>>Governor, Executive Council to Consider Extending Wildfire Emergency
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz and the Executive Council will receive an updated briefing on the northeastern Minnesota wildfires this morning (9:30) before voting on a 30-day extension of the state’s peacetime emergency. The extension would extend Executive Order 26-08 beyond its current August 11th expiration date, allowing additional state resources to support firefighting and recovery efforts. Since July 7th, lightning-sparked wildfires have burned thousands of acres, forced evacuations east of Ely, and closed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
>>Wildfire Report from Ely -WELY Radio
(Ely, MN) — Wildfires continue to strain communities across northeastern Minnesota as hundreds of firefighters from around the country join the battle against multiple blazes. Crews are working around the clock to contain the fires and protect homes and businesses. The fires are also disrupting tourism, with the Boundary Waters remaining closed, reservations being canceled and evacuation orders still in place for some areas. Meanwhile, shifting winds are pushing thick smoke into Ely, creating unhealthy air quality as churches, the Ely State Theater and other community buildings open their doors to provide relief from the smoke and heat.
>>U.S. House Committee Votes to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
(Washington, D.C.) — A bipartisan bill that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent is headed to the U.S. House floor this week. The Sunshine Protection Act, backed by President Trump, would end the twice-yearly clock changes. For Minnesota, that would mean more daylight during winter evenings, but the tradeoff would be much darker mornings. Around the winter solstice, the sun wouldn’t rise until close to 9 a.m. across much of the state, meaning many children would head to school, and commuters would travel before sunrise. Supporters say the extra evening daylight would benefit businesses and outdoor recreation, while critics argue darker mornings could create safety concerns.
>>Burnsville Police Investigate Fatal House Fire Following Mental Health Crisis
(Burnsville, MN) — Burnsville police say one person is dead after a house fire following a lengthy public safety response Tuesday morning. Officers were following reports of an armed person experiencing a mental health crisis. Police attempted to negotiate before pulling back, saying the individual appeared to pose a greater danger to themselves than others. Neighbors later reported smoke coming from the home. Tactical teams responded and deployed non-flammable chemical irritants in an attempt to get the person to come outside. The home later became engulfed in flames. An adult was found dead inside after the fire was extinguished. The investigation is ongoing.
>>>Energy Assistance Could be Available for Minnesotans During Extreme Heat
(Undated) – As Minnesota endures another round of extreme heat, state officials are reminding residents there are resources available to help keep the air conditioning running. The Minnesota Department of Commerce says a hot weather rule prevents utility disconnections during extreme heat advisories. Officials also encourage people to take advantage of cooling centers, often located in libraries and community centers. And homeowners can improve efficiency by sealing air leaks and adding insulation. More information is available through the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
>>>New Resources Help Parents and Caregivers Prevent and Identify Physical Infant Abuse
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Health is rolling out new resources to help parents and caregivers recognize signs of physical abuse in infants six months old and younger. The materials were developed following new legislation passed this year and include a webpage, fact sheet, and social media posts. Health officials say warning signs can include bruising, facial injuries and symptoms of abusive head trauma. Resources are available in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
>>>Metro Area Business Associates Charged with Multiple Tax Crimes
(Mendota Heights, MN) – Four Twin Cities-area residents are facing felony tax fraud charges following an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Prosecutors allege more than 10 million dollars moved through business accounts tied to the defendants between 2019 and 2024, while income went unreported and tax returns were not filed. Authorities say the scheme involved a network of family-controlled businesses and public childcare and nutrition funds. The state alleges that the defendants owe more than $1.1 million in unpaid taxes. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
>>>AG Ellison Reaches Settlement over 23andMe Data Breach
(Undated) – Minnesota will receive more than half a million dollars as part of an $18million multistate settlement with the bankrupt genetic testing company 23andMe. Attorney General Keith Ellison says the company failed to adequately protect customer data before a 2023 breach exposed information belonging to nearly seven million people worldwide, including more than 92,000 Minnesotans. State investigators found 23andMe lacked key cybersecurity safeguards. The settlement also requires stronger privacy and data security protections under the company’s new ownership.
>>>Part of Highway 93 to Reopen After Major Construction Project
(Henderson, MN) – A major highway project in southern Minnesota is nearing completion. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says Highway 93 between Henderson and Highway 169 will reopen to traffic July 21st after being closed for construction since April of last year. The project raised the highway about eight feet above its previous level to reduce flooding impacts and included a new overflow bridge and a replacement of the Rush River Bridge. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for the afternoon of July 21st near Henderson.
