>>Celebration of Life for Annunciation Shooting Victim Harper Moyski
(Minneapolis, MN) — A large turnout Sunday at Lake Harriet in Minneapolis to celebrate the life of Annunciation School shooting victim Harper Moyski. Harper’s mother, Jackie Flavin, says there has been so much love and support lighting their path that they haven’t felt lost in the last two-and-a-half weeks. She said, “How to be a light. That’s what Harper taught us. Every single day of her ten brilliant years Harper was filled with the brightest light. She was only ten and yet she taught us more than most people ever could. ” Jackie said Harper taught them three ways to be a light in the dark: be your own kind of light, let your light be big, and that light grows when we share it. Harper and eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel died, and 21 others were injured in the mass shooting.
>>Minnesota Senate Working Group Begins Hearings on Gun and School Safety
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota Senate working group begins hearings today (Mon) on gun violence and school safety. Governor Walz and Democrats are proposing a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines while Republicans are calling for more school safety and mental health funding. Maggiy Emery of Protect Minnesota says, “the time is appropriate to address school safety and mental health, but it is also more than appropriate to bring guns into conversation. Guns are what’s at the root of this issue.” There will be another hearing Wednesday morning. Lawmakers hope to come up with an agenda for the proposed special session.
>>Farm Aid 40 Moving Forward Following Teamsters Agreement with U of M
(Minneapolis, MN) — A tentative agreement between Teamsters Local 320 and the University of Minnesota means the Farm Aid 40 concert will go on this Saturday as scheduled. The strike and picketing have officially ended on all U of M campuses. The three-year agreement is being sent to Teamsters members for a final vote and ratification. Local 320 president Erik Skoog said, “we also must recognize the solidarity from the Farm Aid performers and event coordinators who refused to cross a Teamster picket line.” Crews were working on the Farm Aid stage at Huntington Bank Stadium this weekend.
>>Motorcyclists Killed in Crashes in McCleod and Wabasha Counties
(Hutchinson, MN) — At least two people are dead after weekend motorcycle crashes in Minnesota. The State Patrol says a cycle driven by 80-year-old William Christensen of Hutchinson collided with a pickup Saturday evening on Highway 7 in McCleod County. Christensen died at the scene. State troopers say a motorcyclist from Wisconsin is the victim of a deadly crash in Wabasha County. The report says 43-year-old Michael Kotlarz from Arcadia lost control of his motorcycle on Highway 60 and collided with a pickup truck. Kotlarz was not wearing a helmet.
>>Motorcyclist Injured Hitting Deer near Alexandria
(Alexandria, MN) — A deer is blamed for causing a motorcycle crash near Alexandria in west central Minnesota. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says a motorcyclist was found lying the middle of the road Saturday night with significant injuries. The man was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital. Deputies say he was traveling on a county road when he struck a deer. No word on his current medical condition.
>>Minneapolis Hosts Biochar Conference, Highlights Climate Innovation
(Minneapolis, MN) — The North American Biochar Conference kicks off today (Mon) at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The city is spotlighting its new biochar facility—the first municipally-owned and operated site in North America. There was a groundbreaking on April 30th, and biochar production is scheduled to begin this winter. Officials say the plant will turn wood waste into biochar, helping reduce carbon emissions and improve soil health. The event runs through September 18th, bringing together climate experts from across the country.
>>Archery Hunters Should Get Deer Tested for CWD
(Undated) — The Minnesota D-N-R is reminding hunters to get any deer harvested this archery season tested for chronic wasting disease. Big Game Coordinator Paul Burr says you can get your deer tested at a taxidermist or ask for a self-testing kit and the D-N-R will send you one. Burr says you should also keep in mind where you’re hunting because some regions have required C-W-D testing and other regulations. The archery season opened on Saturday.
>>Atlanta Falcons Run Over Minnesota Vikings in Home Opener
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Vikings failed to find the endzone in a 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the home opener Sunday night. Quarterback J-J McCarthy had a rough first start at U-S Bank Stadium, completing 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards, two interceptions, and a fumble. He was also sacked six times. Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson ran for 143 yards and ex-Vikings kicker Parker Romo hit five field goals. Head coach Kevin O’Connell called it a “very disappointing performance.” The 1-and-1 Vikings host the 2-and-0 Bengals this Sunday.
>>Lynx Cruise Past Valkyries in Game 1 of WNBA Playoffs at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Lynx beat the Golden State Valkyries 101-72 at Target Center to take a 1-0 lead in the first round of the W-B-N-A playoffs. Napheesa Collier had 20 points and six rebounds, Natisha Hiedeman scored 18, and Kayla McBride added 17 Sunday afternoon. Minnesota had a 47-40 halftime lead and outscored Golden State 54-32 in the second half. Game 2 of the best-of-three series is Wednesday night in San Francisco.
