>>Congresswoman Craig Pushes Back on Trump Tariffs
(Washington, DC) — U-S House Agriculture Committee ranking Democrat Angie Craig is speaking out against new import taxes announced by President Trump. In a statement, the Minnesota congresswoman says the tariffs will hit American families and farmers hard—raising grocery prices and cutting into export markets. Craig says the policy is part of what she calls a “chaotic trade war” that’s added trillions to the federal deficit, while making health care and food more expensive. She also criticized the administration’s trade deals, calling them “more show than substance.”
>>Minnesota Small Businesses Brace for ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
(Anoka, MN) — President Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs are now scheduled to take effect next Thursday and small businesses in Minnesota are fearing the worst. Sarah Piepenburg of Vinaigrette in Minneapolis says the majority of their olive oil and balsamic vinegar are imported from the E-U — and the bottles come from China. She said while fighting back tears, ” So, when you have multiple areas at what point and am I gonna close my door. I’ve been a critical Main Street business for 15 years.” Piepenburg says tariff rates on European products are set to go up by another 15 percent and China even higher.
>>Planning Underway for Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Ortonville
(St. Paul, MN) — Ortonville in far western Minnesota is the host site for the 2025 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener the weekend of October 10th and 11th. The D-N-R and several other state agencies have already started planning the activities. D-N-R Commissioner Sarah Strommen says hunters will be able to enjoy 85,000 acres of public land within a 30-mile radius of Ortonville. The weekend opener will also offer food trucks and live music at the Ortonville Armory.
>>State Ag Budget Includes Funding for Turkey Lasers
(St. Cloud, MN) — Minnesota is the number one turkey producing state and the new agriculture budget includes more money to fight off avian flu. Senate Ag Committee Chair Aric Putnam of St. Cloud says they invested in turkey lasers to protect the industry. He says, “So what you do is you put a laser on either side of your barn, so it puts out a full radius infrared beam and the ducks and the geese don’t go near it.” Putnam says these lasers act like the ones airports use to keep the birds away from aircraft. Waterfowl and migrating birds are believed to be spreading avian influenza. The new ag budget includes an additional $4 million dollars for prevention.
>>Minnesota Historical Society Laying Off 36 Employees
(St. Paul, MN) — Nearly 40 employees are being laid off by the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul. The organization says 36 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers are being let go due to what it calls a “challenging economic environment.” The Historical Society operates 26 historic sites and museums across the state. Officials say affected employees have been given extended notice and a separation package.
>>US Department of Interior Withdraws BWCA Protections
(Washington, DC) — A controversial move from the Department of the Interior is drawing sharp criticism from environmental advocates in Minnesota. Deputy Secretary Kate McGregor tweeted Thursday that the department will reverse a 2022 legal opinion that blocked federal mineral leases for Twin Metals near the Boundary Waters. Ingrid Lyons of Save the Boundary Waters called the announcement “reckless,” saying major decisions about America’s most cherished wilderness shouldn’t be made over social media. Lyons accused the Trump administration of favoring foreign billionaires over Minnesota families, warning that reinstating the leases could put public lands at risk and undermine environmental protections.
>>Air Quality Alert Continues in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — An air quality alert continues for most of Minnesota through Saturday afternoon. The alert is due to smoke drifting in from wildfires burning in Canada. Health officials say the smoky air can cause symptoms like coughing, irritated eyes, and shortness of breath—especially for children, seniors, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Experts recommend limiting time outdoors and keeping windows closed until conditions improve.
>>Entries Open for Minnesota Grown Retailer of the Year Contest
(St.Paul, MN) — Minnesota Grown and the Minnesota Grocers Association are once again inviting grocery and liquor stores across the state to support farmers and show off their local pride by entering the Retailer of the Year contest. Minnesota Grown coordinator Rachel Wandrei says it’s a fun way to recognize local grocers for their partnerships with farmers. Stores are encouraged to create eye-catching displays and engaging promotions that highlight the best from Minnesota’s farmers at a time when many fresh fruits and vegetables are in season. More info is available on the Minnesota Grown website.
>>International Owl Center Raising Funds for new $17.3 Million Facility
(Houston, MN) — The International Owl Center in southeastern Minnesota plans to build a new $17.3 million facility in the town of Houston. Executive director Karla Bloem says the new building will be nine times the space that they currently have and they will be able to house up to about 28 owls. She says they are the only “all-owl” education center in the U-S House and thousands of visitors come every year from as far away as California and New York. Bloem says they’ve received 1.6 million dollars in donations so far and are hosting a Raise the Roost fundraiser on Saturday.
>>Minnesota Twins Trade 10 Players Before Thursday’s Deadline
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins dumped 10 players or nearly 40 percent of their roster before Thursday’s trade deadline. The biggest move was sending Carlos Correa back to the Houston Astros after he waived his no-trade clause. The list of players Minnesota traded includes utility man Willi Castro, outfielder Harrison Bader, first baseman Ty France, starter Chris Paddack, closer Jhoan Duran, and relief pitchers Griffin Jax, Danny Coulombe, Brock Stewart, and Louie Varland. Fans took to social media to rip the organization for trading so many key players. The new look Twins open a series tonight (Fri) in Cleveland.
