>>American Red Cross Declares Emergency Blood Shortage, Urges Immediate Donations
(Minneapolis, MN) — The American Red Cross has declared an emergency blood shortage after donations fell nearly 25 percent in June, creating a growing gap between the blood supply and patient demand. The organization says it is now distributing nearly 3,500 more units of blood to hospitals each week than expected. Regional Communications Manager Samantha Solberg says summer is traditionally one of the most challenging times to collect donations, as school blood drives end and many regular donors travel or take vacations. The Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to help rebuild the nation’s blood supply and ensure hospitals have the blood they need for emergencies and lifesaving treatments.
>>Superior National Forest closes Boundary Waters
(Northeast, MN) – The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is closed until further notice as crews battle 16 wildfires in the Superior National Forest. Acting Forest Supervisor Drew Stroberg says limited staffing and public safety concerns led to the decision. Officials also want to avoid search and rescue operations that could pull aircraft away from firefighting efforts. All BWCA permits through July 17th have been canceled. Stroberg says the closure will have impacts on communities, but officials intend to keep it as short as possible.
>>Extreme Heat Warning Continues
(Undated) — Much of Minnesota remains under an Extreme Heat Warning. The National Weather Service warns heat index values could climb to around 100 degrees or higher in many areas, with little overnight relief increasing the risk of heat-related illness. The warning remains in effect through Thursday for much of central, southern and eastern Minnesota, while portions of northern Minnesota are under shorter-duration warnings. Forecasters urge residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity, seek air conditioning when possible and check on vulnerable neighbors.
>>MPCA Issues Air Quality Alert for Northeast Minnesota
(Undated) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northeast Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, and runs until 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16. The affected area includes Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely and the Tribal Nation of Grand Portage. The MPCA says heavy smoke from several large wildfires across northeast Minnesota and Canada will move south behind a frontal boundary, adding to health risks from high temperatures and smoky air. The MPCA says everyone in these areas should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stay indoors.
>>Maple Grove Fire Chief Charged in Sexual Abuse Case Involving Teen Explorer
(Maple Grove, MN) — The fire chief in Maple Grove is facing criminal charges accusing him of sexually abusing a teenage participant in a fire department Explorer program nearly a decade ago. Prosecutors allege 36-year-old Maddison Zikmund began communicating with the 17-year-old through text messages and social media while leading the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Explorer program in 2016. Authorities say the conversations turned sexually explicit before the girl was assaulted at Zikmund’s home. The city placed Zikmund on administrative leave after learning of the investigation. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance in September.
>>Governor Walz Says Minnesota Ranked a Top Business State
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota has been named one of the top states in the nation for business. According to a new report from CNBC, Minnesota ranks fifth overall, placing in the top ten in quality of life, infrastructure, and economic environment. Governor Walz says the ranking comes as 75,000 Minnesotans receive approval for paid leave in the first six months of the program. Walz’s office included in a statement that under the governor, Minnesota has launched 35,000 new businesses and increased weekly wages by 30 percent.
>>Meet Minneapolis Launches Playful “Hey LeBron” Campaign
(Minneapolis, MN) — As speculation continues over NBA superstar LeBron James’ next destination, Meet Minneapolis is making its own recruiting pitch. The tourism organization has launched a lighthearted “Hey LeBron” campaign on social media, highlighting everything from the city’s lakes and beaches to its music, biking and golf scene. The effort also includes digital billboards in Los Angeles and a dedicated webpage making the case for Minneapolis as a great place to live, work and play. Officials say the campaign is meant to have fun with one of the summer’s biggest sports stories while showcasing Minneapolis to a national audience.
>>Two Wabasha Firefighters Among Those Killed In Lake Pepin Boat Crash
(Wabasha, MN) — Two Wabasha firefighters are among the people killed in a Lake Pepin boat crash. Six people were aboard a pontoon that overturned around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Three survivors were found clinging to the overturned boat, while search teams recovered the three bodies Sunday. Wabasha Ambulance says the deaths include two members of the local fire department and another community member. Officials have not released the victims’ names.
>>Duluth Schools Reshaping Technology Plans As Funding Tightens
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth schools are reshaping technology plans as funding tightens. Technology Director Greg Krueger says many of the Chromebooks that were bought with federal pandemic relief are aging and cannot all be replaced. The district spends nearly four million dollars annually on technology, including staffing, cybersecurity, and student devices. Krueger says changes will likely begin in elementary schools, where teachers already decide when students use Chromebooks. The district says it must reduce screen dependence while still preparing students to use technology.
>>Governor Walz To Sign Grandparents Happy Hour Bill
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz will spend his Tuesday kicking off new Happy Hour rules for Minnesota seniors. The governor will visit an assisted living facility to officially sign the Omnibus Liquor Bill. Among the provisions, the bill supports enhanced social and recreational opportunities for Minnesota seniors in care settings. The governor will be joined by legislators, assisted living residents, and facility leadership. The bill allows senior facilities to serve alcohol to their residents and their guests without needing a formal liquor license.
