>>Rural Healthcare Struggles
(St. Paul, MN) — A public hearing on rural health care painted a dismal picture for patients across Minnesota. Caitlin Carroll, with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, told lawmakers that every hospital closure has ripple effects for both patients and the health‑care system. “So when one hospital closes, it may give nearby surviving hospitals increased leverage to negotiate higher prices, because they now have fewer competitors that the insurer can contract with.” Carroll testified that about 40 percent of rural hospitals are currently unprofitable, raising concerns about access to care and rising costs in rural communities.
>>Walz Releases 2026 Infrastructure Plan
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz released his 2026 infrastructure plan today (wed), proposing a $907 million investment in public safety, clean water, transportation, and housing across Minnesota. Major projects include a $61-million-dollar expansion at the Rush City Correctional Facility and $47 million for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s Bemidji office and crime lab. The proposal would be funded through $700 million in general obligation bonds and $207 million from other sources. Lawmakers will review the plan during the upcoming legislative session.
>>Good Family Hires Chicago Law Firm
(Undated) — The family of Renee Good has hired the Chicago law firm Romanucci Blandin, the same firm that secured a $27 million settlement for the family of George Floyd. The firm announced it has launched a civil investigation into Good’s shooting death on behalf of her partner, Becca, along with her parents, Tim and Donna Ganger, and her siblings. No lawsuit has been filed yet, but the firm says the family is seeking accountability and hopes to “honor her life with progress toward a kinder and more civil America.” Romanucci &?Blandin says it plans to release information it uncovers throughout the investigation so the public can follow the facts as they emerge. “We will honor her memory by seeking accountability and change in her name,” founding partner Antonio M. Romanucci said in a statement. Good’s family also shared their appreciation for the “unending care” they’ve received since her death, saying that support reflects the same compassion she showed to others.
>>Bill Would BAN Law Enforcement From Wearing Face Coverings
(St. Paul, MN) — DFL State Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville is proposing a bill that would ban ICE, federal agents, and other law enforcement officers in Minnesota from wearing face masks while on duty. Senator Port says masked officers can create fear in communities and damage trust between law enforcement and the public. “Unless there’s a specific reason for an officer’s identity to be concealed — like when they’re undercover — or there’s a need for a mask because of a specific risk, our law enforcement in this country should be transparent.” Supporters of the proposal say allowing officers to conceal their identities makes it harder for community members to hold law enforcement accountable.
Similar measures have been proposed in other states, including California and Tennessee, though none have yet passed into law.
>>Overall ICE-Related Protests Peaceful
(Minneapolis, MN) — State and local officials say most ICE‑related protests in Minnesota have been peaceful. But Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says there were unlawful acts following the ICE shooting of a man last night in north Minneapolis.
“There are individuals throwing fireworks at police officers — individuals throwing ice, rocks, and other projectiles at police officers. It is well past the line. And at multiple times, gas has been deployed.” Mayor Jacob Frey says he continues to encourage peaceful protest and says he’s inspired by the tens of thousands of people who have demonstrated without violence. Meanwhile, President Trump is threatening to bring in the military, saying what he calls “insurrectionists” are attacking the “patriots of ICE.”
>>Majority Whip Emmer on ICE Operations in Minneapolis
(Washington, D.C.) — House Majority Whip Tom Emmer is condemning the unrest unfolding in Minneapolis, calling the recent destruction and violence “abhorrent.” In a statement today, the Minnesota Republican criticized what he describes as a lack of action from state leaders, saying their response is “failing every Minnesotan” and putting federal law enforcement at risk. Emmer also took aim at Governor Tim Walz, blaming the governor’s policies for contributing to the current unrest. He said Walz’s remarks last night were “embarrassing and inflammatory,” and called on the governor to resign immediately, saying the safety of Minnesotans depends on it. State officials have not yet responded to Emmer’s comments.
>>MN School Board Member Rosemark Announces Run for Senate in District 44
(Oakdale, MN) — Sam Rosemark, a lifelong resident of Senate District 44 and current ISD 622 School Board member (North Minneapolis-Maplewood-Oakedale), is running for the Minnesota Senate. Rosemark says his upbringing in the community shaped his commitment to public service. His campaign priorities include strong public schools, sustainability, affordability, and safety, with a focus on holding special interests accountable and helping families manage the rising cost of living. Rosemark would be only the third openly gay man elected to the Minnesota Senate.
>>SP Small Business Owner Lundy Announces Campaign for MN Senate District 65
(St. Paul, MN) — St. Paul resident, small business owner, and longtime government staffer Jamael Lundy is running for the Minnesota Senate in District 65. Lundy has spent more than a decade working in public service, including at the Capitol and in the office of former D-F-L Representative Carlos Mariani. He says the district needs courageous people. centered leadership as communities face fear and instability tied to recent federal enforcement actions. District 65 includes large Latino, East African, Hmong, and Rondo communities. Lundy says his campaign priorities include fully funding public schools, expanding deeply affordable housing, and advancing policies that protect immigrant communities, strengthen police accountability, and prevent gun violence.
>>Vehicle Traffic Restricted on Lake Hanska After UTV Breakthrough
(Brown County, MN) — As of this morning, all vehicle traffic on Lake Hanska’s south main landing is restricted due to unsafe ice conditions. Brown County Deputies say a U-T-V with two people went through the ice Wednesday night. Both individuals were able to get out of the water but fell through the ice multiple times while walking off the lake before making it to safety. Officials say no vehicles of any kind, including trucks, cars, A-T-Vs, and snowmobiles, are allowed on the lake until conditions improve. They’ll continue to monitor ice thickness and reopen access when it’s deemed safe.
>>State health officials warn against Live it Up Super Greens
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Health is urging people not to consume Live it Up Super Greens after linking the supplement to a Salmonella outbreak. Three adults in Minnesota have been infected since November 2025; one was hospitalized, and all recovered. The cases are part of a multistate outbreak involving 45 illnesses in 21 states. The company has initiated a voluntary recall for products expiring between August 2026 and January 2028. The supplement is sold online and may be in stores. Health officials say anyone with Live it Up Super Greens, original or wild berry, should throw it out or return it. Because many Salmonella cases go untested, the outbreak is likely larger. Anyone with symptoms should contact a health provider and mention the outbreak.
