>>Part-Time Chatfield Officer Accused of Driving Drunk
(Bloomington, MN) — A part-time police officer from Chatfield is accused of driving drunk while in full uniform early Thursday in Bloomington. Booker Hodges says 61-year-old Kenneth Gallion was stopped after allegedly speeding and crashing his vehicle. Hodges says the responding officer noticed Gallion smelled of alcohol and was carrying his duty belt, badge, and gun at the time of the arrest. Authorities say Gallion’s blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit. Hodges called the incident “completely unacceptable” and said Gallion had been working an off-duty job about an hour before the arrest.
>>Minnesota Enters 100 Deadliest Days of Summer
(St. Paul, MN) — As Memorial Day weekend kicks off the busy summer travel season, Minnesota law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols statewide to crack down on speeding and dangerous driving. The holiday weekend also marks the beginning of what safety officials call the “100 deadliest days of summer”, the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes often rise. Shannon Grabow with the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety says many drivers let their guard down once winter weather is gone, leading to higher speeds and more deadly crashes. Preliminary numbers show traffic deaths dropped in 2025 compared to the year before, but speeding remains a major concern. Last year, Minnesota saw 102 speed-related deaths and 388 serious injury crashes.
>>Hazelden Betty Ford Nurses to Hold Informational Picket
(Center City, MN) — Nearly 60 nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association plan to hold an informational picket on June 2nd outside the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Center City as they continue negotiations for a first union contract. Nurses say talks with management have been unproductive and cite concerns over patient safety, staffing sustainability, and benefits needed to retain skilled nurses. The picket will run from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Lake Boulevard. Organizers stress the event is informational only and will not interrupt patient care or involve a work stoppage.
>>Minnesota Hospital Association Honors Health Care Organizations
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Hospital Association is recognizing dozens of hospitals and health care workers across the state for innovation in patient care, workforce development, and community outreach. During its 2026 Spring Innovation Forum, the association honored 60 teams and individuals in categories including quality and safety, workforce excellence, and communications. Among those receiving awards were Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, North Memorial Health, and Allina Health. MHA President and CEO Dr. Rahul Koranne says the awards highlight the creativity and collaboration happening in health care systems across Minnesota.
>>Minnesota Farmers Optimistic about Potential Trade Deal with China
(Waverly, MN) — Minnesota farm leaders are optimistic after China agreed to purchase $17 billion worth of U-S agricultural products over the next three years. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing says the deal appears realistic despite initial concerns about whether China would follow through. Glessing says farmers across the state closely watched President Trump’s recent meeting with Chinese leaders and believe the agreement could provide a major boost for agriculture. He also says China depends heavily on American farm products to help feed its population, making the trade commitment significant for producers here at home.
>>Canterbury Park Opens 32nd Season
(Shakopee, MN) – Horse racing returns to Canterbury Park in Shakopee Saturday for the 32nd season. Opening night is Saturday with the first post at 5 p.m., followed by racing on Sunday and Monday afternoons. A total of 133 horses are entered for the first weekend of racing. Family events are planned all summer, starting with bulldog races on Sunday. 60 bulldogs will fight it out to see who’s the fastest on the dirt track. The Canterbury season runs through September 19.
>>Minnesota Twins Open 10-Game Road Trip in Boston
(Boston, MA) — The Minnesota Twins begin a ten-game road trip tonight (Fri 6pm) against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The 23-27 Twins just took two of three from the Astros at Target Field. All-Star Joe Ryan pitched six innings of one-run ball in a 4-1 victory in the series finale. Connor Prielipp (PRE’-lip) starts for Minnesota in the opener. The 22-27 Red Sox are in fourth place in the American League East.
