>>Forest Service May Reopen Parts of Boundary Waters by End of July
(Ely, MN) — The U.S. Forest Service says portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness could reopen for overnight camping by the end of the month if wildfire conditions continue to improve. Officials are considering reopening 37 entry points and more than 424,000 acres, or about 40% of the BWCAW, beginning July 30. A final decision is expected July 27 after officials evaluate fire activity, weather and available firefighting resources. Wildfires sparked by July lightning have burned roughly 64,000 acres in the U.S. and 8,500 acres in Canada, though crews continue making progress against the blazes.
>>20 People Arrested in Bemidji Area
(St. Paul, MN) – Investigators arrested 20 people during a law enforcement operation this week targeting violent offenders in Bemidji and surrounding areas. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Violent Crime Reduction Unit led the effort with several local law enforcement agencies. The offenders were wanted for firearms violations, shootings, and narcotics offenses. Officers also confiscated four illegal firearms, one gun silencer, ammunition, and small amounts of illicit narcotics. All arrested are now in jail pending formal charges.
>>Poll: Minnesota Primary Turnout Expected To Be Low
(Undated) — A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll suggests voter turnout for Minnesota’s August 11th primary will be much lower than for the November general election. The survey also indicates a slight shift in voters’ top concerns. Inflation remains the leading issue, cited by 34 percent of respondents, down from 40 percent in last month’s poll. Meanwhile, 16 percent now say fraud is their top concern, an issue that was not included in the previous survey.
>>Todd County Auditor-Treasurer Facing Felony Charges
(Long Prairie, MN) — Todd County’s elected auditor-treasurer is facing felony charges alleging she forged property documents to transfer land owned by her late brother into her own name and her mother’s. Denise Gaida, 59, of Browerville, has been charged with aggravated forgery and misconduct by a public official. Prosecutors allege she improperly notarized and backdated a quitclaim deed filed in 2024 and used forged documents to complete the transfer. Investigators say a handwriting expert determined the signature was not her brother’s, and a search of her laptop uncovered deed templates and related files. Her first court appearance is scheduled for September 22.
>>Drought Conditions Worsen Across Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Drought conditions continue to expand across Minnesota as hot, dry weather persists. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 87 percent of the state is now considered abnormally dry, up 10 percentage points in just one week. Nearly 48 percent of Minnesota is in moderate drought, while about 17 percent is experiencing severe drought, mainly across north-central Minnesota. Only 13 percent of the state remains free of dry conditions, down from 22 percent a week ago.
>>Minnesota State Fair Unveils Wild New Specialty Sips
(Falcon Heights, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair is raising a glass to some seriously creative new drinks this year. Among the more unusual offerings are a ranch dressing-flavored cream ale, a Dill Pickle Seltzer garnished with a cheese cube and meat stick, and a Quacker Jack Seltzer that comes with a miniature rubber duck. Sweet tooth? Try the Cherry Cola Hard Soda, Pink Sour Burst inspired by chewy candy, or a Frozen Pistachio Espresso Martini. Fair officials say dozens of new specialty sips, along with non-alcoholic drinks and returning favorites, will be available exclusively during this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together.
>>Michael Kim Holds Lead at 3M Open After Record-Tying Round
(Blaine, MN) – Michael Kim has the lead heading into play Saturday at the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. Kim shot a record-tying 59, making a 24-foot putt for birdie on the 18th hole Friday. Kim’s round of 59 is the 16th in PGA history, according to tournament officials. It also ties the course and tournament record at the 3M Open. The tournament continues today and wraps up Sunday.
