‘Unhealthy’ air quality expected in eastern Minnesota through Monday afternoon due to wildfire smoke

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The man serving life in federal prison for killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is due in Hennepin County court Monday afternoon to make his first appearance on state charges. Last month a judge handed Vance Boelter two consecutive life terms plus 40 years under the terms of a plea deal that spared the 59-year-old a possible federal death sentence.

About 50 people protested on Summit Avenue in St. Paul Sunday ahead of Mayor Kaohly Her's planned homeless encampment closures. The first one is scheduled Wednesday at Pig’s Eye Park. City officials say St. Paul is investing $1 million into additional housing, but there isn‘t enough housing to immediately shelter those who will be displaced this week.

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 now, are 

having a “disastrous” impact on their bottom lines

One canoe outfitter says he lost 98 percent of his revenue in July due to cancellations. Other business owners said they've suffered losses of at least 40 percent, and for some it's much more as the wildfires shut almost everything down during the peak of a relatively short tourism season.

80 workers are to be laid off as Pearson's Candy Company closes its St. Paul facility

 in September. The company is famous for its Salted Nut Rolls and Nut Goodies. The company is over 100 years old. It started as a family business, but has changed owners three times in the past 15 years.

A new law took effect Saturday aimed at decreasing food waste and boosting food shelf inventory. Minnesota law says stores can't sell eggs past their quality assurance date, which is four to six weeks after the egg was packed. But those eggs can still be safe to eat. Republican Rep. Andrew Myers sponsored a bill this year to let stores donate unsold eggs.

Northeast Minnesota wildfires causing disastrous economic impacts to tourism industry

Pearson’s Candy Company to shut down St. Paul plant

MPR News Programs and Podcasts

Minnesota Today®

Host

The man serving life in federal prison for killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is due in Hennepin County court Monday afternoon to make his first appearance on state charges. Meanwhile, small business owners in northeastern Minnesota told their state legislators that the wildfires are having a “disastrous” impact on their bottom lines. 

Vance Boelter due in court Monday for first appearance on state charges

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox