>>Senate Vows to Continue to Push for Gun Bill Next Session
(St. Paul, MN) — Senate Democrats say they’ll continue pushing for a gun violence prevention package that stalled in the Minnesota House this year. Senate President Bobby Joe Champion of Minneapolis says the proposal, which includes a ban on military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, will remain a priority next session. Champion says the package also includes funding for school safety and mental health services, calling it a comprehensive approach to public safety. Republicans opposed the measure, and House Speaker Lisa Demuth says the bill failed multiple votes in committee and on the House floor.
>>Minnesota Remains One of the Nation’s Top States for Child Well-Being
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota remains one of the nation’s top states for child well-being, ranking fifth overall in the latest KIDS COUNT Data Book released today. The annual report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation found Minnesota continues to perform well in economic well-being and health, but education remains a growing concern. Nearly 69 percent of Minnesota fourth graders are not proficient in reading, while about two-thirds of eighth graders are not proficient in math. The report also highlights persistent racial disparities, with Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic children experiencing higher rates of poverty and poorer health outcomes than white children. Researchers say Minnesota’s overall ranking remains strong, but more work is needed to close achievement and opportunity gaps.
>>AG Ellison Holding Public Forum on Proposed Acquisition of Sanford Health and North Memorial
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is holding a public forum tonight in Robbinsdale to gather feedback on Sanford Health’s proposed acquisition of North Memorial Health. The meeting runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is part of the Attorney General’s review of the deal under state health care, charity, and antitrust laws. Officials say public input will help evaluate how the transaction could affect patient care, health care access, affordability, and the workforce. Sanford Health announced plans in May for North Memorial to become a subsidiary while maintaining its corporate identity and Twin Cities presence.
>>Missing Woman Located Safe in Lac Qui Parle County
(Madison, MN) — A missing-person search in Lac qui(kwih) Parle(Parl) County ended Sunday evening safely. The Sheriff’s Office says deputies were notified around 6 p.m. that a 76-year-old woman had gone missing from her home. A large-scale search was launched with assistance from a number of agencies. Search teams located the woman nearly an hour-and-a-half later and transported her to the hospital for evaluation. Officials have not released additional details.
>>Bird Island Man Injured in Crash with Water Truck
(Renville County, MN) — A 65-year-old Bird Island man was seriously injured when his side-by-side ATV collided with a water truck Saturday afternoon in Melville Township, about two miles northwest of Bird Island. The Renville County Sheriff’s Office says Paul Marxen of Bird Island entered the intersection and struck the side of a northbound water truck driven by 55-year-old Matthew Tucker of North Branch. Marxen was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Tucker was not hurt.
>>Little Falls Chamber Partners with Historical Society for Lindbergh Centennial
(Little Falls, MN) — A new partnership aims to boost tourism in Little Falls ahead of the 100th anniversary of Charles A. Lindbergh’s historic trans-Atlantic flight in 2027. The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will work with the Minnesota Historical Society to enhance visitor experiences at the Charles A. Lindbergh House beginning next May. The chamber will assist with tours, programming, and daily operations, while the Historical Society continues to own and maintain the site. Officials say the agreement will help grow tourism and improve public access during the centennial celebration.
