>>Governor Walz Declares Peacetime Emergency
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency as wildfires continue to threaten northeastern Minnesota. The order authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to assist with firefighting and emergency response in Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Dry conditions, lightning strikes, and a Red Flag Warning have fueled multiple fires. The U.S. Forest Service has closed 225-thousand acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness after 17 wildfires ignited over the past week, forcing evacuations and closing several trails and entry points. State and federal agencies continue working to contain the fires and protect nearby communities.
>>Northeastern Minnesota in Fire Weather Watch
(Duluth, MN) — Wildfire activity continues to intensify across northeastern Minnesota. Officials say there are now 20 active wildfires burning in the Superior National Forest, including five inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The largest concern is the Sioux Fire, now at nearly 290 acres, with wind-driven flames spreading toward the BWCA. A new Dark Fire has merged with the Bear Trap Fire, creating a combined blaze of about 700 acres. St. Louis County remains at “Set” status under its Ready-Set-Go evacuation system for areas near the Sioux Fire. Firefighters are also bracing for another difficult day today(Mon), with high temperatures near 100 degrees and a Fire Weather Watch in effect as hot, dry, and windy conditions continue to fuel the wildfire threat.
>>Klobuchar Remembering Late Senator Lindsey Graham
(Washington, D.C.) — Senator Amy Klobuchar is remembering Senator Lindsey Graham as a passionate public servant and loyal friend following his sudden death at age 71. Klobuchar says Graham loved his work, his country, and his family, and brought an infectious enthusiasm to the Senate. She recalled working closely with the South Carolina Republican on issues including aid for Afghan refugees and legislation involving big technology companies. Klobuchar also praised Graham’s unwavering support for Ukraine, noting he died just days after returning from a bipartisan trip there. Graham died Saturday from an aortic dissection linked to cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the D.C. medical examiner.
>>Three People Died After Pontoon Capsizes on Lake Pepin
(Lake City, MN) — Three people are dead after a pontoon boat capsized on Lake Pepin late Saturday night. Authorities say a 27-foot pontoon overturned just offshore from Deer Island near the YMCA camp in Pepin County, Wisconsin, just across the lake from Lake City. Three survivors were found clinging to the boat and told rescuers three others were missing. After an extensive overnight search involving agencies from Minnesota and Wisconsin, all three missing boaters were recovered from the lake. Their names have not been released pending notification of family members. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
>>Minnesota Primary Less Than a Month Away
(St. Paul, MN) — The countdown is on for Minnesota’s August 11 primary election. Secretary of State Steve Simon is encouraging voters to make a plan now, whether that means voting early in person, requesting an absentee ballot by mail, or casting a ballot at their polling place on Election Day. The primary will determine which candidates advance to the November general election for statewide offices, all eight U.S. House seats, every Minnesota House and Senate seat, and numerous local and judicial races. Voters can register, view a sample ballot, request and track an absentee ballot, and find their polling place at MNVotes.gov.
>>DFL Transportation Chair Says Safety, Construction Are Session Priorities
(St. Paul, MN) – It’s tough to drive anywhere and not see orange construction barrels on the way to your destination. Get used to it. DFL Transportation Chair Brad Tabke (DFL – Shakopee) says the state has a lot of catching up to do. Tabke says the state is about $10 billion short every year just on maintenance. He adds about the next session, “We need to make sure our priorities are where they need to be and to focus on those safety aspects that we’re taking care of Minnesotans and investing in transit and other options for people.” Tabke says transportation projects will remain a priority in the next session as lawmakers will meet in another budget year.
>>State Senator Favors Stricter Laws Surrounding Motorcycles, But Not Helmet Mandate
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota state Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL- Afton) says she would be in favor of stricter penalties following a new conference Friday that showed motorcycle deaths in the state are way up this year. The Office of Traffic Safety says 37 motorcycle riders have been killed this year. That’s up from 24 at the same time last year. Seeberger said, “I would not be opposed to pursuing stricter penalties for people who drive when impaired, who have multiple offenses, who drive recklessly, and who engage in conduct that results in preventable deaths.” But when asked, Seeberger said she would never support a helmet requirement in Minnesota. She said she believes that is a personal choice. Besides being a senator and motorcyclist, Seeberger is a paramedic.
>>Senator Bernie Sanders Coming to Minnesota Ahead of Primary Election
(Minneapolis, MN) — Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is returning to Minnesota to campaign for Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s U.S. Senate bid. Sanders will headline a “Many Over the Money” get-out-the-vote rally in Minneapolis on July 20th (5 p.m.), ahead of the August 11 primary. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will join Flanagan. Sanders has endorsed Flanagan as part of his national effort to support progressive candidates running for office.
>>Seven People Injured After Rollover on I-90 Near Winona
(Winona, MN) — Seven people, including five children, were hurt when a passenger van rolled over on Interstate 90 in southeastern Minnesota. The State Patrol says the crash happened Saturday morning west of Winona after the eastbound van left the roadway and overturned. The victims, all from Illinois, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Four of the five children were taken to a hospital, while another child and one adult were treated at the scene. Authorities say eight of the nine occupants were wearing seat belts. The crash remains under investigation.
>>California Teen Injured in ATV Crash in Northeastern Minnesota
(Hibbing, MN) — A 14-year-old California boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries after an ATV crash in St. Louis County Saturday night near Hibbing. Sheriff’s deputies say the teen was riding behind his father in Lavell Township when his ATV was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The impact caused the ATV to overturn, throwing the rider. Authorities say the teen was conscious when first responders arrived, and he was taken to a local hospital. Investigators say he was not wearing a helmet. The pickup driver told deputies he saw the father’s ATV enter the roadway but did not see the second ATV before the collision. The crash remains under investigation.
Humane Society Updates Progress of 71 Sick Cats
(Golden Valley, MN) – There is good news from the Animal Humane Society about the 71 cats found in filthy conditions last week in a Sibley County home. Over the weekend, AHS said all the kittens have been cleared and were made available in the adoption center. Some of the kittens have already found new homes. AHS says the remaining cats continue getting medical treatment and behavioral tests to make sure they can be adopted. Officials say they are confident all 71 cats will find new homes.
>>Keep Skin Safety in Mind During Summer Months
(Undated) – Summer sunshine means extra attention to skin safety. University of Minnesota Medical School dermatologist Dr. David Pearson says UV levels rise significantly during the summer, increasing the risk of sun damage. He recommends applying sunscreen every morning, even on days when you don’t expect much time outdoors, and reapplying throughout the day when needed. Pearson also suggests wearing UPF-rated sun-protective clothing for added protection. If you do get a sunburn, cold showers, over-the-counter creams, and staying hydrated can help ease symptoms.
