>>Governor Proclaims “Hire a Veteran Month” in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Walz has proclaimed May 2026 as “Hire a Veteran Month” in Minnesota, highlighting the value veterans bring to the workforce and encouraging employers to hire those who have served. The proclamation also recognizes the challenges some veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers after military service. A key event is the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair, set for May 20th from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. The fair will feature about 100 employers, along with resume reviews, interview preparation, LinkedIn headshots, and support services for veterans and their families. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek says participating employers understand the strengths veterans offer and are eager to meet with candidates and fill open positions.
>>House Passes “Kayla’s HOPE Act”
(St. Paul, MN) — A major step forward in suicide prevention is moving through the Minnesota Legislature. The Minnesota House has unanimously passed “Kayla’s HOPE Act,” a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing suicides at bridges across the state. The legislation directs state agencies to begin collecting data on bridge-related suicides and identify high-risk locations. It also requires the development and installation of suicide prevention railings where feasible. The bill is named in honor of Kayla Gaebel, whose death in 2023 inspired her mother to advocate for stronger safety measures. The bill has already cleared the Senate.
>>Willmar Man Hit by Bullet Outside Fast Food Restaurant
(Willmar, MN) – Police in Willmar say a man was hit by a bullet Thursday afternoon as he was about to enter a McDonald’s restaurant. Officers say the victim was struck by a small-caliber bullet, even though no gunshots were heard at the time. The man was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Investigators say it does not appear the victim was targeted, and they’re treating it as a case of reckless discharge of a firearm. Anyone with information or surveillance video of suspicious activity in the area should call the Willmar P-D.
>>Robbins Drops Out of Governor’s Race
(Maple Grove, MN) – State Representative Kristin Robbins has announced she is dropping out of the crowded Republican governor’s race. Robbins announced in an 18-paragraph statement. Robbins said that when she returned for the session, she realized this race was much more than just fighting fraud and economic policies. She adds, “The foundational issue is whether we can stop Minnesota’s slide into Socialism.” Robbins says she will continue to work as a State Representative for the rest of this term and then become a private citizen in January 2027. Robbins departure leaves seven candidates in the Republican race. Senator Amy Klobuchar remains the favorite on the DFL side.
>>Law Enforcement Kicks Off “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” Campaign
(St. Paul, MN) — Speeding continues to be a deadly problem on Minnesota roads, with 102 people killed and 388 seriously injured in speed-related crashes last year. Nearly 300 law enforcement agencies are launching a high-visibility enforcement campaign now through Labor Day as part of the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer.” During that period last year, 111 people were killed in Minnesota crashes. Officials say even a few miles per hour over the speed limit can increase the risk of a crash and make a collision deadly.
>>Opposition Group Suing Hermantown Over Proposed Data Center
(Hermantown, MN) — An opposition group is suing Hermantown over a proposed data center. Stop the Hermantown Data Center claims the city violated spot-zoning restrictions for the more than 200-acre site. Spot-zoning refers to the illegal rezoning of a small parcel within a larger zoning district. The group argues the project could harm the area’s rural character and environment for generations. This marks the second lawsuit the group has filed against the city.
>>Cougar Kittens Spotted in Northern Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Trail camera footage appears to show cougar kittens in northern Minnesota near Voyageurs National Park. Experts say the images could confirm breeding activity. Three kittens were captured on camera on March 25th and 26th, feeding on a whitetail deer carcass. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says confirmed cougar breeding hasn’t been documented in the state in more than 100 years. Officials add that there have been about 180 verified cougar detections since tracking began in 2004.
>>Statewide Average Price for Gasoline Reaches $4.01 a Gallon
(St. Louis Park, MN) — The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline now tops four dollars. Triple-A Minnesota reports today’s average is $4.01 a gallon. That’s up 27 cents from last Friday and 50 cents from one month ago. The nationwide average rose to $4.39. The cheapest gas in Minnesota is $3.59 a gallon in Big Stone County.
