>>Bill to Protect Kids in Home Nursing Care Stalled
(St. Paul, MN) — A push to protect home nursing care coverage for medically fragile children stalled at the State Capitol this session. DFL Senator Liz Boldon says Minnesota law has required insurance companies to cover in-home nursing care since 2010, but some insurers are now trying to cap payments. Boldon warns that without enforcement, the costs could shift to Medicaid and taxpayers. The proposal passed the committee but was blocked from a floor vote in the House on the final night of the session. About 250 Minnesota families rely on the coverage for children with serious medical conditions.
>>Minnesota Will Conduct Study on Future of Nuclear Energy
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers approved a bill on the final day of session ordering a comprehensive study on the future of nuclear energy in the state. Darrick Moe of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association says Minnesota is the last state in the country with a moratorium on new nuclear power plants. The study, due before the 2027 legislative session, will examine the pros and cons of nuclear energy, including safety, costs, and long-term spent-fuel storage. Supporters say nuclear power should be considered as part of Minnesota’s push for carbon-free energy.
>>Amtrak Borealis Success Between Twin Cities and Chicago
(St. Paul, MN) — Passenger rail supporters are celebrating two years of service for Amtrak’s Borealis line between the Twin Cities and Chicago. Brian Nelson of All Aboard Minnesota says the route has become one of the Midwest’s biggest rail success stories in decades, far exceeding ridership and performance projections. Since launching in May 2024, about 425-thousand passengers have ridden the Borealis. Nelson says demand remains strong, but growth is limited because Amtrak does not have enough rail cars to expand capacity. The Borealis shares its route with the Empire Builder line, which connects Chicago with the Pacific Northwest.
>>Months of Lane Closures Begin on I-94 in Central Minnesota
(Stearns County, MN) — Drivers on Interstate 94 in central Minnesota should prepare for months of delays as major bridge repairs get underway. MnDOT says traffic is reduced to a single lane in both directions between Melrose and Sauk Centre beginning today. Crews are repairing two bridges over the Sauk River, with construction expected to last through late October. Motorists will encounter head-to-head traffic, narrowed lanes, and lower speed limits in the work zone. MnDOT says the project will pause during the winter before work resumes next year on the westbound bridges.
>>Two People Injured in Meeker County ATV Crash
(Litchfield Township, MN) — Two people were injured in a crash involving an ATV and a passenger vehicle Sunday morning in Litchfield Township in Meeker County. Authorities say the ATV was traveling illegally on the county road when the driver, 33-year-old Dean Nystrom of Litchfield, allegedly failed to signal a turn. Nystrom and his passenger, 27-year-old Autumn Wieling of Willmar, suffered minor injuries and were taken to Meeker Memorial Hospital. The driver of the vehicle, 18-year-old Mackenzie Straumann of Cosmos, and passenger Kenna Lund of Litchfield were not hurt. Nystrom was cited for driving after revocation.
>>Teen Faces Charged in Break-In at Battle Lake Gas Station
(Battle Lake, MN) — A teenager is facing charges for an alleged gas station break-in on Memorial Day in Battle Lake. Otter Tail County sheriff’s deputies found a door to the Cenex station pried open early Monday and later determined several items had been stolen. A juvenile suspect was identified and taken into custody. He was booked in the West Central Juvenile Center in Moorhead pending charges of third-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, and first-degree criminal damage to property.
>>Search Continues for Missing Winona County Man
(Winona, MN) – Authorities in Winona County continue to search for a man who is believed to be in crisis. Twenty-two-year-old Elijah McCumber was last seen Saturday night on a dead-end road in southeastern Winona County. Deputies say four specialized K-9 teams searched the area Monday where McCumber’s vehicle was located. They are asking landowners in the area to check outbuildings, hunting blinds, and other structures. McCumber was wearing a black T-shirt, a black baseball hat, gray sweatpants, and carrying a black backpack.
>>Stay BearWISE this summer
(Undated) – If you’re heading out to enjoy Minnesota’s state parks and trails, officials say take a few precautions—especially as bear encounters become more common. BearWise Coordinator Franklin Whittaker says hikers should be careful with food waste, making sure to pack out everything they bring in—even scraps like peels or cores—to avoid attracting bears. He also recommends keeping dogs on a leash, since barking or chasing can trigger a defensive reaction. If you do encounter a bear, experts say stay calm—don’t run. Back away slowly, make yourself look larger, and be prepared with bear spray if needed.
More safety tips are available on the Minnesota DNR website.
>>WWII-Era Tank Relocated to New Military Museum in Central Minnesota
(Little Falls, MN) — A World War Two-era tank is getting a new home at Camp Ripley in central Minnesota. The Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum says the historic M3A1 Stuart tank was recently moved from the Brainerd Armory to the museum’s new facility. Officials say the tank will become part of a new World War Two exhibit highlighting Minnesota’s military history and the service of soldiers from the Brainerd area. The museum’s new building is expected to open later this year.
