>>Minnesota Warns Pet Owners About Disease Linked to Imported Dogs
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota animal health officials are warning pet owners about canine brucellosis, a bacterial disease that primarily affects dogs but can also infect people. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says every active case in the state has been traced to imported dogs, many coming from the same region of South Dakota. Last year, more than 20,000 dogs entered Minnesota. Officials say infected dogs can appear healthy for years, making the disease difficult to detect. They’re urging anyone adopting or buying a dog to ask about its health history, where it came from, and whether it has been tested before bringing it home.
>>71 Cats Rescued From Neglect Case in Sibley County
(Golden Valley, MN) — Seventy-one cats are recovering after being rescued from severe neglect inside a Sibley County home. The Animal Humane Society says the cats were found suffering from injuries and a lack of food and water and are now receiving veterinary care. Dr. Sara Lewis with the Animal Humane Society says anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare should contact local law enforcement and request a welfare check. She says that’s the quickest way to get help because the organization has only two investigators serving the entire state.
>>State Senator Tours Tornado Damage in Becker County
(Near Detroit Lakes, MN) – State Senator Rob Kupec (koo-pec) (DFL-Moorhead) toured the tornado damage Thursday around Floyd Lake in Becker County. Senator Kupec, a former meteorologist, visited with homeowners whose properties were damaged and thanked volunteers and first responders supporting the recovery efforts. After touring the damage, Kupec called Governor Walz and asked for the state to provide immediate assistance. Kupec said he believes that request will be met.
>>Minnesota Receives Settlement from CVS Regarding Insulin Pens
(Undated) — Minnesota is receiving more than 850-thousand dollars as part of a 36-and-a-half-million-dollar multistate settlement with CVS Pharmacy. Attorney General Keith Ellison says the company overbilled Medicaid programs by allegedly dispensing more insulin pens than patients needed and seeking reimbursement for ineligible refills over ten years. About 400-thousand dollars of Minnesota’s share will go back into the state’s Medical Assistance program. The settlement resolves allegations involving 35 other states, the District of Columbia, and the federal government
>>DEED Announces $1.4 Million in Grants for Child Care Development
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced more than $1.4 million in childcare economic development grants. The money will be awarded to eleven programs and organizations around the state. The funding is expected to support and create more than 1,100 new childcare slots. More than 80 percent of the money will be awarded to programs in Greater Minnesota.
>>Congresswoman Morrison Announces OBGYN Bill
(Bloomington, MN) – Four years after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, a Minnesota Congresswoman is introducing legislation to ensure OBGYN’s across the country can access lifesaving medical training. Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, who herself has been an OBGYN for more than 20 years, announced Thursday the SAFE Training for OB-GYN’s Act. The bill would make sure that all OB-GYN residents would be able to learn life-saving skills needed to manage miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and abortions. Morrison says the bill is needed because one in three women in the U.S. now live under an abortion ban, and these bans are worsening doctor shortages, maternal mortality, and infant mortality across the country. Morrison’s bill would provide funding to keep these programs operating.
>>Lake Superior College Instructor Faces Privacy Charges
(Duluth, MN) – A biology instructor at Lake Superior College in Duluth faces 19 privacy-related charges after police say he secretly recorded people in campus bathrooms. Authorities allege 38-year-old Maxwell O’Brien Minor-Smith recorded at least 22 individuals over several weeks. Investigators say a student spotted a phone being held under a bathroom stall in April, leading to the investigation. Court documents say 16 victims were identified, including one juvenile. Minor-Smith is due in court August 10.
>>Minnesota Flower Farms Big Part of State’s Agritourism Business
(Undated) – Minnesota’s flower farms are blooming into popular summer destinations, offering much more than pick-your-own bouquets. Visitors can find everything from flower arranging workshops and photography opportunities to yoga classes in the fields. Minnesota Grown says more than 100 flower farms are now listed in its statewide directory. Supporters say the farms are helping grow agritourism by connecting visitors with local agriculture and giving families new ways to experience Minnesota’s agricultural diversity. More information is available through the Minnesota Grown website.
>>State-Funded Study to Look at Bringing Back New Nuclear Power Plants to Minnesota
(Undated) – A new state-funded study is renewing debate over whether the state should lift its decades-old ban on new nuclear power plants. The study will examine the costs, benefits, and feasibility of new nuclear energy in Minnesota. Supporters say nuclear power could help the state reach its goal of carbon-free electricity by 2040. Minnesota Rural Energy Association spokesperson Joe Miller says renewable sources and battery technology alone may not be enough to meet future energy demands. But environmental groups are pushing back. Sierra Club North Star Chapter Director Margaret Levin says nuclear power is expensive, takes years to develop, and would divert attention from wind, solar, and energy storage. Study results are expected before lawmakers return to St. Paul in January.
>>Single Wolf Prompts Isle Royale Campground Closure
(Isle Royale National Park) — A single wolf is prompting an Isle Royale campground closure. Three Mile Campground will remain closed through at least the end of July. Park officials say the wolf has pawed at tents, dragged away backpacks, and entered a tent while searching for human food. Rangers plan to use noise devices and other methods to discourage the wolf from returning. Campground shelters remain open, but tent sites, group sites and nearby camping zones are closed.
>>Hockey Day Minnesota Coming To Brainerd International Raceway For 2027
(Brainerd, MN) — Hockey Day Minnesota is coming to Brainerd International Raceway for 2027. The weeklong event will take place in January and feature high school hockey teams from across the state. Teams, matchups, and dates will be announced on July 18th at Essentia Health Sports Center. The announcement will follow a charity hockey game beginning at 11:30 a.m. Fans need tickets for the charity hockey game, but a pregame party and the Hockey Day reveal are free.
>>Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Reeve Named All-Star Coach
(Undated) – The WNBA has announced Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve has been named a coach for the All-Star Game later this month in Chicago. Reeve clinched the coaching honor following Minnesota’s win over Connecticut Thursday night. The Lynx have a league-best record of 16-6. The win also gave Reeve 380 career wins, which is the most in WNBA history.
