>>Hoffman Family Speaks After Boelter Guilty Plea
(St. Paul, MN) — The family of State Senator John Hoffman says Vance Boelter’s guilty plea brings accountability, but not justice. In a statement, the family said, “There is no justice for Mark and Melissa Hortman, and there is no justice when our family and our state will never truly heal. While the legal process may provide accountability, true healing requires something more from all of us.” Boelter pleaded guilty to six federal charges connected to the attacks that killed the Hortmans and seriously wounded John and Yvette Hoffman. Prosecutors are recommending two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in prison, with sentencing expected in July.
>>U.S. Senators Honor Melissa and Mark Hortman
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota’s U.S. senators paid tribute to Melissa and Mark Hortman on the Senate floor Thursday, just days before the first anniversary of their deaths. Senator Amy Klobuchar remembered Melissa Hortman as a leader who guided with conviction, humor, and hope, saying no one better exemplified Minnesota’s courage. Senator Tina Smith reflected on what the couple meant to those who knew them, saying her heart remains with their family, friends, and especially their children, Sophie and Colin. Sunday marks one year since the political shootings that shook Minnesota.
>>Missing Alexandria Woman Found Alive After Three Days Trapped in Mud
(Backus, MN) — What began as a routine ATV ride turned into a life-saving rescue for two West Fargo men in northern Minnesota. Authorities say 68-year-old Kathryn Woessner of Alexandria had been missing for three days when the pair discovered her trapped in a mud-filled puddle on a remote trail near Backus. Woessner was dehydrated, severely sunburned, and barely able to call out for help after apparently slipping into what rescuers described as quicksand-like mud. The men pulled her to safety and called 911. Woessner was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
>>Governor Proclaims June Public Service Month in Honor of Hortmans
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed June as Public Service Month to honor the legacy of Melissa and Mark Hortman. Walz is encouraging Minnesotans to give back to their communities as a tribute to the Hortmans’ lifelong commitment to public service. The proclamation also coincides with the creation of the state’s new Office of Public Service, approved in this year’s Jobs and Labor omnibus bill, which will help coordinate volunteer and service opportunities across Minnesota.
>>Flanagan Sees Enthusiasm Building Ahead of Primary
(St. Paul, MN) — With less than two months until Minnesota’s August 11th primary, DFL U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan says she’s seeing an influx of first-time volunteers and campaign supporters. Flanagan says people who have never attended a campaign event before are getting involved because they feel they have to do something. She also says the DFL endorsement still carries weight, pointing to the 600 volunteers who knocked on doors for her campaign last weekend. Flanagan faces Congresswoman Angie Craig in the DFL primary to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith.
>>Spring Turkey Harvest Third Highest
(Undated) — Minnesota hunters harvested 15,245 turkeys during this year’s spring season, the third-highest total on record. That’s down about 10 percent from last year’s record harvest of 16,903 birds. A slight decline in license sales and poor weather early in the season likely contributed to the drop. Despite that, turkey numbers remain strong statewide.
>>No Registration Weekend for ATV Riders
(Undated) — ATV riders can hit Minnesota’s trails without a registration fee this weekend during the DNR’s “No Registration Weekend” on June 13th and 14th. The event gives riders, especially those with out-of-state or agricultural registrations, a chance to explore the state’s trail system at no cost. The DNR encourages beginners to stick to easier routes and reminds all riders to put safety first. More information is available on the DNR website.
>>Farming Ideas Needed for 2027 Minnesota Organic Conference
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is seeking ideas and input for the 2027 Minnesota Organic Conference. Farmers, educators, researchers, and advocates are encouraged to suggest session topics and speakers for the annual event. The conference, which has connected producers with organic farming experts for more than 20 years, is set for January 7th and 8th at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
>>Gophers Athletic Director Coyle Receives Contract Extension
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has approved a two-year contract extension for Athletic Director Mark Coyle, keeping him in the role through June 2032. Coyle has led the Gophers athletic department since 2016, overseeing 22 varsity sports. and more than 600 student-athletes. University officials say Gopher athletics generates an estimated $473 million in annual economic impact and draws more than 1.3 million fans to campus venues each year. Financial terms of the extension were not released.
