>>New Study Warns Hospital Consolidation Will Cause Higher Costs in Minnesota
(Minneapolis) – A new study on rising healthcare costs in Minnesota shows prices will only get worse with hospital consolidation. North Star Policy Action released the new report called “Rising Health Care Spending in Minnesota” says healthcare costs are climbing across nearly every form of coverage in the state. The report also warns that continued consolidation like the proposed acquisition between Allina Health and California-based Sutter Health could make things worse. The report finds that employee contributions toward health insurance premiums in Minnesota have grown 67 percent in the last 11 years, but wages in the state have gone up only 42 percent.
>>Cold Spring Man Charged in Group Home Worker’s Death
(Cold Spring, MN) — Stearns County prosecutors have charged 33-year-old Luke McLane of Cold Spring with second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a group home worker Saturday. According to the criminal complaint, McLane stabbed the victim multiple times in the neck. Officers found the victim outside with life-threatening injuries, and he died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. Catholic Charities confirmed the victim was one of its employees assigned to the home. Investigators say witness statements and surveillance video support the charges. McLane was arrested at the scene.
>>Former Timberwolves Players Charged in NBA Gambling Case
(Undated) — Two former Minnesota Timberwolves players are among six people charged in a federal sports betting investigation. Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were indicted in Brooklyn on allegations they participated in a scheme to manipulate NBA prop bets. Prosecutors say Beasley altered aspects of his play during the 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks to benefit bettors, while Davis is accused of helping facilitate the operation. Federal authorities allege hundreds of thousands of dollars in wagers were placed through online sports books.
>>Supreme Court Upholds State Bans on Transgender Athletes
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld state laws that ban transgender athletes from competing on girls’ and women’s sports teams, ruling 6-3 in cases involving Idaho and West Virginia. The decision allows states to enforce those bans but does not require them. Minnesota’s current policy allowing transgender athletes to compete based on gender identity remains unchanged. State officials and advocacy groups say the ruling does not affect Minnesota’s inclusive approach, while supporters of the bans call the decision a victory for women’s sports.
>>U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to limit birthright citizenship, preserving protections guaranteed under the 14th Amendment for children born in Minnesota and across the country. The justices ruled the president’s 2025 executive order was unlawful, leaving in place the long-standing constitutional principle that nearly anyone born on U.S. soil is a U.S. citizen. The decision comes as immigrant advocates gather this afternoon at Mercado Central in Minneapolis to celebrate the ruling and reaffirm support for birthright citizenship.
>>Extreme Heat Warning Is in Effect
(Chanhassen, MN) — An Extreme Heat Warning is in the forecast for most of Minnesota until 7 pm. The National Weather Service says temperatures today will reach 90 degrees. This will result in heat index values between 95 and 110 throughout the afternoon and evening. Temps tonight will only drop into the low 70s.
>>Metro Transit Earns National Award for Safety
(Undated) – Metro Transit has earned a national award recognizing its ongoing efforts to create a safer and more welcoming system for riders and transit workers. The agency was awarded the Gold Award in the American Public Transportation Association’s Safe, Effective and Clean category for its light rail system. This comes after Metro Transit implemented a plan with 40 action items that included improving conditions on the system, training and supporting employees and engaging customers and partners. Metro Transit leaders accepted the award in Baltimore, Maryland.
