>>Walz Rolls out a New Federal PAC
*Note media reference*
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is rolling out a new Federal Political Action Committee focused on strengthening Democratic support in rural communities. The initiative, called the Small Town PAC, aims to identify and recruit Democratic candidates in smaller communities and provide them with resources to help flip seats nationwide, Politico first reported. In announcing the effort, Walz criticized Vice President J-D Vance, who hails from rural Ohio. Walz said Republicans such as Vance often depict people in small towns as bitter and narrow-minded, a characterization he rejects, arguing instead that leaders like Vance are the real challenge facing rural America.
>>GOP Delegates Endorse Wikstrom for Congress in 4th District
(Little Canada, MN) — Republican delegates are endorsing Paul Wikstrom for Congress in Minnesota’s 4th District. Wikstrom is challenging longtime Democratic Congresswoman Betty McCollum. Wikstrom is an engineering manager and flight instructor and says government accountability is the centerpiece of his campaign. He said in a statement,” Betty McCollum has held this seat while billions in fraud were stolen from Minnesota taxpayers.” Wikstrom lost a special election in Minnesota House District 40-B in March 2025 to Representative David Godfried.
>>Red Flag Warning Issued for 66 Minnesota Counties
(undated) — A total of 66 Minnesota counties are under a Red Flag Warning until 8 p.m. today (Mon) due to extreme fire risk conditions. Forecasters say the warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control with strong wind gusts and low humidity. Residents should not burn in the warned counties and should check on any recent burning to ensure the fire is completely out. The D-N-R’s Karen Harrison warns that embers can be carried over a mile in high winds like we’re experiencing today.
>>Fire Destroys Home near Battle Lake in Otter Tail County
(Battle Lake, MN) — A home near Battle Lake in west central Minnesota is a total loss following a fire Sunday. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office received a report that the deck was on fire and it quickly spread to the home. It was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and two adults and four children got out safely. Officials say it appears the house and most of the family’s belongings were destroyed in the fire.
>>4/20 Events Planned in Minnesota Today
(Big Lake, MN) — April 20th is also known as ‘4/20’ a kind of holiday for cannabis users and events are planned across Minnesota. Lupulin Brewing in Big Lake is hosting a workshop tonight (Mon 6pm) on how to grow and harvest cannabis plants. The Cabooze in Minneapolis is hosting its second annual 4/20 Festival with live music, food, and drinks. Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth is holding the 2026 Jam Concert Series, and Surly Brewing is having Gourmet Munchies featuring a special 4/20 menu and pizzas.
>>Snoop Dogg to Play Treasure Island on September 5th
(Welch, MN) — Snoop Dogg is coming to Treasure Island Resort and Casino near Red Wing Labor Day weekend. Snoop is headlining the summer concert series on Saturday, September 5th. The rap legend performed during halftime of the Minnesota Vikings game on Christmas Day at U-S Bank Stadium. Tickets for the Treasure Island show go on sale this Friday.
>>Minnesota Girls’ Hockey Coach Accused of Stealing Nearly $10,000
(International Falls, MN) — A former Minnesota high school girls’ hockey coach is accused of stealing nearly ten thousand dollars from a team booster club. Bryan Kershaw, the former head coach of the International Falls High School girls’ hockey team, has been charged with felony theft. According to court documents, booster club members contacted police after discovering an issue tied to a fundraising event held in November of 2025. Prosecutors say Kershaw directed the fundraising company to issue a check directly to him, totaling $9,864,instead of the booster organization. Board members say they repeatedly contacted Kershaw about the missing money. They claim he promised to repay the funds but never did.
>>Diggins Celebrates Cross-Country Skiing Retirement in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — Jesse Diggins is celebrating her retirement from cross-country skiing in Minnesota. The Afton native appeared at event called “Here Comes Diggins” Sunday at Allianz Field in St. Paul. Diggins is the most decorated American cross-country skier in history with 33 World Cup wins, two world championships, and four Olympic gold medals. She won a bronze at the Winter Games in Milan, Italy. Diggins spoke to fans and took part in a question-and-answer session with kids during Sunday’s event.
>>Volunteer Sign-Up Open for 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota
(Undated) — Minnesotans are being called on to help make the 2026 Special Olympics U-S-A Games a success. Organizers are looking to recruit more than 10,000 volunteers to support athletes from across the country. Anyone 15 years or older is eligible to sign up, with opportunities available for individuals, groups, and corporate teams. The Special Olympics U-S-A Games run June 20th through the 26th, with major events hosted at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and the National Sports Center in Blaine.
