>>Flanders Fire Nearly Contained
(Breezy Point, MN) — The Flanders Fire east of Breezy Point is now 95 percent contained, and officials say this will likely be the final update unless conditions change. The wildfire has burned 1,686 acres since it started on May 16th in Crow Wing County. Firefighters continue working hot spots, removing hazard trees, and strengthening containment lines while crews begin scaling back operations. County Road 11 has reopened, but officials are still asking the public to avoid the area when possible and watch for firefighters working nearby. Command of the fire is expected to return to local authorities on Thursday morning.
>>American Legion of Minnesota Supports Student’s Request to Wear National Guard Sash
(Fertile, MN) — A graduation dispute in northwest Minnesota is drawing growing attention after a Fertile-Beltrami High School senior was told he could not wear an Army National Guard sash during commencement. Senior Beau Durand says he wanted to wear the sash to honor his commitment to military service. Now, the American Legion Department of Minnesota is backing the student and urging the district to reconsider. Spokesman Tim Engstrom says Minnesota law supports recognizing military service and argues wearing the sash falls within the student’s First Amendment rights. Durand says he still plans to wear the sash during Sunday’s graduation ceremony.
>>Delano Public Schools Cancel Classes due to Cyber Incident
(Delano, MN) — Delano Public Schools has canceled classes today(WED) after what district officials describe as a cyber incident that compromised part of the school network. Superintendent Matt Schoen says the issue was discovered Monday night, prompting the district to shut down internet access while cybersecurity experts investigate and repair affected systems. Officials say it remains unclear whether the incident was a direct cyberattack, but classes will remain canceled until the network is considered secure. The closure comes as schools across Minnesota continue facing an increase in cybersecurity threats targeting school districts nationwide.
>>Klobuchar Cheers Senate Passage of Motion Limiting Trump’s War Power
(Washington, DC) — U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar is cheering Senate passage of a motion limiting the president’s war powers. Klobuchar said on social media, “The Senate voted today to put a check on President Trump’s power – and give Congress the say in bringing his war in Iran to an end.” The Minnesota Democrat added that she is grateful to colleagues, including four Republicans, who joined her in reaffirming Congress’s constitutional authority over going to war. It passed on a 50-47 vote—no word on when the full Senate will vote on the resolution.
>>Darwin Man Faces Charges After Fleeing Police in Stolen Car
(Darwin, MN) — A Darwin man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from deputies in a stolen vehicle Tuesday night in Meeker County. Authorities say a deputy responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the St. John’s Catholic Church cemetery in Darwin around 8 p.m. When the deputy attempted to contact the driver, investigators say 35-year-old Brady Lietzau(Lit-SOW) fled, leading deputies on a short pursuit before abandoning the vehicle and running on foot. Deputies later arrested Lietzau without incident. Investigators say the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Wright County. He is being held in the Meeker County Jail on charges including fleeing a peace officer, receiving stolen property, and reckless driving.
>>Target Reports First Quarter Earnings
(Minneapolis, MN) — Target Corporation reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings on Wednesday, with sales rising 6.7 percent compared to a year ago. The Minneapolis-based retailer says growth was broad across merchandise categories, digital sales, and in-store traffic. Same-day delivery through Target Circle 360 helped drive nearly nine percent growth in digital sales, while advertising and membership revenue also climbed sharply. Target posted earnings of $1.71 per share for the quarter, topping adjusted results from last year. CEO Michael Fiddelke says the company is encouraged by the early response to its updated strategy but remains cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
>>Minnesota Officials Remind Cyclists: Know the Law and Stay Visible
(Undated) – As more Minnesotans hit the road on two wheels, officials are reminding riders they’re held to the same rules as drivers. MnDOT’s Jake Rueter says bicyclists must obey traffic signs and signals and share the road responsibly. Riders are also urged to stay visible, especially at night, by using a headlamp and rear reflector. With e-bike use growing, Rueter says the same laws apply, and everyone should stay alert, avoid distractions, and slow down to prevent serious crashes.
