>>Minnesota Food Shelves Brace for Federal SNAP Cuts
(Oakdale, MN) — Food shelves in Minnesota are bracing for federal cuts to the SNAP program. Jessica Francis of Open Cupboard in Oakdale says the timing couldn’t be worse, as food shelves are already serving a record number of struggling Minnesotans. She says she’s hearing from colleagues in the Twin Cities and across the state that are all facing rising needs in the community and need support to meet this new challenge. Around 450,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table.
>>Citizens Utility Board Warns Big Beautiful Bill Raises Minnesota Energy Prices
(St. Paul, MN) — Groups that advocate for the state’s electric customers are warning the budget bill signed by the president is going to raise home energy prices. Annie Levenson-Falk with the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota says multiple studies find it will increase electricity costs, including one by Energy Innovation. They’re projecting that by 2035 the bill is going to increase Minnesotans home energy costs by 28 percent and industrial electricity costs by 46 percent. She says cuts and the repeal of tax credits for solar and wind power generation are contributing factors to the expected rise in electric costs. Republican Congressman Brad Finstad says the Trump budget restores America’s energy independence.
>>New Minnesota Law Allows Patients to Refuse Opioids from Healthcare Providers
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill signed into law this legislative session will allow Minnesotans to actively refuse opioids from the healthcare providers. Alicia House of the Steve Rummler HOPE Network says she’s seen plenty of examples in her line of work why something like this was needed. House says anything that can give patients more control over their own healthcare is a good thing. Steve Rummler of Edina died in 2011 due to opioid use disorder. Seventy percent of overdose deaths in Minnesota in 2023 involved at least one opioid.
>>Department of Revenue Looking for Applicants for Tax Program Grants
(St. Paul, MN) — The state Department of Revenue is looking for organizations to apply for grant funding aimed at helping Minnesotans file their taxes. Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart says grants will go towards two key areas, taxpayer assistance services or programs aimed at educating Minnesotans on available tax credits. Organizations have until July 31st to apply for grant funding. More information can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website.
>>13-Year-Old Boy Dies in 4th of July Fireworks Accident in Mahnomen County
(Naytahwaush, MN) — A teen from Naytahwaush in northwest Minnesota is the victim of a deadly Fourth of July fireworks accident. The Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office says 13-year-old Michael Turner was holding a large firework in his hands when it went off, shot through the bottom of a tube, and hit him in the chest. Officers performed C-P-R until paramedics arrived and they continued life-saving measures, but Turner died at the scene. The incident is still under investigation.
>>Remembering Philando Castile in Falcon Heights
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Sunday marked nine years since 32-year-old Philando Castile was shot and killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights. A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night, and the commemoration will continue today with a community barbecue at Falcon Heights City Hall at 5 p.m., part of what the city now recognizes as “Unity Day” in Castile’s memory. Since his death, Castile’s family and community have worked to honor his life in many ways. The Philando Castile Relief Foundation supports families grieving loved ones lost to gun violence.
>>Apple Valley Death Investigation
(Apple Valley, MN) — Police are investigating after a man was found with a chest injury and covered in blood on a sidewalk early Sunday morning in Apple Valley. Officers say he was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. Authorities ask anyone with security footage from 2 to 3 am near the intersection of Pennock Avenue and 138th Street to contact Apple Valley police. The victim’s identity hasn’t officially been released.
>>Suspect Arrested in Deadly Stabbing in South Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — Police are investigating a stabbing in south Minneapolis that left one man dead and another in jail. Officers located a man with life-threatening stab wounds around 5 pm Sunday and he died in the hospital. Investigators say a verbal altercation between two men inside a residence escalated into violence. The suspect fled the scene and was later arrested without incident. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to identify the victim.
>>4th of July Crow River Tube Rescue
(St. Michael, MN) — The Wright County Sheriff’s Office says there are no injuries after eight people flipped their tubes on the Crow River on July 4th near St. Michael. Sheriff’s deputies found a man and boy hanging onto a tree branch unable to swim to shore. Authorities say a total of two adults and six juveniles were either rescued by first responders or made it to shore.
>>Williams Leads Minnesota Lynx to Win Over Chicago Sky at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Lynx improved to 17-and-2 with an 80-75 win over the 5-and-12 Chicago Sky Sunday evening at Target Center. Courtney Williams had 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists and Napheesa Collier scored 21 and grabbed seven boards. Former Lynx and Golden Gopher guard Rachel Banham led Chicago with 20 points and Angel Reese had 16 points and 17 rebounds. Williams was named a W-N-B-A All-Star reserve earlier in the day. She will join All-Star captain Collier and coach Cheryl Reeve July 19th in Indianapolis.
>>Buxton to Represent Minnesota Twins at All-Star Game in Atlanta
(Minneapolis, MN) — Center fielder Byron Buxton will represent the Minnesota Twins at the 2025 All-Star Game next week in suburban Atlanta. The Georgia native will be playing in his second Midsummer Classic on July 15th in the Braves ballpark. Buxton says his All-Star selection means a lot and to do it back home with a Twins uniform on is a blessing. Minnesota dropped the series finale to the Tampa Bay Rays 7-5 in ten innings Sunday at Target Field. Buxton homered to lead off the game.
