>>Lindell Steps Down as MyPillow CEO to Focus on Governor’s Race
(Chaska, MN) — MyPillow founder Mike Lindell is stepping down as the company’s CEO to focus full-time on his campaign for Minnesota governor. The company announced Tuesday that Lindell has also reduced his ownership stake to a minority position, although he will remain on its board of directors. Lindell says he’s putting his campaign ahead of business as he seeks the Republican nomination. Former MyPillow board member James Furlong has been named the company’s new CEO. Lindell’s campaign has recently drawn scrutiny over residency questions and allegations of campaign finance violations, both of which he has denied.
>>Walz to Receive Minnesota Wildfire Briefing
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz will receive an update on Minnesota’s wildfire conditions this morning. (10:45) Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General Shawn Manke, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Allison Farole, and Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Administration Supervisor Mike Warnke are expected to discuss the state’s ongoing wildfire response and current fire conditions.
>>Salmonella Outbreak in Minnesota Linked to Jalapeños
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota health officials say jalapeño peppers served at several Mexican-style restaurants, including Chipotle, appear to be the source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 110 people statewide. The Minnesota Department of Health says investigators traced many of the illnesses to meals eaten between mid-June and mid-July, and laboratory testing linked the cases. Nineteen people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Chipotle says it has replaced the jalapeños used at affected restaurants with peppers from a different grower while the investigation continues.
>>Appleton ICE Detention Facility Sparks Opposition
(Appleton, MN) — Indivisible Twin Cities is criticizing a new contract between ICE and CoreCivic to reopen the Prairie Detention Center in Appleton as an immigration detention facility. CoreCivic says operations will begin August 11th, with the site eventually housing up to 1,600 detainees. In a statement, the group condemned the agreement, raised concerns about conditions in private detention centers, and urged Minnesotans to contact elected officials and join weekly protests opposing the facility.
>>Ellison to Highlight John Deere Repair Settlement at Farmfest
(Morgan, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will highlight the state’s recent settlement with John Deere during Farmfest today. Joining the Minnesota Farmers Union, Ellison will discuss how the agreement gives farmers and independent repair shops greater access to the tools, software, and information needed to repair Deere equipment. The settlement resolved a state lawsuit alleging the company unfairly limited repairs by requiring many repairs to be performed by authorized dealers. Farmers are also expected to share how the agreement is impacting their operations.
>>Deer Near Stillwater Tests Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a deer found near Stillwater has tested positive for chronic wasting disease. Officials say a landowner reported the female deer after noticing it appeared emaciated and unusually unafraid of people. The deer died on July 16th and was collected by DNR staff for testing at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of CWD. The DNR says additional information is available on its website.
>>Teen Seriously Injured in ATV Crash Near Orr
(Leiding Township, MN) — A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured in an ATV crash Tuesday evening west of Orr in St. Louis County. Sheriff’s deputies say the teen was the only person on the ATV when it left the roadway, struck several trees, and lost its front wheel, throwing the teen from the vehicle. He was taken by ambulance to the Orr Airport before being airlifted to a Duluth-area hospital. Investigators say driver inexperience and speed are believed to be contributing factors in the crash.
>>Winona Police Investigate Theft of Flock Safety Cameras
(Winona, MN) — Police in Winona are investigating after all eight of the city’s Flock Safety license plate reader cameras were cut down and stolen in a single night. Investigators say the cameras were removed from their poles sometime Saturday and weren’t discovered missing until officers realized the system had not generated any alerts throughout the day. Two additional Flock cameras on the Mississippi River bridge in neighboring Buffalo County, Wisconsin, were also taken. No suspects have been identified. Authorities estimate the stolen camera systems are worth about $24,000.
>>Minnesota Schools Recognized for Positive School Climate
(Undated) — The Minnesota Department of Education is recognizing Ninety-seven Minnesota schools and nine school districts for fostering positive learning environments. The schools were honored for implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, an evidence-based framework that encourages positive behavior while supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. State education officials say the program has helped improve student achievement, boost student engagement, and reduce disciplinary incidents in schools across Minnesota.
