>>DNR Seeking Information In Flanders Fire Investigation
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota DNR says investigators have identified the origin of the Flanders Fire near the north shore of Flanders Lake in Crow Wing County. The wildfire began Saturday, May 16th, and has burned around 1,600 acres. Officials also say people of interest have been identified as the investigation continues. The D-N-R is asking residents in the Flanders Lake area — especially along County Road 11, Horseshoe Lake Road, and nearby state land- to check trail cameras, Ring doorbells, or other surveillance footage recorded between May 15th and May 17th. Anyone with information is asked to contact Conservation Officer Jordan Anderson at 218-639-0782.
>>Minnesota to Host 2028 NFL Draft
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota has been selected to host the 2028 NFL Draft, bringing one of the biggest events in sports to downtown Minneapolis. The National Football League announced during league meetings in Orlando that the event will be centered around U.S. Bank Stadium, in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Sports and Events. Officials expect hundreds of thousands of fans to attend the three-day event, which will include concerts, fan experiences, and community activities while generating a major economic boost for the region.
>>Minneapolis Man Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Death
(Rochester, MN) — A Minneapolis man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he sold fentanyl connected to a deadly overdose in Olmsted County. According to the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on March 13th to a home in Marion Township, just east of Rochester, after reports of a man not breathing. The victim later died, and authorities determined the cause was a fentanyl overdose. Investigators say 51-year-old Charles Webster Sr. of Minneapolis sold the fentanyl involved in the overdose. Webster was arrested this week.
>>MSP Airport Planning Major Expansion of Shops and Restaurants
(Bloomington, MN) — Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is preparing for its largest concessions redevelopment in more than a decade. Airport officials say 47 new food, beverage, retail, and convenience businesses are expected to open across both terminals by 2029. The project will redevelop about 40 percent of MSP’s concessions space, with a focus on adding more coffee options, quick-service restaurants, local Minnesota brands, and expanded shopping areas. MSP served more than 36 million passengers last year, making it the 17th busiest airport in the country.
>>Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Duluth Receives Prestigious Federal Recognition
(Duluth, MN) – The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth has received a top national honor from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Operational Excellence Award recognizes the facility for earning a perfect score on all inspection standards across consecutive reviews — the first Veterans cemetery in the nation to do so. The rigorous review evaluates everything from operations and maintenance to care for headstones and grounds. Officials say the award reflects the team’s dedication to honoring veterans and their families. In fiscal year 2025, the cemetery laid 228 veterans and dependents to rest.
>>Beef Producers Reject Proposed Beef Checkoff Increase
(Undated) – Minnesota beef producers have narrowly rejected a proposed increase to the state’s beef checkoff. In a statewide referendum, 380 ballots opposed the measure while 377 supported it. The proposal would have added a refundable 50-cent increase, but the fee will remain at one dollar per head at the time of sale. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says the checkoff supports research, promotion, and education for the industry. Officials note the vote followed public hearings held during the winter of 2025 and 2026.
