Tail County are investigating a deadly boating accident on a lake near Vergas. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of a person struck by a boat that had life-threatening injuries around 4:15 Thursday afternoon on Lake Six. Officers say first responders provided medical aid, but the victim died at the scene. Investigators are not releasing any other information at this time. No foul play or alcohol is suspected.
>>Air Quality Alert Extended for East Central, Southeast Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — An air quality alert for east central and southeastern Minnesota will remain in effect through 9 p-m today (Friday). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is extending the alert one more day because ground-level ozone will likely be high this afternoon. Levels are forecast to be highest when the sunshine is most abundant later today and early this evening. Officials say levels are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Twin Cities, Albert Lea, Rochester, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Mankato, and Winona.
>>Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel Performing at MOA
(Bloomington, MN) — Twiggy the waterskiing squirrel is in Minnesota for weekend performances in the Mall of America rotunda. M-O-A vice president Chris Grapp (grop) says Twiggy is known worldwide and they’re excited about her visit. He says they will, “share with guests some photo opportunities, some messages about water safety, and just to have a fun time watching a very talented rodent put on a great display of aquatic skills.” Twiggy is performing in the pool three times a day at Mall of America (12, 2, and 4 pm) today (Friday), Saturday, and Sunday. The shows are free and open to the public.
>>Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Will Have 14 Open Practices
(Eagan, MN) — Fourteen practices at the Minnesota Vikings Training Camp will be open to fans late next month. They are taking place at T-C-O Performance Center, starting on July 29th and continuing into late August. Admission for 12 of the 14 practices is free for season ticket holders and children 17 or younger, and is five dollars for adults. Tickets to the two night practices on August 3rd and 8th are ten dollars for adults and five for kids. The team will announce more specific practice dates and times in July.