>>Boelter Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Hoffman/Hortman Shootings
(Minneapolis, MN) — Vance Boelter has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from the deadly shootings that targeted Minnesota lawmakers last June. Boelter admitted to killing former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their Brooklyn Park home and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in Champlin. The plea agreement calls for two life sentences plus 40 years in prison, while federal prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. Boelter had originally pleaded not guilty to the six federal charges connected to what authorities described as a politically motivated attack.
>>Attorney General Ellison Sues Trump Administration Over Unlawful Federal Contractor Mandates
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined 19 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over new anti-DEI requirements added to federal contracts. The lawsuit argues the changes were implemented without proper public input and leave contractors unclear about what is prohibited. Ellison says the mandates could expose businesses and state agencies to severe penalties, including canceled contracts and loss of future federal work. The coalition says the new rules could affect roughly 640,000 federal contracts nationwide.
>>DEED Launches Revamped Labor Exchange
(St. Paul, MN) — Looking for a job in Minnesota just got a little easier. The Department of Employment and Economic Development has launched a revamped online labor exchange at CareerForce.MN.gov. The mobile-friendly platform connects job seekers with thousands of openings from vetted Minnesota employers, without ads or sponsored listings. Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe says the goal is to provide a straightforward experience for both employers and applicants. The updated site also works alongside Minnesota’s network of CareerForce centers, where workforce professionals continue to offer in-person assistance to help people navigate their job search.
>>Make Sure to get Kids Outside Over Summer Break
(Undated) – As the school year wraps up, experts are encouraging Minnesota parents to get kids off screens and back outside this summer. A lecturer at the University of Minnesota School of Kinesiology says outdoor play offers important physical benefits for children, including stronger hearts and lungs, improved coordination, and better overall fitness. Activities like running, jumping, and sports also help build motor skills and agility. Beyond physical health, experts say time outside can support kids’ mental well-being and help establish lifelong healthy habits centered on movement and exercise.
>>Minnesota Twins Team Up with Salvation Army for “Christmas in July”
(Minneapolis, MN) — Christmas is coming a little early at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins are teaming up with The Salvation Army for a special “Christmas in July” ticket promotion. For every ticket purchased through the offer for select July home games, five dollars will be donated to support The Salvation Army’s work across Minnesota. The money will help fund emergency assistance, essential programs, and neighborhood resources for families in need. Organizers say it’s a simple way for fans to enjoy a summer day at the ballpark while making a difference in their communities.
>> Barn Destroyed Near Pelican Rapids
(Pelican Rapids, MN) — A barn east of Pelican Rapids was destroyed in a fire Wednesday afternoon. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called just after 4:20 p.m. to a property along Highway 108. Investigators say the owner, James Bell, and his son were trying to start a 1976 Mercury car stored inside the nearly 125-year-old barn using starting fluid when the vehicle backfired and caught fire. The flames quickly spread, destroying both the barn and an attached wooden silo.
