>>Suspected Tornado Injures Two, Damages Homes Near Detroit Lakes
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — Two people were injured, and several homes were damaged after a suspected tornado touched down near Floyd Lake, just north of Detroit Lakes, Monday evening. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office says both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. Emergency crews are continuing to assess the damage, which includes homes and other properties, as well as numerous downed trees and power lines throughout the area. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the Floyd Lake area while first responders and utility crews conduct damage assessments, clear debris, and restore power. An emergency shelter has been opened at M State College on Highway 34 for residents displaced by the storm or anyone needing assistance.
>>Former Iron Range Educator Accused of Sexually Assaulting Student
(Virginia, MN) — A former Iron Range school administrator is now facing felony sex-crime charges in St. Louis County. Christopher Chad, a former dean of students at Rock Ridge High School, is accused of sending sexually explicit messages and having sexual contact with a former student when the student was between 14 and 16 years old. Chad was arrested in March 2025 on a Georgia warrant tied to alleged online child solicitation. He is now charged in Minnesota with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. A warrant has been issued to bring him back to Minnesota to face the charges.
>> Six Escape Injury After Plane Crash-Landing at Pine River Airport
(Cass County, MN) – Six people, including three children, escaped injury after a small plane made an emergency landing at Pine River Regional Airport Sunday afternoon. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says a landing gear malfunction forced the 1984 Beechcraft Bonanza to skid along the runway before coming to a stop. The airport was temporarily closed while crews removed the aircraft and cleared debris. The 71-year-old pilot from Pella, Iowa, and five passengers were not hurt. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the landing gear failure.
>> State Senator Says New Mine Could Spark Iron Range Comeback
(Hermantown, MN) – There’s renewed optimism on Minnesota’s Iron Range. After years of mine closures and layoffs, Mesabi Metallics is preparing to open a new iron ore mine and taconite pellet plant. DFL Senator Grant Hauschild says the project has cleared major hurdles, earned strong local support, and secured the permits needed to move forward. Hauschild says it would be the first new mine to open on the Iron Range in roughly 50 years and could create hundreds of jobs. He hopes mining begins before the end of the year. More than 600 Iron Range miners have been laid off over the past two years.
>> Morrison Introduces Bill to Expand OB-GYN Training
(Undated) – Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison is introducing legislation aimed at expanding reproductive health training for OB-GYN residents. Morrison says the SAFE Training for OB-GYNs Act would help cover travel and training costs for residents whose home states restrict abortion care. Supporters say the measure would ensure physicians receive comprehensive training in miscarriage care, ectopic pregnancies, and abortion procedures. Morrison, an OB-GYN herself, plans to unveil the bill Thursday alongside fellow physicians at a Minnesota clinic that serves many out-of-state patients.
>> Applications Open for Minnesota Youth Deer Hunts
(Undated) – Young hunters have until August 14th to apply for Minnesota’s special youth deer hunts. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the hunts, held in select state parks and scientific and natural areas, are open to hunters ages 12 to 15 accompanied by an adult. This year, all participants must use lead-free ammunition. Officials say the hunts help manage deer populations while giving young hunters a unique outdoor experience ahead of the statewide youth season in October.
>> Minnesota Grown Encourages Shoppers to Visit Local Farm Stands
(Undated) – Buying fresh produce directly from local farmers can also help support their bottom line. Minnesota Grown says research from the University of Minnesota shows farmers who sell at roadside stands keep about 80 percent of their profits, compared with just over 30 percent at many farmers’ markets. Minnesota Grown’s online directory features more than 100 farm stands statewide, offering everything from fresh produce to honey, eggs, and other locally made products.
>> DNR: Most Minnesota Lakes Continue to Support Healthy Fish Populations
(Undated) – A new report from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources finds most of Minnesota’s lakes continue to support healthy fish populations. Biologists surveyed more than 900 lakes over nearly 20 years and found 77 percent met the state’s standards for fish biodiversity. The report says lakes with cleaner water, healthier shorelines, and less watershed disturbance consistently supported the strongest fish communities. More than 3.7 million fish representing 89 species were sampled during the study, which was funded by the Clean Water Fund.
