>>Demuth Staying in the Race for Minnesota Governor
(St. Paul, MN) – Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth announced she is staying in the race for Minnesota Governor. Demuth lost the endorsement battle with fellow Republican Kendall Qualls on the 10th ballot at the weekend GOP Convention in Duluth. But Monday, Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash announced no candidate would be bound by their agreement to honor the endorsement following technical glitches during the voting process. Plechash says the party will stand by its endorsement of Qualls, but this opened the door for Demuth to continue her campaign. Demuth says her experience of leadership at the state level will be the difference at the August 11th primary. Demuth made the announcement on the steps of the State Capitol with her running mate Ryan Wilson and dozens of supporters.
>>Minneapolis Names Interim Police Chief
(Minneapolis) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (Fry) has announced his new interim police chief following the resignation of Chief Brian O’Hara. Frey has appointed 30-year veteran Bill Peterson as the new interim chief. Since 2019, Peterson has led the First Precinct overseeing public safety operations in several neighborhoods including the North Loop, Cedar Riverside and Downtown Minneapolis. Mayor Frey said, “Bill Peterson is the right leader for this moment. He’s earned the respect of officers across the department.” Peterson will serve as interim chief as the city conducts a national search for a permanent Chief of Police.
>>Charges Filed in Deadly Shooting of North Mankato Teen
(North Mankato, MN) – Two suspects are being charged in the May 23rd shooting death of North Mankato High School student Tyson Goodsell. The 17-year-old boy died of a gunshot wound following a car crash in North Mankato. Prosecutors say 23-year-old Ahmed Fuad Mohamud of Shakopee and 18-year-old Ryan Wolner of Mankato were arrested. Mahamud faces two felony robbery counts. Wolner’s charges include felony obstruction of investigation of second-degree murder, and aiding an offender. Investigators say they have identified other people of interest in the case.
>>AAA launches campaign highlighting risks of riding e-bikes and scooters
(Undated) – AAA Minnesota is launching a new campaign to help parents better understand the risks of e-bikes and e-scooters, as injuries continue to rise. Trauma Surgeon Dr. Julie Valenzuela says helmets are essential and should match the speed and type of device. She warns hospitals are seeing more serious crashes, often involving multiple traumatic injuries requiring emergency surgery. State law requires riders under 18 to wear helmets, and riders must be at least 15 to operate high-speed Class 3 e-bikes. AAA says many of these injuries are preventable and is urging families to know their device’s capabilities, follow safety laws, and always wear protective gear.
>>Weekly Crop Report
(Undated) — Cool weather in May delayed alfalfa growth across parts of Minnesota, but the first cutting is now underway. Nathan Collins, a farmer and custom forage harvester from Murdock, says alfalfa development lagged behind normal this spring, with many fields only recently reaching harvest stage. He says the crop stands 18 to 22 inches tall and is beginning to bloom, pushing some harvest into silage production. Collins hopes conditions will allow producers to get back on schedule later this summer. Meanwhile, USDA reports Minnesota’s hay and pasture conditions remain mostly fair to good, while corn and soybean crops are largely rated good to excellent.
>>Finstad Pushes to Re-Name Austin Post Office After John Madden
(Austin, MN) — A Minnesota congressman wants to honor one of football’s most recognizable names in his hometown. Republican Representative Brad Finstad has introduced legislation to rename the Austin Post Office as the John Madden Memorial Post Office. Madden, the Hall of Fame coach, broadcaster, and video game icon, was born in Austin in 1936. His family is supporting the proposal, saying it would be a fitting tribute to his legacy and connection to southern Minnesota.
