>>Community Update and Healing Event at Champlin Park High School
(Champlin, MN) — There’s a gathering at Champlin Park High School tonight at 5:30 p.m. for the local communities impacted by the violent attacks on two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot in Champlin last Saturday, and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed by the gunman in Brooklyn Park. As of Thursday afternoon, Yvette Hoffman has been released from the hospital. The public is invited to the community update and healing event. The mayors of Champlin and Brooklyn Park are leading the conversation.
>>State Representative Nash of Waconia Receives Message Threatening Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Officials in the Minnesota House say a threatening message was sent to a state lawmaker. Republican Representative Jim Nash of Waconia received a personal text message from a constituent that was threatening violence at the State Capitol. The House statement says the threat was not aimed at a particular lawmaker. Nash reported the threat to the House Sergeant of Arms, State Patrol and Carver County Sheriff’s Office. The spokesperson says the individual was arrested and is being held for an appearance in court. The Sergeant’s Office is not aware of any further threats to staff or members of the legislature.
>>Shooting That Left 2 Dead, 1 Injured Under Investigation in Chisholm
(Chisholm, MN) — Authorities on the Iron Range continue to investigate a shooting in Chisholm that left two people dead and a third person wounded. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office found a man and woman dead in a home early Wednesday and another man was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The shooting prompted a shelter-in-place order, but investigators didn’t release any specific details. No arrests have been made. The Minnesota B-C-A is assisting with the investigation.
>>Police Investigating Body Found in Rochester Park
(Rochester, MN) — Police in Rochester are investigating the discovery of a body on Thursday morning. Officers say a person was found dead in North Park. The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the person and determine their cause of death. Investigators say there is no known danger to the community.
>>Hormel Suing Johnsonville Over Alleged Stolen Sausage Secrets
(Austin, MN) — Austin-based Hormel is suing Johnsonville of Wisconsin alleging stolen secrets. A new federal lawsuit alleges a former Hormel employee made off with top-secret sausage recipes and intel on the market before joining Johnsonville this spring. According to the suit, Hormel has accused Johnsonville and two former Hormel employees of conspiring to unlawfully obtain Hormel’s trade secrets. Hormel is asking for the return and deletion of confidential data as well as unspecified monetary damages.
>>Extreme Heat Warning Issued for Minnesota This Weekend
(Chanhassen, MN) — Much of Minnesota will be under an extreme heat warning this weekend, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and dangerous humidity pushing heat index values as high as 110 degrees. The National Weather Service says the warning is in effect from noon Saturday through 9 p.m. Sunday. Overnight lows won’t offer much relief either — only dipping into the mid-70s to low 80s. Forecasters urge people to take precautions: stay hydrated, avoid direct sun, wear light, loose-fitting clothing, and limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours. Staying in air-conditioned spaces is strongly recommended.
>>Summer Officially Begins with Today’s Solstice
(Washington, DC) — Summer is officially here. The summer solstice hits today (Fri) in the U-S, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the Earth tilts at its max toward the sun. The farther north you go, the longer the daylight — places like Fairbanks, Alaska will see nearly 22 hours of sun. While we welcome summer, the Southern Hemisphere is marking the winter solstice and its shortest day of the year.
>>Spongy Moth Spraying Set for Southeastern Minnesota
(Rochester, MN) — The fight against the invasive spongy moth continues next month in southeast Minnesota. The Department of Agriculture says low-flying planes will spray seven sites in Fillmore, Winona, and Houston counties between July 1st and 3rd. Crews will use a non-toxic, waxy substance with pheromones designed to confuse male moths and disrupt mating. The spongy moth is an invasive forest pest that feeds on more than 300 species of deciduous trees and shrubs, including aspen, oak, and birch.
>>Back to the 50s Weekend Opens Friday on State Fairgrounds
(Falcon Heights, MN) — The Minnesota State Fairgrounds open today (Fri) for the 51st annual “Back to the 50s Weekend.” Wally Burchill of the Minnesota Street Rod Association says this is a three-day party for classic car lovers. He says it’s kind of like the State Fair without the cows and rides. Around 10 thousand cars will be on display and cruising around, there are State Fair food vendors, live entertainment, a kids world, and many other activities. Tickets are 15 dollars for adults and kids under age 15 are free.
>>Twins and Brewers Open Weekend Series at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers open a three-game interleague series tonight (Fri 7:10pm) at Target Field. The Twins crushed the Reds 12-5 in Cincinnati Thursday afternoon to snap a six-game losing streak. Byron Buxton hit two home runs and Kody Clemens and Ryan Jeffers also homered for Minnesota. Seven-game winner Joe Ryan is starting pitcher in the series opener. He’ll face Milwaukee rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. There should be a lot of Brewers fans in the ballpark for the border rivalry series this weekend.
