How wildfire smoke impacts Minnesota lakes – MinnPost

Canadian wildfire smoke has kept many away from usual warm weather activities this summer, and the smoke may also be impacting the quality of Minnesota’s lakes. A research team led by the University of Minnesota found that “smoke and ash can add extra nutrients, even mercury, that can build up in fish and create potential health risks,” KAALTV reports. “By comparing intense burns, the group can figure out which lakes need the most help as well as how wildfires could reshape northern Minnesota’s waterways for years to come.”

Mayor Jacob Frey unveiled the proposed $2 billion dollar budget for Minneapolis Thursday, “emphasizing limiting new spending next year amid a shifting tax base and uncertainty with the changing federal landscape,” MPR News reports. Frey said cuts were made to avoid a 13% property tax levy increase, but some council members are taking issue with where those cuts were made, saying critical services have been jeopardized.

Vance Boelter is now facing a banquet of state charges brought by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty yesterday, including two counts of first degree murder, four counts of attempted first degree murder, felony cruelty to an animal and impersonating an officer. This is the first time Boelter has faced charges related to an alleged stop he made between the Hoffman and Hortman households. “Investigators said Boelter visited [Sen. Kristin] Bahner’s Maple Grove home and knocked on her door, but she was away with her family on vacation at the time,” reports CBS News. Boelter pleaded not guilty to federal charges earlier this month. He will likely not appear in state court until he is convicted of those federal charges, for which he may face the death penalty. 

For the crowd-averse among us, The Minnesota Star Tribune analyzed State Fair attendance records from the last 12 years and identified which days are the least congested. According to their analysis, the least busy days are (hold on to your hats) weekdays.

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