>>Verification Process Closing for Cannabis License ‘Social Equity’ Applicants
(St. Paul, MN) — This is the last day (7/10) proposed cannabis businesses in Minnesota can apply to become verified as “social equity” applicants. Office of Cannabis Management interim director Charlene Briner says many of these folks have been harmed by marijuana prohibition, may live in a Census tract that has been overpoliced due to criminalization, are considered emerging cannabis farmers, or are military veterans. Briner says social equity applicants will have the first chance to apply for cannabis pre-approval licenses on July 24th. Other potential cannabis operators will be awarded licenses through a merit-based lottery system.
>>U of M Board of Regents to Consider Expanding Alcohol Sales at Gopher Games
(Minneapolis, MN) — It’s expected the U-of-M Board of Regents will vote today (Wed ) on allowing Gophers fans to buy canned and batched cocktails at concession stands as soon as this fall at Huntington Bank Stadium, Williams Arena, 3-M Arena at Mariucci, and Maturi Pavilion. Athletic Director Mark Coyle told the Regents last month it’s in response to fan feedback and would put the Gophers on par with other Big Ten venues and Twin Cities pro-sports facilities.
>>Flooded Roads in South Central, Southwest Minnesota Re-Open
(Mankato, MN) — With one significant exception, all state highways in south-central and southwest Minnesota are have reopened after the last couple weeks of flooding. MnDOT reopened Highway 19 east of Henderson to Highway 169 Tuesday — which will have a seven-ton weight restriction for at least a week. Assistant District Maintenance Engineer Scott Morgan says, “we are certainly past the worst portion of it. We have some repairs of various urgency still going on around the district that’s gonna take a little bit of time to get through it.” Morgan says Highway 93 west of Le Sueur to Highway 169 has extensive damage beyond what MnDOT crews have current capacity to repair. He emphasizes that numerous county, city and township roads remain closed due to flooding. 511mn.org has information only about state roads.
>>Inspectors Begin Checking Rapidan Dam, Nearby Blue Earth County Bridge
(Mankato, MN) — Blue Earth County officials have started assessing the damage to the Rapidan Dam and the nearby County Road 9 bridge. The public works director provided an update to the county board Tuesday, stating that he is collaborating with federal and state regulators to conduct inspections of the dam. There have been efforts to inspect the bridge as well, but it is still too early to determine whether it will require replacement. County officials intend to prepare cost estimates for repairs and replacements, while also assessing measures to prevent future issues around the dam.
>>New Public Safety Ordinances Proposed in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — The city of Duluth is considering new public safety ordinances to address the most common complaints from residents. The proposed ordinances include regulations on public smoking, camping on public property, vandalism, and obstructing sidewalks and streets. One significant change is allowing the police to charge offenders with misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail or a one-thousand-dollar fine. Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert says the policy aims to emphasize the importance of residents being responsible for their choices and behaviors.
>>Esko, Minnesota Man Killed in Crash near Superior, Wisconsin
(Superior, WI) — A man from the Duluth area is dead after a car crash across the border near Superior, Wisconsin. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says 34-year-old Ryan VanPuymbrouck from Esko, Minnesota lost control of his vehicle Monday afternoon, rolled several times and was ejected. Deputies say VanPuymbrouck died at the scene. A passing motorist reported the debris from the crash to authorities.
>>Mayo Clinic Opens Office in China
(Rochester, MN) — The Mayo Clinic is expanding its international operations by opening an office in China. Last month, the healthcare organization opened an office at the United Family Healthcare campus in Shanghai. The office will serve as a contact point for potential patients who wish to make appointments at Mayo Clinic locations in the United States and London. Staff members will be available to answer questions and help patients connect with doctors and insurance providers, as well as assist with making travel arrangements.
>>40th Celebration Screening of ‘Purple Rain’ Planned for Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — A special screening of the 1984 Prince movie “Purple Rain” is scheduled for July 27th at Target Cener in downtown Minneapolis. Members of Prince’s estate are hosting the showing on the 40th anniversary of the iconic film’s release. Tickets for the Purple Rain celebration cost 19-99. The event is from 4 to 8pm in the Timberwolves’ arena and some of the movie co-creators will be speaking and there will be Purple Rain memorabilia on display. Prince’s sister, Sharon Nelson, said in a statement, “We are thrilled to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, a film that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
>>Vigil in Oregon Wednesday Night for Fallen Vikings Rookie Jackson
(Eugene, OR) — There’s a candlelight vigil tonight (Wed 8pm) in Eugene, Oregon for fallen Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson. Twenty-four-year-old Jackson was killed in a car crash Saturday in Maryland that also claimed the lives of two high school teammates. Jackson played his senior year for the Oregon Ducks and was drafted by the Vikings this spring. A report from authorities said alcohol may have been a contribution factor and prosecutors are moving to make a charging decision against the driver of a vehicle that caused the crash. The vigil for Jackson is at Autzen Stadium, the home of the Ducks.
>>Twins and White Sox Playing Doubleheader after Rainout
(Chicago, IL) — The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox will play a doubleheader today (Wed 1:10 pm) following Tuesday night’s rainout at Guaranteed Rate Field. The second game will start about 45 minutes after the conclusion of the opener. Bailey Ober is scheduled start the first game for Minnesota and Pablo Lopez takes the mound in game two. The Twins needed 11 innings to beat the White Sox 8-6 in the series opener on Monday.
