>>State Capitol Security Meeting Tuesday in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — Security at the Minnesota State Capitol is the focus of a meeting today (Tues 2pm) in St. Paul. The discussion will include the State Patrol, Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement, and mental health advocates. The meeting comes after a man was removed from the Capitol complex three times. The Minnesota State Patrol says it is hiring a third party expert to conduct a full security assessment. Plans for an independent security review started following the murders of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
>>Senator Gustafson Calls for Independent Investigation of Capitol Intruder
(St. Paul, MN) — Following the weekend intruder scare at the State Capitol, Senator Heather Gustafson of Vadnais Heights is formally requesting an independent investigation by the Office of Legislative Auditor to review security. Gustafson wants to know how the man was able to get into the Senate chamber after hours. She says, “As a senator, I can tell you those doors are locked and I assume pretty secure so I’m just really curious as how he was able to gain access and hopefully those answers will come out soon.” Gustafson’s request calls for a full report to include how emergency information was shared, what security measures were in place and what improvements are needed.
>>Finstad Introduces Bill to Combat Unauthorized Drone Activity
(Washington, DC) — Republican Congressman Brad Finstad, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act. The legislation targets growing threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used by criminals, terrorists, and foreign adversaries to disrupt operations or endanger critical infrastructure. “A secure airspace is vital to national security,” said Finstad. “This bill protects against unlawful drone activity over military bases, power facilities, and other sensitive sites.”
>>Planned Parenthood Cheers Temporary Injunction on Medicaid Funds
(St. Paul, MN) — Planned Parenthood officials in Minnesota are cheering a federal judge for blocking a new law that defunds its health centers. The preliminary injunction means that patients can again use Medicaid at Planned Parenthood for services, and the health centers will receive federal reimbursement. More than 30 percent of patients at North Central States’ locations rely on Medicaid to access care. C-E-O Ruth Richardson in statement said, “this win is temporary – but every single patient who is able to access the health care they need without worries about how they will pay for their care is worth celebrating.”
>>Severe Thunderstorms Packing Strong Winds Move Across Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) — Another evening of severe weather Monday across parts of Minnesota. The National Weather Service says a line of thunderstorms developed in western Minnesota and produced damaging wind gusts 58 to 70 miles per hour as they moved east. A 70-mile-per wind gust was reported at the Owatonna Airport. The strong winds snapped large trees and downed power lines in several areas. Xcel Energy said more than 110 thousand customers in Minnesota lost power Monday night.
>>Methodist Hospital Briefly Stops Admissions Due to Cooling Issue
(St. Louis Park, MN) — Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park is back up and running after it temporarily stopped patient admissions and ambulance transfers due to a cooling system unexpectedly shutting down. Park Nicollet says Methodist Hospital experienced issues early Monday, with staff saying things were quickly identified and repaired. The hospital had to reschedule some appointments due to the heat and cooling problems.
>>Final Month of 100 Deadliest Days of Summer in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is entering its final month of the 100 deadliest days of summer. State Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson says the numbers are heading in the wrong direction with 195 fatal crashes as of July 25th. The state will likely exceed its goal of limiting traffic fatalities to 225 this year. Hanson says unbelted drivers and occupants represent one third of our fatal crashes. He says 94.7 percent of Minnesotans take two seconds and put their seatbelts on – but 5.3 percent do not buckle up. Speed, impairment, and distracted driving are other contributing factors to fatalities.
>>Crash Involving Minnesota State Patrol Vehicle in St. Louis County
(Duluth, MN) — A State Patrol vehicle was hit in a crash that injured two drivers in northeastern Minnesota. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says a state trooper’s vehicle was struck by another motorist in the area of Highway 53 and Swan Lake Road. The trooper was stopping traffic with his marked patrol vehicle and emergency lights flashing when another driver crashed into the squad e and another motorist. Both drivers suffered minor injuries. The driver that struck the trooper’s vehicle was cited for failure to obey an emergency vehicle.
>>16-Year-Old from Marshall Killed in Motorcycle Crash
(Marshall, MN) — A 16-year-old boy is the victim in a deadly motorcycle crash near Marshall in southwest Minnesota. The State Patrol says an S-U-V and a motorcycle collided Monday afternoon on Highway 23. The teen from Marshall died at the scene. The victim hasn’t been identified. The Lake Wilson woman driving the vehicle wasn’t hurt.
>>10-Year-Old Bicyclist Struck and Killed in Becker
(Becker, MN) — Authorities in Sherburne County are investigating a deadly bicycle crash. The Becker Police Department says a ten-year-old boy was riding Monday morning when he was hit by a vehicle and died of his injuries at the scene. The driver stopped and is cooperating with investigators. No other information is being released.
>>Man Found Dead Inside Vehicle at Rochester Walmart
(Rochester, MN) — Police in Rochester are investigating the death of a man in a Walmart parking lot. Officers were called to Walmart North Monday afternoon and found a man dead inside a vehicle. The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine a cause of death. The man’s name hasn’t been released.
>>New TSA Checkpoint Opens Inside InterContinental MSP Airport Hotel
(Bloomington, MN) — Travelers can now enjoy added convenience with the opening of a dedicated T-S-A security checkpoint inside the InterContinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport Hotel. Located adjacent to M-S-P Airport, the InterContinental is the only hotel in the Twin Cities directly connected to the terminal. The new checkpoint provides expedited access for hotel guests and local travelers with carry-on baggage only, offering a faster alternative to the main airport security lines.
>>Lee, Twins Walk Off Red Sox after 90-Minute Rain Delay
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins walked off the Boston Red Sox 5-4 late Monday night following a 90-minute rain delay at Target Field. Brooks Lee hit the game-winning, two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning. Twins closer Jhoan Duran gave up the go-ahead R-B-I single to Boston’s Roman Anthony in the top of the ninth before crews put the tarp over the field. DaShawn Keirsey Junior hit his second home run of the season for Minnesota. No rain is in the forecast for game two of the series tonight (Tues 6:40pm) in Minneapolis.
