>>Air Quality Alert Issued for Northern Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) – Another air quality alert for the northern part of Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued the alert until 1 a.m. Friday, because of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The affected areas include International Falls and the Red Lake Tribal Nation. The MPCA states that a pocket of moderate to heavy surface smoke will trigger an orange air quality alert for the area. This means the smoke is in the unhealthy category for sensitive groups.
>>Search Continues for Missing St. Cloud Man
(St. Cloud, MN) — Authorities are asking for your help as they search for a missing St. Cloud man. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says 44-year-old Troy Strawn was last seen on May 19th at his St. Cloud apartment. Strawn hasn’t been in contact with family or friends, and it is unknown where he would go. He is described as a white man, 6’2″ tall, weighing 190 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with any information should contact the St. Cloud Police Department.
>>Rep. Finke Headed to the Iron Range – Focus on Transgender and Rural Community Issues
(St. Paul, MN) — DFL Representative Leigh Finke of St. Paul is heading to the Iron Range this Sunday for two town halls focused on transgender and rural community issues. She’s partnering with Pride and human rights groups for the events in Grand Rapids and Virginia. She says, “My community has been targeted, and I’ve been targeted. But I don’t think we solve those issues by cocooning ourselves. We solve them by having difficult conversations.” Finke says it’s her first time hosting town halls on the Iron Range.
>>Congresswoman Craig Warns of MNsure Cuts
(Washington, D.C.) — Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig warns that thousands of Minnesotans could lose their MNsure coverage under the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” in Washington. Craig says, “I’m not going to sugar coat it — because of these cuts, many Minnesotans will lose access to health care they desperately need. And even more will see their costs go up.” Craig says nearly 20,000 Minnesotans could lose coverage entirely, and those who keep it may pay an average of $177 more per month.
>>Dr. Scott Jensen Announces Run for Governor Again
(Undated) – Dr. Scott Jensen has announced another run for Minnesota governor in 2026. The Republican Jensen lost to Governor Walz by about 193,000 votes in the 2022 election. Jensen served a single term in the Minnesota Senate before his unsuccessful run for governor three years ago. In a campaign video, Jensen stated that his priorities will focus on a commitment to law and order, patient-centered healthcare, and a future where families and communities can thrive. Governor Walz has not announced if he is running for a third term.
>>Steve Miller Band Cancels Show at Minnesota State Fair Among Others
(Undated) — The Steve Miller Band has canceled its Minnesota State Fair grandstand show and the rest of its upcoming tour. In a social media statement, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer cited extreme weather, including heat, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires, as making touring too risky. “You make music with your instincts. You live your life by your instincts. Always trust your instincts,” the statement read. “You can blame it on the weather… The tour is cancelled.”
>>Vikings’ Addison Pleads Guilty to “Wet Reckless” Charge in DUI Arrest
(Los Angeles, CA) — Jordan Addison of the Minnesota Vikings is pleading guilty to a “wet reckless” charge for an alleged drunken driving arrest in Los Angeles. Addison’s attorney says it is a lesser offense than a DUI, and he will pay a standard fine and complete two online courses. The Vikings’ wide receiver was found asleep behind the wheel last summer, blocking a freeway near L-A-X Airport. Addison could have been suspended for three games if convicted of driving under the influence. He could still face discipline from the N-F-L.
>>Minnesota Zoo Amur Tiger Dari Dies at Age 13
(Apple Valley, MN) — The Minnesota Zoo is mourning the loss of its 13-year-old Amur (uh-MOOR’) tiger named Sundari. Officials say “Dari” had to be euthanized due to a rare, incurable form of mesothelioma cancer last weekend. She was born on June 17th, 2012, and raised in Minnesota by the zoo’s experienced team. They say Dari was a remarkable mother who leaves a long and hopeful legacy with her six cubs.
