>>All of Minnesota Under Air Quality Alert
(St. Paul, MN) — Wildfire smoke from Canada has prompted the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to issue an air quality alert for the entire state through Monday. The MPCA states that a cold front is drawing smoke from wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with multiple rounds expected over the next several days. Northern Minnesota will be in a red air quality index, indicating unhealthy conditions for everyone, while central and southern Minnesota will be in an orange air quality index, creating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.
>>Working Groups Still Working at Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) – State lawmakers are getting closer to a special session. According to documents, it’s now down to two working groups to finalize their budget deals, taxes, and health-related matters. Legislative leaders said on Thursday that they hoped all groups could wrap up by the weekend. Governor Walz says that if this is done, he can call the special session by the middle of next week. There were no public meetings scheduled today.
>>OTC Deputies Warn Residents of Automotive Dealership Scam
(Deer Creek, MN) — The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of an impersonation scam. Deputies say the scammer is using a fake website called TRUAXAUTOSALES.com, “selling” customers vehicles and not delivering them. So far, at least $75,000 has been lost to the scam. Deputies say the name, logo, or similar branding may seem legit. The actual owner of Truax Detailing and Sales in Deer Creek states that they no longer sell cars and only perform detailing work. Deputies advise being cautious of requests for upfront payment, fake documents or listings, and only communicating online.
>>Rochester Looks To Land $150M Apartment Building Near Mayo Clinic Expansion
(Rochester, MN) — The Rochester City Council has approved the construction of a new apartment building near the Mayo Clinic. They granted tax-increment financing for the planned CityWalk Apartments, which will feature 340 units and cost $150 million. The building will be located directly across from the site of the $5 billion Mayo Clinic expansion. The developer plans to secure construction funding by November, with demolition expected to begin in December. CityWalk Apartments is scheduled to open in 2028.
>>Head of Minneapolis Nonprofit Charged With Stealing $150K in Employee Wages
(Minneapolis, MN) –The head of a nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities is accused of stealing $150,000 in employee wages. Bishop Harding Smith, who runs Minnesota Acts Now, has been charged with one count of felony theft by swindle and one count of felony wage theft. He is also accused of illegally using the stolen funds to purchase office space in Brooklyn Park. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that Harding failed to pay his employees the wages they were contractually owed and then lied about it while seeking reimbursements for payroll expenses. Smith is scheduled to appear in court on June 16th.
>>Children’s Museum Opening in St. Cloud
(St. Cloud, MN) — After years of planning, fundraising, and construction, the Great River Children’s Museum in downtown St. Cloud is ready to open its doors on June 10th. Executive Director Cassie Miles says it’s been a long journey to get here. The museum is unique in its creation of the Path to Play Fund, to remove cost barriers for field trips, classes, camps, memberships, and general admission tickets. Miles says anyone who donates $25 or more, or buys a membership before the end of the day Monday (6/2), will be invited to the exclusive Member and Donor Preview Days from June 3rd through June 8th.
>>Twins Activate Buxton from Injured List for Opener in Seattle
(Seattle, WA) — Byron Buxton could be back in the lineup for the Minnesota Twins tonight (Fri 9 pm) for the series opener in Seattle. The team activated Buxton today from the seven-day concussion injury list. The Twins center fielder has been out 11 games after colliding with shortstop Carlos Correa on May 15th in Baltimore. Buxton is hitting .261 with 10 home runs, eight stolen bases, and 27 R-B-I in 41 games. Zebby Matthews gets the start for Minnesota against Mariners righthander Bryan Woo.
