>>Supporters Disappointed Expanding Fertility Coverage Didn’t Pass this Legislative Session
(St. Paul, MN) — Supporters of expanded fertility coverage say Minnesota missed an opportunity this legislative session. The proposed Building Families Act failed to pass, despite backing from groups including the American Cancer Society. Advocates say the bill would have required certain health insurance plans to cover infertility diagnosis and treatments like IVF, along with fertility preservation services for cancer patients facing treatments that could lead to infertility. Supporters say one in six people experience infertility and argue cost remains a major barrier to care. The measure was included in the Senate Health omnibus bill but did not become law.
>>Semi Crash and Spill Closes I-94 in Monticello Area
(Monticello, MN) – A semi crash and spill in Monticello this morning (Wed) is blamed for the closure of Interstate 94. The Minnesota State Patrol says the semi carrying seltzers crashed into a concrete barrier around 6:30 in a construction zone. Cases of seltzers from the damaged trailer ended up on the freeway. State troopers say some diesel fuel also spilled from the fuel tanks. The semi driver was treated for minor injuries.
>>Former DFL Official Admits Role in Deadly Hit and Run
(Grand Rapids, MN) A former Minnesota DFL official has admitted to her role in a deadly hit-and-run crash in northern Minnesota. Sixty-six-year-old Cynthia “Cyndy” Martin of Grand Rapids pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in the death of 19-year-old Carter Haithcock. Investigators say Haithcock was walking along Highway 169 near Nashwauk after leaving a street dance on July 3rd, 2024, when he was struck by Martin’s vehicle. Authorities say Martin left the scene and later called 911, saying she believed she may have hit an animal. Haithcock was later struck by a second vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Martin is expected to serve one year in prison followed by five years of probation under a plea agreement.
>>Man Arrested Near Fergus Falls in Stolen Vehicle
(Fergus Falls, MN) — A North Dakota man is facing charges in Otter Tail County after troopers say he was driving a stolen SUV while using his phone behind the wheel. Authorities say 37-year-old Marquis Charleston of Williston was pulled over near Fergus Falls Saturday after swerving and crossing the center line. Troopers say Charleston admitted he was reading messages while driving. Dispatch later confirmed the Jeep had been reported stolen out of North Dakota earlier that day. Charleston now faces charges including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, and violating Minnesota’s hands-free law.
>>Home Sales Warming Up Across the State
(Undated) — Warmer weather is bringing more activity to Minnesota’s housing market. New data from Minnesota Realtors shows that both buyers and sellers became more active in April, with new listings rising nearly 9% statewide. Realtors President Wendy Uzelac says many homeowners used the spring warmup to finish outdoor projects before putting homes on the market. Pending sales also climbed nearly seven-and-a-half percent across the state. The statewide median home price reached $360,000, while prices in the Twin Cities metro dipped slightly to $392,000. Realtors say affordability and monthly payments remain the biggest challenge for buyers.
>>MSP International Airport Holding Public Hearing on Liquor Regulations
(Bloomington, MN) — A public hearing is set for June 1st on proposed new liquor regulations at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. The Metropolitan Airports Commission is considering an updated ordinance covering the retail sale of intoxicating liquor and wine at airport restaurants, bars, and concession locations. The proposal outlines rules for licensing, alcohol sales, and enforcement at MSP. Airport officials recently released an updated version of the public hearing notice and say the meeting will be available to watch online through the Board of Commissioners meeting page.
