Minnesota Sent $67 Million to Daycares Under Federal Investigation
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota has paid more than 67 million dollars in childcare assistance to nine daycare providers that were searched last week by federal investigators. State data shows the funding was distributed over roughly eight years through the Child Care Assistance Program, which helps low-income families cover childcare costs. Authorities have not announced any charges, and it’s still unclear whether any of the payments were improperly obtained. Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released.
>>Minnesota Farm Leader Urges Use of All Tools to Support Struggling Producers
(St. Paul, MN) — Farm leaders say financial pressures are continuing to build across rural Minnesota. The president of the Minnesota Farmers Union says producers need as many resources as possible to manage the ongoing downturn. Gary Wertish says lawmakers are considering updates this session to the state’s Farmer-Lender Mediation Act, a law first passed in the 1980s that requires mediation before lenders can foreclose on agricultural operations. He says there’s strong support to extend and strengthen the measure. Wertish notes the program has a high success rate, with about 90 percent of mediation cases reaching some type of agreement, something he says even lenders now back. While a final number isn’t in yet, Minnesota saw well over 1,000 mediation cases in 2025, highlighting the growing strain in the farm economy.
MPCA to Preview Summer Air Quality Outlook
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will release its summer 2026 air quality outlook during a virtual briefing Thursday morning(10 a.m.). Experts say wildfire smoke and ozone could again impact Minnesota as climate conditions fuel drought and fires. In 2025, the state saw 19 air quality alerts covering 40 days. Health officials from the Minnesota Department of Health and Gillette Children’s will also discuss risks and how families can stay safe during poor air quality days.
>>MnDOT Releases Updated State Rail Plan
(St. Paul, MN) — MnDOT has released its updated Minnesota State Rail Plan, outlining a 20-year vision to improve rail service across the state. The plan focuses on boosting safety, expanding passenger service, and strengthening freight operations to better connect communities and support economic growth. Officials say priorities include increasing funding for freight rail, studying new passenger routes across the Midwest, and expanding existing lines like the Borealis passenger train and the proposed Northern Lights Express. MnDOT says the plan will guide future investments aimed at improving reliability, speed, and overall transportation options statewide.
>>Man Accused of Violating No-Contact Order, Causing Fatal Crash
(Perham, MN) — A Dent man is facing charges after authorities say he violated a domestic abuse no-contact order and caused a crash that killed a woman. The collision happened Saturday morning near Perham. Otter Tail County investigators say the driver, 30-year-old Allen Alberts, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and violating a no-contact order. Authorities identified the victim as 40-year-old Nichole Shoultz, also of Dent, the same woman Alberts was ordered to have no contact with. Court records show Alberts had previously been accused of assaulting Shoultz in early March at a home near Frazee. Alberts remains in custody.
>>Hibbing Man Convicted of Third-Degree Murder in 2023 Overdose Death
(Hibbing, MN) — A Hibbing man will be sentenced on June 12th for providing the drugs that led to the overdose death of a woman on the Iron Range. A jury found 31-year-old Travis Lukkar guilty of third-degree murder in the February 2023 death of 36-year-old Ginae Jo Songer of Hibbing. Prosecutors say Songer died from the effects of fentanyl that was sold to her by Lukkar.
>>Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Set for Saturday
(Undated) — The nation’s largest one-day food drive returns this weekend as the Stamp Out Hunger campaign takes place Saturday. Organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the annual event encourages residents to leave non-perishable food donations by their mailboxes for pickup by letter carriers. All donations stay local, helping food shelves and families facing hunger across Minnesota and the country. Organizers say the need remains high as many households continue to struggle with rising costs. Residents are asked to place items in a bag near their mailbox before regular mail delivery on Saturday.
