Minnesota Today®

Drought may not impact crop yield as much as expected

The federal government has gutted election security agencies. The federal government used to help states identify and respond to election threats, but not this election cycle. The state says early primary voting is going smoothly and turnout is up.

Drought and dry conditions have covered most of Minnesota. That's been a challenge for many farmers. But recently, key production areas had good rain prompting some to think yields of wheat, corn and soybeans in the state could be just as good or better than last year's records.

Five candidates are on the ballot to lead the Hennepin County attorney’s office after Mary Moriarty declined to run for reelection. State Rep. Cedrick Frazier has the endorsement of the DFL and several progressive elected officials. Assistant Ramsey County attorney Hao Nguyen, former Minnesota U.S. Attorney Anders Folk, former assistant Hennepin county attorney Diane Krenz and corporate attorney Matt Pelikan are also in the race.

Kratom is now banned in North Dakota at least until a special legislative session. The substance is derived from tree leaves and people say it helps them with pain. Kratom is not a federally controlled substance, leaving regulation to the states. Minnesota recently upped the legal age for buying it from 18 to 21.

Republicans running for U.S. Senate are making closing pitches. Former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya says Minnesota needs a change in leadership. One of her opponents, Adam Schwarze, was endorsed by the Republican Party. He says he's the right one to take on a yet-decided DFLer in the fall. Former professional basketball player Royce White and several others are also on the primary ballot.

Strained federal-state relationship on elections raises anxiety as midterms approach

Minnesota’s crop yields could be ‘as good or even better’ than last year’s despite drought

Five candidates seek Hennepin County Attorney seat in primary election

Kratom banned in North Dakota, special session set for September

Who is running for Senate in Minnesota's Republican primary?