>>Legislative Leaders Continue to Talk State Capitol Security
(St. Paul, MN) — State Capitol security is at the forefront of issues facing Minnesota lawmakers even before the next session begins in February. Proposals include adding metal detectors and limiting the number of entrances to the building. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says there’s a fine line between keeping the Capitol open and tightening up security even more. Murphy says, “some of the things we would have to do if we pursue this would require resources and, in some cases, we may need law changes, or rule changes.” The Minnesota State Patrol is hiring a third-party expert to look at current security procedures and make recommendations for changes.
>>Minnesota’s Queer Caucus Fights for Personal Liberties
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s Queer Legislators Caucus is speaking out after some national Democrats suggested compromise on transgender issues—like sports participation and educational opportunities. The caucus says now is not the time to back down, as trans Americans face growing attacks from the Trump administration. They say equal rights have always included trans rights—and all kids deserve the chance to play. The state lawmakers promise to keep fighting for personal freedoms and say trans people will always be welcome in Minnesota.
>>DOC Implements Electronic Visitor Application System at All State Prisons
(Bayport, MN) — A new electronic application system for state prison visitors is expected to significantly reduce wait times. Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says family and loved ones used to send paper visitor applications through the U-S mail and had to wait four or five months. He says, ” we believe that just based experience of staff who have been processing these applications, that the electronic applications will really improve their ability to efficiently process them.” Schnell says some visitor applications were reviewed by D-O-C staff and then sent back through the mail to be updated. The new electronic system will also save thousands of dollars in postage costs.
>>Minnesota Native and Hollywood Actress Loni Anderson Dies at 79
(Los Angeles, CA) — Her publicist says Minnesota native and “W-K-R-P in Cincinnati” star Loni Anderson died at age 79 in a Los Angeles hospital. Anderson’s family issued a statement Sunday, saying, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother.” Anderson played Jennifer on the popular t-v show “W-K-R-P in Cincinnati” about an Ohio radio station from 1978 to 82. She also appeared in several movies including “Stroker Ace” with ex-husband Burt Reynolds. Anderson was born in St Paul, grew up in Roseville and started acting locally at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and the Old Log Theatre.
>>HealthPartners Stillwater Group Votes to Strike Again
(Stillwater, MN) — We’re expecting the results this morning (Mon) of another strike vote held by health care workers at HealthPartners Stillwater Medical Group. The union members voted last week on whether to authorize an open-ended unfair labor practice strike. The workers held a four-day ULP strike last month that saw some politicians show up to support them including Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Attorney General Keith Ellison. The two sides have met eight times since May with the main sticking points being wages and bonuses for longtime employees. The strike would include more than 80 workers.
>>17-Year-Old Arrested for Leading St. Louis County Deputies on Chase
(Cook, MN) — A 17-year-old boy is in juvenile detention in Duluth after leading authorities on a high-speed chase Saturday morning near Cook. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was doing a welfare check on a male passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle when he woke up and sped off. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle on Highway 53 which led to a pursuit. The suspect struck another car and continued at high speeds before stopping on his own. The 17-year-old was arrested for fleeing in a vehicle, D-W-I, and having an open bottle.
>>Mixed Month of Stats for Homebuilding in Metro
(Roseville, MN) — A rollercoaster-type of month for homebuilding in the Twin Cities in July. Overall, homebuilding activity improved by 13 percent from year to year. Metro builders pulled 503 permits for single-family homes in the Twin Cities, which is a 15 percent increase from last July. But multi-family construction reported its lowest level of activity in over a year. Lakeville and Ramsey were the top two cities when it came to new building permits for the month.
>>Hunting Licenses Now on Sale for 2025 Deer Season in Minnesota
(Undated) — Deer hunting licenses are now on sale for the upcoming season in Minnesota. D-N-R Big Game program coordinator Paul Burr says one big change Minnesotans should be aware of is there is now one statewide firearms deer license, as opposed to having to buy a separate license for the late southeast Minnesota season. Another big change is related to chronic wasting disease testing. Self-service stations will be available during opening weekend, and the D-N-R will prioritize collection in three new areas. More info on the deer season can be found on the D-N-R’s website.
>>Jared Allen Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame as Viking
(Canton, OH) — Defensive end Jared Allen is the latest Minnesota Vikings to put on a Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket. Allen was inducted in Canton on Saturday and thanked the Vikings organization, front office, and coaches. He said during his speech, “I’m a firm believer that God puts people in your life at the appropriate times and what you did for the growth of my career, but more importantly, the people that you surrounded me with in that organization, helped me grow as a man. That is why I will forever call the Vikings my home.” Allen also said he cannot wait be at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction for teammate Kevin Williams.
>>Twins Win Series Finale in Cleveland
(Cleveland, OH) — The Minnesota Twins snapped a four-game skid with a 5-4 win over the Guardians in the series finale Sunday at Cleveland. The Twins scored four times in the first inning and added an insurance run on a Kody Clemens bunt single in the eighth. Right-hander José Ureña allowed two runs over four innings in his first start for Minnesota. Kody Funderburk pitched two scoreless innings for his second victory of the season. The Twins open a three-game series tonight (Mon 5:40pm) in Detroit.
