>>Boundary Waters Wildfires Grow Slightly
(Duluth, MN) — The July Lightning Complex in northeastern Minnesota has grown to 64,249 acres with more than 1,040 firefighters assigned. The largest fire remains the Bear Trap Fire, at nearly 29,800 acres and 39% contained. The Thumb Fire has reached 16,981 acres and is 57% contained, while the Little Knife Fire is now 4,958 acres and 85% contained. Outside the Boundary Waters, the Camp Fire is 69% contained, and the Sioux Fire is 42% contained. Fire officials continue to urge the public to obey closures, burn restrictions, and temporary flight restrictions.
>>BWCA Reopens More Overnight Entry Points Wednesday
(Duluth, MN) — The Superior National Forest is reopening additional overnight entry points to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Wednesday, as wildfire conditions continue to improve. The Phase 5 reopening includes more entry points on the Kawishiwi and LaCroix Ranger Districts, including the Trout Lake Unit and areas off the Fernberg Road. However, entry points affected by the Bear Trap, Sioux, and Thumb fires will remain closed, with permits for those areas canceled through August 10th. Four entry points heavily damaged by wildfire will remain closed for the rest of the permit season through September 30th while crews repair trails, campsites, and other infrastructure. Forest officials urge visitors to check current fire conditions before traveling, as reopening plans could change if wildfire activity increases.
>>Minnesota Crypto Kiosk Ban Now in Effect
(St. Paul, MN) — A new Minnesota law banning cryptocurrency kiosks is now in effect to help prevent scams. State officials say Minnesotans have lost nearly $1 million through cryptocurrency kiosk fraud. One victim, Sister Agnes Foley, says scammers convinced her to withdraw cash and head to a Bitcoin machine before she became suspicious and stopped. Supporters say the bipartisan law will better protect consumers by eliminating a tool that criminals frequently use to steal victims’ savings.
>>Minnesota Defends New Prediction Markets Law in Federal Court
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is defending its new law regulating online prediction markets after a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement last week. The ruling allows platforms, including Kalshi and Polymarket, to continue operating while the lawsuit proceeds. State officials argue the contracts violate Minnesota gambling laws, while the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission says they’re federally regulated financial products. The judge ruled Minnesota may still enforce its existing gambling laws as the case proceeds.
>>Minnesota Families Urged to Save Back-to-School Receipts
(St. Paul, MN) — As back-to-school shopping ramps up, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is reminding families to save their receipts. Spokesman Ryan Brown says many K-12 school expenses may qualify for either the state’s education tax credit or tax subtraction. Eligible purchases include notebooks, textbooks, school supplies, computer hardware and software, and musical instrument rentals. Internet service fees do not qualify. Most students attending public, private, or home schools may be eligible, depending on program requirements.
>>State Trooper, Driver Seriously Hurt in Forest Lake Crash
(Forest Lake, MN) — A Minnesota State Trooper and another driver remain hospitalized after a serious crash Sunday evening on Interstate 35 in Forest Lake. The State Patrol says the trooper’s squad and a Lexus collided around 6:30 p.m. Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were taken to the hospital. The Forest Lake Police Department is investigating the crash. Authorities have not released the identities of those involved or said what caused the collision.
>>Two Shot in Mahnomen; Tribal Police Search for Suspects
(Mahnomen, MN) — White Earth Tribal Police are investigating a shooting that injured two people in Mahnomen Friday night. Authorities say the shooting appears to have been targeted, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators have identified suspects and are working to locate and arrest them. No information about the victims or the extent of their injuries has been released as the investigation continues.
>>Paraglider Crashes in Le Sueur County Bean Field
(Le Center, MN) — A Le Sueur man was seriously injured Saturday evening in a paraglider crash in rural Le Sueur County. Sheriff Brett Mason says deputies responded around 7:30 p.m. to a bean field in Sharon Township, where first responders found 41-year-old Nicholas Loose, the lone occupant of the paraglider. Loose was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
>>Search Continues for Missing Man in Mississippi River
(St. Paul, MN) — Authorities continue searching for a man who disappeared in the Mississippi River near Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul over the weekend. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office says the man went missing Saturday evening after entering the water near Mississippi River Boulevard South. Rescue crews searched until dark Sunday. No additional information about the man has been released, and the search remains ongoing.
>>Grass Fire Contained in Gnesen Township
(Duluth, MN) — Fire crews quickly contained a grass fire Sunday afternoon in Gnesen (Guh-knee-sen) Township north of Duluth. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says firefighters, the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, and several area departments responded around 3:35 p.m. to the 7500 block of Vermilion Trail. The fire burned an area about 200 yards west of the roadway. No one was injured, and no structures were damaged. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
>>Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts Cooler, But Dry, Minnesota Fall
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Minnesota can expect a cooler-than-normal fall, but dry conditions are likely to continue. Managing Editor Sarah Perrault says the lower temperatures should provide some relief after a hot, dry summer, even though significant rainfall isn’t expected. She also advises gardeners to keep watering late-season plants and be prepared to bring outdoor houseplants inside a little earlier than usual if cooler weather arrives.
>>Minnesota Bluegrass Festival Returns to Richmond This Week
(Richmond, MN) — Bluegrass fans from across the region are heading to central Minnesota for the 46th annual Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival. The four-day event runs Thursday through Sunday at El Rancho Manana Campground in Richmond and features live performances on six stages. Festival President Dale Gruber says the event also offers educational opportunities, including a songwriting clinic where aspiring musicians can learn the basics of songwriting from experienced performers. In addition to concerts, the festival includes workshops, jam sessions, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
