>>Northeastern Minnesota Wildfire Affecting Tourism
(St. Paul, MN) — Wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota and the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are taking a toll on the region’s economy during the height of the summer tourism season. DFL Senator Grant Hauschild of Hermantown says the impact extends from outfitters that take visitors into the wilderness to restaurants and other businesses in Ely and surrounding communities. Hauschild says the region is already facing economic challenges, including two idled mines, and he plans to push for relief for residents and businesses during the next legislative session.
He says it’s also important that the state continue supporting northeastern Minnesota after the immediate wildfire threat has passed, noting the long-term economic impact disasters can have on the region.
>>Following Days of Extreme Heat, Relief in Sight
(Minneapolis, MN) — After days of extreme heat and dry conditions that have helped fuel wildfires in northeastern Minnesota, some relief may be on the way. State Climatologist Pete Boulay says the heat dome responsible for the hot weather is expected to break down eventually, allowing cooler Canadian air to move into the state. The heat and lack of rain have also worsened drought conditions, particularly in northeastern Minnesota. Boulay says rain is beginning to reach parts of far northern Minnesota as the weather pattern shifts.
>>Minnesota Budget Projections
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is projected to finish the current two-year budget cycle with a general fund balance of roughly $3 billion, according to updated figures from Minnesota Management and Budget. Deputy State Budget Director Travis Bunch says the outlook changes in the following biennium, when the state is currently projected to face a relatively small shortfall of about $55 million. Bunch says state revenue is growing at about two percent annually, while spending is increasing by roughly 2.2 percent. The state’s next major financial update will come with the November budget forecast. The next governor will then use that forecast to help craft a proposed state budget, which is expected to be released in February.
>>MDA Gathering Information on Large-Scale Dairy Operations
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is seeking public input on the social and economic impacts of large-scale dairy operations. The effort follows discussion surrounding the proposed expansion of the West River Dairy facility near Morris. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says the state wants to hear from dairy farmers, veterinarians, milk truck drivers, businesses and residents about how large operations affect local economies, communities and quality of life. The findings will be shared with lawmakers ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
>>Feeding Our Future Defendant Back in Minnesota After Somalia Arrest
(Elk River, MN) — A man accused of playing a central role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme is now jailed in Minnesota following his arrest in Somalia last month. Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh was booked into the Sherburne County Jail Thursday. Federal prosecutors allege Eidleh recruited participants, helped establish fraudulent meal sites and deposited more than five million dollars in kickbacks, bribes and other fraud proceeds into accounts tied to shell companies. Eidleh had been wanted since being indicted in 2022 and faces multiple federal fraud, bribery and money laundering charges.
>>Former Iron Range School Administrator Accused of Sexually Assaulting Student
(Eveleth, MN) — A former Iron Range educator is facing charges accusing him of repeatedly sexually assaulting a student. Christopher Chad faces three criminal sexual conduct charges involving allegations dating back to when the student was between 14 and 16 years old. Prosecutors allege Chad served as the student’s teacher, speech coach, and dean of students with Rock Ridge Public Schools. Chad was previously arrested on a felony warrant out of Georgia stemming from a separate investigation involving a juvenile.
>>University of Minnesota Medical School Receives New Grant
(Minneapolis) – A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has received a five-year, $10 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to discover new ways that animals fight virus infections. The group says this has the potential to be translated into new therapies against emerging viruses in humans. The University Medical team will work in collaboration with the Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the DNR, Como Zoo Conservatory and the San Diego Zoo.
>>MDH Releases Online Tools to Help Better Identify Infant Abuse
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Health has launched new online resources to help parents and caregivers recognize signs of infant abuse. Dr. Katie Smentek says abuse in babies can be harder to spot than in older children, with subtle warning signs often going unnoticed. Those signs can include bruising, scratches, bite marks, and injuries to the face or mouth. Health officials say early identification is critical to preventing further harm and getting children the care they need. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
>>DNR Announces State Park License Plate Design Contest
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for the public’s help designing a new state parks and trails license plate. The theme for this plate is the North Shore and the Lake Superior agate. The state gemstone. Design submissions will be accepted online from September 15th through October 31st, with public voting planned for December. The winning design will be announced later that month, and the new plate is expected to be available in January of 2027. Proceeds from plate sales support Minnesota’s state parks and trails.
>>St. Louis County Judge Sentences Man for Attempted Murder
(Duluth, MN) – A Duluth man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for attempting to kill a woman last year. Thirty-seven-year-old Demetrius Norwood received a sentence of 147 and a half months after pleading guilty to attempted second-degree murder. Prosecutors say Norwood became angry with a female friend, threatened to kill her, then fired two shots at her as she drove away from her home in September of 2025. One bullet struck her vehicle. The case was investigated by Duluth Police and prosecuted by St. Louis County.
>>Twins Announce 2027 Schedule
(Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Twins have announced their preliminary schedule for the 2027 season. Minnesota will open the year March 25th on the road against the Kansas City Royals, marking the club’s earliest Opening Day ever for a third straight season. The Twins’ home opener is set for April 2nd against the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field. Under Major League Baseball’s balanced schedule, the Twins will face all 29 other teams, including interleague matchups with the Cubs, Mets, Padres and Brewers. The regular season wraps up at home against San Francisco and Detroit next September.
