>>Severe Thunderstorm Risk This Afternoon and Evening in Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) — Parts of western and southern Minnesota could see severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with conditions expected to change quickly. National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Dunleavy says the primary threat is damaging winds, with the possibility of hail in stronger storms. “We are monitoring the potential for mainly a wind threat — maybe some hail in some of the more organized storms,” Dunleavy said. “But with the environment being the way that it is, it looks like our severe chances should mainly stay more so in southern Minnesota,” Dunleavy says. The highest risk for severe weather stretches from the Mankato area eastward into western Wisconsin. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to stay weather‑aware and monitor forecasts as storms develop.
>>Xcel Energy Prepares for Severe Weather in Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — Xcel Energy is preparing for strong winds, and severe thunderstorms expected this afternoon and evening across central and southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities. About 150 crews are ready to respond and restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Forecasts call for damaging winds, with the potential for large hail and tornadoes. Xcel Energy is monitoring conditions and will stage additional crews if needed. Restoration efforts prioritize the largest outages to return power to the most customers as quickly as possible.
>>Minnesota DFL Senator Criticized for Betting on His Own Primary Election
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota Democratic and congressional candidate is facing criticism after placing a bet on his own campaign’s primary election. DFL Senator Matt Klein of Mendota Heights confirmed he placed a $50 wager on his race using the prediction market platform Kalshi (KAL-shee). The move has drawn scrutiny because Klein is currently supporting legislation that would ban platforms like Kalshi in Minnesota. Klein addressed the issue publicly on the Senate floor this morning, calling the bet a mistake, and once he was notified of the violation, he moved quickly to correct it. He later offered a formal apology to fellow lawmakers, emphasizing the expectations placed on elected officials.
>>Minnesota Lawmakers Urge Release of Immigrant Needing Emergency Surgery
(St. Paul, MN) — Two Minnesota lawmakers are calling on federal officials to release a 23‑year‑old Minnesota immigrant who they say urgently needs surgery for an ovarian cyst. DFL Senator Alice Mann of Edina, an emergency room physician, says continued detention puts Andrea Pedro‑Francisco’s life at risk. Pedro‑Francisco has been in federal custody since early February. Mann is urging Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to grant humanitarian parole to allow Pedro‑Francisco to receive medical care. In an audio statement, Mann warned against further delays. “Do not let her join the other approximately 50 people who have died under ICE custody in the last 16 months, which is the highest rate of deaths in more than 20 years.” The lawmakers say they have exhausted all available options at the state level and are now appealing directly to federal authorities for action.
>>Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 8.5 Years in Federal Prison for Trying to Help ISIS
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minneapolis man will spend eight-and-a-half years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support and resources to the terrorist organization ISIS. Twenty-three-year-old Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan pleaded guilty in September and was sentenced to 105 months on Wednesday. Prosecutors say Hassan began posting ISIS propaganda on social media in 2024 and having extensive communication with recruiters in Somalia. He tried to leave the country to join ISIS but was apprehended by the F-B-I at an airport in Chicago. Hassan was indicted last April
>>Walz Eyes Teaching Role, Launches New PAC After Second Term
(Undated) — After wrapping up his second term, Governor Tim Walz is already looking ahead to what comes next. During an appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday night, Walz outlined plans to return to teaching and to launch a new political effort aimed at rural America. The newly formed Small Town PAC is focused on recruiting and supporting candidates in rural communities where Democrats have struggled in recent election cycles. Walz said the effort will center on everyday community leaders. In addition to the PAC, Walz is working on a book titled Good Neighbors, which explores the state’s resistance to Operation Metro Surge. The book is scheduled for release next year.
>>Moorhead School Temporarily Put on Lockdown
(Moorhead, MN) — Moorhead Area Public Schools says the Moorhead High School Career Academy was placed in lockdown for about 40 minutes today after a report of a possible weapon. Police responded and determined that there was no weapon on campus and no student safety threat. The district says the report originated from a misunderstanding where a student used a mobile phone in a manner that was mistaken for a gun. Police confirmed that the report was non-viable. Police say after a review of video surveillance, there was no weapon. One juvenile was arrested for criminal misconduct with additional charges pending. The lockdown was in place from 12:10 to about 12:50 p.m.
>>Motorcycle Crash Involving Farm Tractor
(Swan River Township, MN) — A motorcyclist was airlifted to the hospital following a collision with a farm tractor on Wednesday afternoon in Swan River Township, just southwest of Little Falls. According to the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old James Pendroy of Sauk Rapids was riding his motorcycle behind a tractor pulling a manure spreader. Investigators say Pendroy attempted to pass the tractor as it was making a left turn at an intersection, causing the motorcycle to collide with the tractor. Pendroy was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital with injuries that have not been released. Authorities say he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
>>Minnesota Counties Lack Affordable Housing
(St. Paul, MN) — A stable home is the foundation of strong communities, but a new report from Minnesota Housing Partnership shows affordable housing is slipping further out of reach across the state. The latest county profiles find that in every Minnesota county, at least one in four renters are cost-burdened, paying more for housing than they can afford. In 20 counties, more than half of renters fall into that category. Senior renters face even steeper challenges. Minnesota Housing Partnership spokeswoman Gabriela Norton says at least 30 percent of senior renter households in every county are cost-burdened, with the majority of seniors affected in nearly 80 percent of counties. The report also shows home values rose in every county from 2023 to 2024, while homeowner incomes increased in just 65 percent, further widening the affordability gap.
>>Lots of Events Planned for Free State Park Day on Saturday
(Undated) – Minnesotans can enjoy free admission to all state parks and recreation areas this Saturday as the DNR waives vehicle permit fees. Parks and Trails spokesperson Lauren Peck says more than 30 special events are planned statewide, from outdoor story times at Jay Cooke to scavenger hunts at Itasca and even an Earth Day cleanup at Frontenac’s Sand Point area. Families can explore programs led by naturalists, take part in guided activities, or simply enjoy the outdoors at no cost. A full list of events is available on the DNR’s website.
