>>Firefighter injured in Minneapolis apartment fire
(Minneapolis, MN) – A firefighter suffered a non-life-threatening injury battling an apartment fire in Minneapolis this morning. Crews responded just before 10 o’clock to a three-story building on Portland Avenue near Elliot Park, where smoke and flames were seen coming from a third-floor apartment. A second alarm was called to help ensure the fire hadn’t spread. Residents were evacuated safely, with firefighters assisting some occupants from the building. No residents were hurt, but four apartments were damaged and the Red Cross is helping those displaced. The cause remains under investigation.
>>Boundary Waters reopening expands as wildfire containment grows
(Undated) – More of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is reopening as crews continue to gain ground on northern Minnesota wildfires. The Superior National Forest says more than 1,500 of the area’s 2,000 campsites, about 73%, will be open by August 13th. The Little Knife Fire is now 90% contained, while larger July lightning-caused fires remain active across the region. The Bear Trap Fire north of Ely is 40% contained, and the Thumb Fire is nearly 50% contained. Nearly 800 personnel remain assigned to the wildfire response, and burn restrictions continue across much of the area.
>>Farmers react to John Deere settlement
(Undated) – Minnesota farmers are praising a new right-to-repair settlement with John Deere. Chippewa County farmer Josh Vanderpool says he paid for the same transmission repair twice before a mechanic learned a software update was needed to fix the problem. Under the agreement, farmers and independent repair shops will have access to tools and software previously limited by the manufacturer. Big Stone County farmer Anne Spiegel says the change will help support local mechanics and small-town businesses. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says farmers who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on equipment should have the freedom to choose where it’s repaired.
>>New book celebrates final season of legendary Becker football coach
(Undated) – As Becker football coach Dwight Lundeen prepares for his 57th and final season on the sidelines, a new book is highlighting the impact he’s had on generations of players. Written by his son, Matt Lundeen, “Success is Temporary. Impact is Forever. 57 Years of Impact” will be released Monday on Amazon. Matt says the book goes beyond football, focusing on lessons about leadership, character, and life. Dwight Lundeen, who launched the Becker High School football program in 1969, announced his retirement ahead of this season. Matt says there’s excitement surrounding the team, but also emotion as his father prepares to close a remarkable coaching career.
>>5-year-old drowns at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park
(Lake Minnetonka, MN) – Authorities are investigating after a 5-year-old child drowned at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office says a bystander spotted the child in the water Saturday afternoon, and lifeguards quickly pulled the child from the lake and began CPR. Emergency responders from several agencies joined the rescue effort before the child was transported to a hospital, where the child was pronounced dead. In a statement, the sheriff’s office said it is heartbroken for the family and called the incident a devastating loss. The drowning remains under active investigation.
>>Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum to celebrate grand opening
(Little Falls, MN) – After years of construction, the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is preparing for its grand opening next month. The museum’s opening celebration is scheduled for September 11th through the 13th and will include a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, historic warbird flyovers, veteran-led experiences, and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Organizers expect large crowds and are requiring advanced timed-entry reservations for visitors. Additional visiting dates outside the three-day celebration are also available. The new museum is designed to preserve and share the stories of Minnesota veterans and their service to the nation.
>>Hundreds of scooter riders take over downtown Minneapolis streets
(Minneapolis, MN) – Authorities say hundreds of scooter and bike riders rolled through downtown Minneapolis Saturday night, at times disrupting traffic and briefly entering Interstate 35-W. The Minnesota State Patrol says troopers responded to reports that between 200 and 300 riders on Lime scooters had entered the freeway around 10:40 p.m. No enforcement action was taken and troopers did not make contact with the group. Minneapolis police say officers monitored the riders as they moved through downtown and southeast Minneapolis, describing some of the activity as reckless and disruptive. No arrests were made and no citations were issued. Videos posted online show large groups of riders blocking traffic at several locations.
>>State seeks gang restrictions around Minnesota State Fair
(Falcon Heights, MN) – Minnesota prosecutors are asking a court to bar members of two known gangs from gathering near the State Fairgrounds during this year’s Minnesota State Fair. Attorney General Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi are among those seeking an injunction targeting the gangs known as Muddy and Ville. Court filings cite several recent violent incidents, including shootings and a gang fight at last year’s State Fair. Prosecutors say the restrictions are needed to protect fairgoers and prevent violence. The proposed order would create a safety zone covering the fairgrounds and surrounding parking and transit areas for the duration of the fair.
>>Federal mining funding expected to boost Minnesota workforce
(Undated) – Minnesota’s mining industry could see a major workforce boost under a new federal funding initiative. The Trump administration has announced more than two billion dollars for mining projects, battery materials, and rare earth mineral development, including more than $180 million dedicated to mining education and training. Industry leaders say the funding is aimed at expanding the critical minerals workforce and addressing a shortage of skilled workers as many current mine engineers near retirement. Colin Marsh of Mining Minnesota says the industry faces a growing talent gap and that mining careers offer strong wages, travel opportunities, and long-term demand. The grants are expected to help increase the number of mining-related graduates over the next two years.
read less
