>>Flooding Causes Rescues, Road Closures in Southeastern Minnesota
(Undated) — Heavy rain is causing major flooding across southeastern Minnesota, with stranded motorists rescued from floodwater and emergency crews responding to swift-water incidents Thursday. The hardest-hit areas include Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Winona, Olmsted, Dodge, Wabasha and Freeborn counties. Flood warnings remain in effect through at least Saturday as rivers continue to rise. Officials are urging drivers to avoid flooded roads and remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
>>Inspector General Author Says New Office May Need Adjustments
(Undated) – As Minnesota prepares to launch its new Office of Inspector General next year, one of the bill’s authors says lawmakers should be prepared to make changes if needed. D-F-L Senator Heather Gustafson of Vadnais Heights has been appointed to the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission, which will help identify candidates for the watchdog position. Gustafson says government policies should remain flexible and adapt to the state’s needs. The commission is expected to submit its recommendation to Minnesota’s next governor by the end of this year.
>>Boelter Due Back in Minnesota Court Next Month
(Minneapolis, MN) — Vance Boelter is scheduled to return to Hennepin County District Court in August for an omnibus hearing in his state criminal case. The hearing comes after Boelter pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from the June 2025 shootings that killed former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Boelter is set to be sentenced in federal court on July 23rd, where prosecutors are seeking two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years.
>>Mental Competency Exam Ordered for Cold Spring Murder Suspect
(Cold Spring, MN) — A Stearns County judge has ordered a mental competency evaluation for 33-year-old Luke McLane, who is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a Catholic Charities group home employee in Cold Spring last Saturday. The court found there is reason to question McLane’s competency to stand trial. The case is on hold pending the evaluation, with a review hearing set for August 3rd. Prosecutors allege McLane fatally stabbed the employee at the group home last Saturday.
>>MnDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Alert in Work Zones During Fourth of July Travel
(St. Paul, MN) — As thousands of Minnesotans hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to stay alert in construction zones. Even if workers aren’t visible, many work zones remain active with narrowed lanes, lane shifts and reduced speed limits. MnDOT encourages travelers to plan by checking 511mn.org or calling 511 for the latest information on road construction, crashes and traffic delays before leaving home.
>>Bemidji Angler Seriously Hurt in Boat Crash
(Bemidji, MN) — A Bemidji-area man remains hospitalized after a serious boating crash on a northern Minnesota lake. Family members say Rick Karns was fishing Tuesday night when another boat crashed into his, trapping him beneath the wreckage for about 30 minutes before rescuers could free him. Karns suffered multiple broken bones, including fractures to his neck and back, and remains in intensive care at a Fargo hospital. His family has started an online GoFundMe fundraiser to help with medical bills and his recovery.
>>Minnesota-Ordained Priest Excommunicated by Pope Leo
(Winona, MN) — Pope Leo the Fourteenth has excommunicated a Minnesota-ordained priest following an unauthorized bishop ordination. Reverend Michael Goldade (GOHL-duh-day) was one of four priests consecrated as bishops by the Society of Saint Pius the Tenth (PIE-us the Tenth) without Vatican approval. Goldade, who was born in North Dakota, was ordained to the priesthood in Winona in 2004. The Vatican says only the pope has the authority to appoint bishops, calling the ceremony a schismatic (SKIZ-mat-ick) act. Excommunication is the Catholic Church’s most severe penalty, barring someone from receiving the sacraments and exercising ministry within the Church. Church officials are also urging Catholics not to participate in activities organized by the group.
>>Prices for 4th of July Cookout Staples Increasing
(Undated) – Minnesotans planning a Fourth of July cookout may notice higher prices on some barbecue staples. The Minnesota Farm Bureau says ground beef, pork chops, and chicken breasts are costing more, largely because drought conditions have limited livestock supplies as ranchers rebuild herds. Strawberries are also slightly more expensive due to frost damage in Florida and higher labor costs. The good news: potato salad and potato chips are cheaper thanks to lower egg prices and a strong potato harvest. Farm Bureau officials recommend shopping around to find the best deals.
>> Heavy Rains Force Closures at Southeast Minnesota Parks and Trails
(Undated) – Several state parks and trails in southeast Minnesota are closed or impacted by flooding after days of heavy rainfall. The D-N-R has shut down Beaver Creek Valley State Park because floodwaters have damaged roads and a bridge. Mystery Cave tours at Forestville-Mystery Cave State Park are canceled, while flooding, washouts, and mudslides are affecting the Root River State Trail. Officials are urging visitors to check conditions before traveling and avoid flooded or damaged areas. Additional closures are possible as crews continue assessing the damage.
>>Minnesota Attorney General Ellison Opposes Postal Service Voting Proposal
(Undated) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is joining attorneys general from 24 states in opposing a proposed U.S. Postal Service rule they say could restrict mail-in voting. The coalition argues the proposal would create a federal voter list and block delivery of ballots to voters not included on that list. Ellison says the measure threatens state control of elections and could disenfranchise eligible voters. The attorneys general are calling on the Postal Service to withdraw the proposal ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
>>Minnesota Heat, Rain Giving Corn and Soybeans a Mid-Summer Boost
(Mankato, MN) — This week’s hot, humid weather is helping Minnesota crops thrive as the growing season moves into July. Lyon County organic farmer Carolyn Olson says the recent heat and rainfall are just what corn needs and are also helping crops recover from earlier hail damage and a dry start to the season. The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture crop report shows 80 percent of Minnesota’s corn and 78 percent of soybeans are rated in good to excellent condition. Corn development is running slightly ahead of the five-year average, while soybean blooming is also ahead of normal.
>>MDA to Host Free Waste Pesticide Collection Event
(Clay County, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering a free opportunity for farmers, residents, and businesses to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides. A waste pesticide collection event will be held July 16th from 9 to 11 a.m. at CHS Ag Service in Ulen. The program accepts agricultural and household pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. No pre-registration is required, and up to 300 pounds of eligible materials can be dropped off at no charge. The M-D-A says the program has collected more than 10 million pounds of waste pesticides since 1990.
>>Minnesotans Encouraged to Fish Close to Home This Holiday Weekend
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans don’t have to travel far to enjoy fishing this Fourth of July weekend. The Department of Natural Resources says there are fishing opportunities on lakes, rivers, streams, and neighborhood ponds across the state. DNR Fisheries Section Manager Brad Parsons says anglers don’t need a boat, either. He says shore fishing offers plenty of opportunities to catch fish close to home while enjoying the outdoors and the benefits that come with spending time in nature.
>>Keep Pets Safe and Calm During Fourth of July Fireworks
(Undated) — While fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition for many Minnesotans, they can be a frightening experience for pets. Michelle Casey with Animal Humane Society says loud booms can trigger anxiety and unpredictable behavior in dogs, so owners should keep pets indoors in a secure, quiet area during fireworks displays. Turning on a television or music can help mask the noise, and pet owners should talk with their veterinarian if medication may be needed. Casey also recommends gradually exposing dogs to recorded fireworks sounds before the holiday while rewarding calm behavior and creating a safe indoor retreat with bedding, toys, and treats.
>>State Patrol Issues Safety Reminder Ahead of Fourth of July Celebrations
(Undated) – The Minnesota State Patrol is reminding people planning to watch Fourth of July fireworks near the State Capitol to follow safety rules on Capitol grounds. Officials expect large crowds during the Red, White and BOOM celebration and will have additional troopers and Capitol Security officers on hand. Drones, fireworks, alcohol, and open flames are prohibited, and visitors are asked not to climb monuments or buildings. Drivers should also plan for road closures beginning at 3 p-m and be prepared for heavier traffic in the area throughout the holiday festivities.
