Stories from August 1, 2026

Enjoy the weekend before stray severe chances
What’s not to love? We just had solid rains, the skeeter count is low, air quality remains excellent, and the breeze is flowing in some lower humidity.
FBI investigates as Michigan joins Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on its water systems
Michigan has joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on water systems but an official said all were operating “safely.” Earlier this week, authorities said cyberattacks targeted over 30 water systems in Minnesota.
Northeast Minnesota wildfires causing disastrous economic impacts to tourism industry
Small business owners in northeastern Minnesota told their state legislators Friday that the wildfires that have been burning in and around the Boundary Waters for almost a month have had a “disastrous” impact on their bottom lines. One canoe outfitter says he lost 98 percent of his revenue to cancellations in July.
Healthcare costs have more than doubled for many farmers this year, on top of soaring expenses
When Congress allowed Affordable Care Act tax credits to lapse, healthcare premiums spiked for millions of Americans — especially self-employed farmers and ranchers. That added cost is multiplying the stress on their already stretched balance sheets.
Beautiful, sun-filled weekend and comfortable overnights
: Sunshine returns this weekend with comfortable temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s after much-needed rain, and no 90-degree heat is expected into next week.