>>Craig Rips Trump Administration Plan to Reorganize USDA
(Eagan, MN) — Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig is criticizing Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins’ plan to reorganize the U-S Department of Agriculture. The ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee says in statement, “sadly, farmers will pay the price through a reduction in the quality and quantity of service they already receive from the department.” Craig says the administration did not consult with Congress or key stakeholders on this U-S-D-A reorganization. She’s calling for a House Ag committee hearing on this proposal.
>>Office of Higher Ed Grants Hope to Bridge Gap Between K-12 and College
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is awarding two-million dollars in grant funding to help advance college attendance. Communications Director Keith Hovis says the grants help bridge the gap between K-12 education and college. Funding will allow organizations to improve services such as tutoring, mentoring, financial aid literacy, and academic counseling. Twenty different organizations ranging from the Twin Cities to Greater Minnesota will split more than $2 million during this round of funding.
>>Windom Woman Killed in Early Morning Shooting
(Windom, MN) — A 70-year-old woman is dead following a shooting early Wednesday morning in Windom. Police were called to the southwestern Minnesota home and found the woman with gunshot wounds. She was taken to the hospital and later died. Roughly 10 minutes later, officers responded to a nearby break-in. Officers say a 38-year-old man was found hiding in a bathroom and taken into custody. Authorities believe the two incidents are connected. The investigation is ongoing, but police say there is no threat to the public.
>>Train Carrying Hazardous Materials Derails near Watkins in Meeker County
(Watkins, MN) — Authorities in Meeker County are on the scene of a train derailment just west of Watkins. The sheriff’s office says the Canadian Pacific Kansas City train derailed around 7:20 Thursday night and it was determined the cargo in some of cars include hazardous materials. Deputies say the initial assessment found no hazardous materials leaked and no injuries were reported. Crews from the railway and E-M-S personnel are still at the site cleaning up. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
>>Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Highway 61 in Winona County
(Richmond Township, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on Highway 61 in Winona County. The report says a vehicle driven by 72-year-old Lois Davis of Winona crashed into the ditch early Thursday morning. Troopers say Davis exited her car and was walking across the roadway when she was struck by a pickup. The truck stopped and Davis was hit by another vehicle. She died at the scene. The roadway was wet at the time.
>>DNR Loosening Walleye Limit on Lake Mille Lacs
(Onamia, MN) — Anglers on Lake Mille Lacs will soon be allowed to keep an additional walleye. Due to a slower-than-usual fishing season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to raise the daily walleye limit from two to three. The change comes after a lower harvest rate this summer, with only 22% of the state’s annual walleye quota from Mille Lacs reached by mid-July. The new limit is expected to be implemented by September 1st.
>>Veterans Invited to Fish Lake Superior
(Superior, WI) — Around 120 veterans will hit Lake Superior tomorrow(Sat) for the annual Vets On The Lake event. It is hosted by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V), Douglas County Veterans Service Office and the Western Lake Superior Trolling Association. The day begins at 6 am with boats launching from Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisconsin followed by a fish fry for participants. The event offers veterans a chance to relax, connect, and enjoy a day on Lake Superior. Organizers say a few spots remain open.
>>Weekend Highway Closures to Impact Twin Cities Drivers
(Minneapolis, MN) — If you’re headed into the Twin Cities this weekend, drivers should prepare for delays as several major road closures and lane reductions are scheduled. Interstate 494 will be closed in both directions through parts of Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. In addition, Highway 55 will be shut down in both directions through Golden Valley and Minneapolis for construction. MnDOT officials warn that delays could be significant and are urging drivers to plan and consider alternate routes.
>>Svensson Shoots First Round 60 to Lead 3M Open in Blaine
(Blaine, MN) — Adam Svensson is the leader at the 3-M Open in Blaine after shooting an 11-under-par 60 in the first round Thursday. Svensson had nine birdies and added an eagle on the 18th hole. Sam Stevens and Thorbjorn Olesen are tied for second place at nine under par. Three players are tied at eight under and P-G-A Tour veteran Ricky Fowler shot a six-under par 65. Defending 3-M Open champion Jhonattan (jonathan) Vegas shot a 68. The second round tees off this morning (Fri) at the T-P-C Twin Cities.
>>Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces Meet at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Lynx shoot for their fourth straight victory when they play the Las Vegas Aces tonight (Fri 6:30 pm) at Target Center. The 21-and-4 Lynx topped the Chicago Sky 91-68 at home on Tuesday. Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride both had 19 points and all of Minnesota’s starters scored in double figures. The Aces fell to 12-and-12 with an 80-70 loss Thursday at the Indiana Fever.
