>>Gubernatorial Candidate Demuth Announces Fishing Plan
(St. Paul, MN) — Republican gubernatorial candidate and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth is unveiling a new fishing affordability proposal ahead of this weekend’s fishing opener. Demuth says her plan would eliminate fishing license fees for Minnesotans under 21 and for seniors, while also creating a discounted $100 lifetime fishing license for children aged three and younger. Current lifetime licenses for young children cost more than $300. Her campaign says fishing contributes roughly $4.4 billion annually to Minnesota’s economy. Meanwhile, Governor Tim Walz is scheduled to host his annual fishing opener event this weekend in Stillwater.
>>Former School Employee Pleads Guilty to Using AI to Produce Sexual Abuse Images of Children
(Minneapolis, MN) — A former employee of North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale School District and Stillwater Area Public Schools has pleaded guilty to federal child exploitation charges involving AI-generated abuse images. Prosecutors say 30-year-old William Haslach used photos of children in his care to create hundreds of morphed images depicting minors in sexually explicit situations between 2021 and 2025. Investigators say there is no evidence that the images were distributed online. Federal authorities have set up a resource page for parents whose children may have been under Haslach’s supervision.
>>Belgrade Couple Killed in SUV vs. Semi Crash in Kandiyohi County
(Regal, MN) –- The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a crash between an S-U-V and a semi in Kandiyohi County that left two people dead. Troopers say the S-U-V and semi collided head-on Wednesday afternoon on Highway 55 near Regal. The report says both occupants of the S-U-V were killed. The victims are identified as 88-year-old Duane and 85-year-old RosellaLieser of Belgrade. Witnesses said their vehicle caught on fire after the collision. The semi driver wasn’t hurt.
>>Farmers Encouraged to Prioritize Mental Health
(Eagan, MN) — The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging farmers and ranchers to prioritize mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month. Farm leaders say agriculture can bring intense stress from uncertain markets, unpredictable weather, and long work hours. MFBF spokeswoman, Amanda Cook of Chisago County, says farmers often focus on the job and forget to take time for themselves during busy seasons. Research shows farmers and rural residents continue to face higher rates of stress, anxiety, and suicide compared to urban populations.
>>Tamarack Nickel Project Moving Forward
(Tamarack, MN) — A proposed copper-nickel mine near the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe reservation is moving forward as state regulators prepare for the next phase of environmental review. The Tamarack Nickel Project, planned near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, has sparked debate over potential impacts to tribal cultural sites, wild rice beds, and fisheries. Supporters point to economic benefits and domestic mineral production. Minnesota officials are expected to open a public comment period in July for residents to weigh in on the project.
>>Duluth Public Schools Shutting Down Several Programs
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth Public Schools are shutting down several programs in the district’s Area Learning Center. This comes as part of the sanctions imposed by the Minnesota Department of Education. These sanctions will take effect on June 30th and include reclassifying the ALC as an alternative learning program. The district’s programs, including the K through eight summer school, will be suspended. Around 500 students take part in the summer school in an average year.
>>Mayor Frey Renominates Minneapolis Police Chief O’Hara
(Minneapolis, MN) – Mayor Jacob Frey is renominating Brian O’Hara as chief of the Minneapolis Police Department. Frey said, “Chief O’Hara is the right leader for this moment and for this city.” A release from the mayor’s office says that since November 2022, Chief O’Hara has led the department through a pivotal period marked by both challenge and transformation. He is credited with his leadership during the Annunciation school shooting and Operation Metro Surge. It is unknown whether Chief O’Hara has enough votes from the Minneapolis City Council to secure a second term.
