>>Opioid Overdoses in Schools Addressed in New Legislation
(Washington, D.C) – Minnesota already requires all school districts have Naloxone (nuh-laak-sown), commonly known as Narcan, on hand in schools in case of an opioid overdose. Now Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison wants this to be a federal law. She along with a group of bipartisan lawmakers have introduced the “School Access to Naloxone Act”, which would ensure access to the overdose reversal and train school staff on how to use the lifesaving medication. Minnesota passed the law in 2023 and recently added the provision allowing students in grades 9th through 12th be allowed to carry and administer Narcan with school district approval.
>>New Legislation Would Require Better Understanding of Lung Cancer in Women
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Tina Smith has spearheaded a bill through the Senate that would take a further look into research and cases of lung cancer among women. The “Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventative Services Act” would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs to conduct a thorough review and better understanding of why an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with lung cancer. Statistics show lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for American women, and the disease claims more lives each year than breast, ovarian and cervical cancers combined. The bill has passed both chambers. Now the Senate and House will work to resolve the differences in the bills before sending to the President.
>>New Minnesota Law Means Children Under 13 Can’t Face Prosecution
(St. Paul, MN) — Beginning August 1st, Minnesota children under the age of 13 will no longer face criminal prosecution. Instead, those accused of breaking the law will be referred to child welfare and social services for intervention and support. The Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators is urging lawmakers to revisit the law, citing concerns about a lack of secure placement options for children who may pose a danger to themselves or others. County leaders are seeking additional resources and possible exceptions for serious violent offenses.
>>Savage Couple Charged With Tax Crimes
(Savage, MN) — A Savage couple is facing felony tax charges after Minnesota investigators say they filed false income tax returns and failed to pay taxes despite earning six-figure incomes. Paul and Paulette Bailey are each charged with four counts of filing fraudulent returns and two counts of failing to pay income taxes. Prosecutors say the couple falsely sought more than $140,000 in refunds between 2021 and 2024 by claiming little or no taxable income. None of the refunds were issued.
>>Wildfire Update
(Duluth, MN) — Fire crews have wrapped up work on two of the three lightning-caused wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota. The Tiger Fire near Lac La Croix has been declared controlled and out, while the 16-acre Loon Fire is now 100 percent contained, with firefighters removing equipment from the area. Meanwhile, the quarter-acre Buck Fire north of Tower remains active, but recent rainfall appears to have limited its spread. Fire managers plan to monitor the remote blaze by air when conditions allow. Officials continue to warn the public to stay out of fire areas due to the danger posed by weakened trees.
>>DNR Unveils New Water Trail Maps
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is rolling out updated water trail maps, giving paddlers a clearer picture of where to explore across the state. Officials say the system spans about 45 hundred miles, with dozens of designated routes highlighting some of the best places to get on the water. Water recreation consultant Nancy Stewart says the new maps make it easier to find scenic stretches, access points, and even outfitters where people can rent gear. More information, including the updated maps, is available now on the DNR’s website.
>>Minneapolis City Hall To Host Pride Drag Show
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis City Hall is celebrating Pride Month with a public drag show Thursday morning. The event begins with breakfast, followed by performances from drag artists Starr Dust and Hunky Dory. Later in the day, the Minneapolis City Council is expected to read an honorary resolution recognizing June 2026 as Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Pride Month. Organizers say the event is open to the public and is intended to celebrate and affirm the city’s LGBTQIA-plus community.
