>>Air Quality Alert Expanded
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency(MPCA) has expanded its air quality alert as heavy wildfire smoke blankets much of the state. The alert remains in effect through 11 a.m. Friday, with the Twin Cities metro and much of central, eastern and northeastern Minnesota expected to reach the hazardous maroon Air Quality Index category. Officials say everyone, not just sensitive groups, should avoid outdoor activity and stay indoors if possible. Smoke from large wildfires in northeastern Minnesota and southern Canada, combined with hot weather, is expected to worsen health impacts.
>>Fire Officials Provide More Updates on Superior National Forest Wildfires
(Superior National Forest, MN) – Fire officials are reminding the public to keep drones away from wildfire zones in northeastern Minnesota. An unauthorized drone reportedly entered restricted airspace near the Boundary Waters on Tuesday, creating safety concerns for firefighting aircraft. Officials say any disruption can delay fire suppression efforts and force aircraft to the ground. Meanwhile, crews expect the wildfire fight to continue well into the fall, with deep-burning fires and ongoing dry conditions keeping hundreds of firefighters busy across the region. Meteorologists say a month of dry weather and more than a thousand lightning strikes helped spark the current outbreak of fires.
>>U-Haul Offering Free Storage to Displaced Wildfire Victims
(Brainerd, MN) — U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container use to people displaced by the wildfires burning across northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The company is also providing discounted trailer rentals for residents evacuating affected areas. More than 20 wildfires are burning in and around the Superior National Forest, including several in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, while heavy smoke has prompted widespread air quality alerts. The free storage offer is available to new customers, based on availability, at participating U-Haul locations.
>>Becker County Tornado Cleanup Continues
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — Cleanup continues in tornado-damaged areas of Becker County following the July 6 storm, as residents, volunteers and community partners press ahead with recovery efforts. Homeowners whose property was damaged may qualify for a property tax reduction through the county’s Local Disaster Relief Abatement Program. Residents needing financial assistance can also apply for aid through the Becker County Disaster Fund. Officials say cleanup and rebuilding efforts are expected to continue for several more weeks.
>> Police Search For Driver In Fatal Farmington Hit-And-Run
(Farmington, MN) — Farmington police are searching for the driver who struck and killed a 13-year-old bicyclist Tuesday night and then fled the scene. Investigators say the Apple Valley boy was crossing Highway 50 at Dushane Parkway when he was hit. Evidence indicates the suspect vehicle is a black 2008 to 2011 Ford Focus with front-end or passenger-side damage and a missing passenger-side mirror. Authorities are reviewing surveillance video and asking anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact the Farmington Police Department.
>>Minnesota Extends Pause on New Medicaid Providers
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is extending its pause on enrolling new Medicaid providers in 12 high-risk service areas for at least another six months. The freeze, which began January 30, gives the Department of Human Services more time to revalidate nearly 5,600 existing providers. The review is part of a federally required corrective action plan aimed at strengthening oversight following a history of Medicaid fraud. State officials say failing to complete the work could put more than $2 billion in federal Medicaid funding at risk.
>> Ramsey County Sues DHS Over Investigation
(St. Paul, MN) — Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher have filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, accusing the agency of refusing to provide evidence needed to investigate the January detention of St. Paul resident ChongLy Scott Thao. Choi says the county has received no response after submitting a formal demand in March seeking records related to the incident. Officials say Thao, a U.S. citizen, was handcuffed, taken from his home without a warrant, and questioned for about an hour before being released. The county is asking a federal judge to order DHS to turn over the requested information so investigators can determine whether any Minnesota laws were broken.
>> Five Sentenced in West-Central Minnesota Drug Ring
(Minneapolis, MN) — Five men have been sentenced for operating a large drug trafficking ring in west-central Minnesota. Federal prosecutors say the group distributed methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin throughout the region. The investigation began after a fatal overdose in Wadena County in 2023 and led to the seizure of more than seven kilograms of meth, along with heroin and cocaine. The defendants received federal prison sentences ranging from five to 11 years.
>>Planned Parenthood Suspends Retirement Contributions
(St. Paul, MN) — Union workers at Planned Parenthood North Central States are criticizing the organization’s decision to suspend employer contributions to employee retirement plans following another round of layoffs. SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa say 38 union employees were laid off, while the Iowa City health center and the organization’s community education department were also eliminated. Union leaders say the retirement change amounts to a pay cut for many employees and could make it harder to retain experienced staff. Planned Parenthood employees are expected to begin negotiating a new union contract later this year.
>> Zebra Mussels Confirmed In Two Crow Wing County Lakes
(Crow Wing County, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed zebra mussels in two more Crow Wing County lakes. The invasive aquatic species was found in Manuel Mine Lake near Crosby and Perch Lake near Baxter after lake users reported the discoveries to the DNR. Specialists confirmed the infestations during follow-up inspections. Officials are reminding boaters to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels by cleaning watercraft, draining all water, disposing of unused bait in the trash, and allowing boats to dry before entering another lake.
