>>Remembering and Honoring the Hortmans
(St. Paul, MN) — Sunday marked one year since the shootings that forever changed Minnesota politics. Former House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert were killed in a politically motivated attack at their Brooklyn Park home. Tributes from both Democrats and Republicans remembered Hortman for her leadership, compassion, and commitment to public service. Lawmakers also continued to rally around State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who survived being shot by the same gunman and continue to recover from the attack.
>>Minnesota Farmers Could Play Key Role in November Elections
(Undated) — Minnesota farmers could play a major role in this year’s U.S. Senate race. Lieutenant Governor and DFL candidate Peggy Flanagan says many producers tell her they’re simply “hanging in there” as they deal with low commodity prices, rising costs, and the lingering effects of tariffs and trade disputes. Flanagan says farmers shouldn’t bear the burden when politicians clash with international trading partners, and she wants to expand markets for Minnesota agriculture while repairing relationships hurt by trade wars. She also says high healthcare costs remain a major concern in rural communities and is promoting Medicare for All as part of her campaign. Flanagan faces Congresswoman Angie Craig in the August 11th DFL primary.
>>Motorcyclist Injured on Multi-Use Trail
(Aurora, MN) — An off-road motorcycle rider from Hoyt Lakes was injured Sunday afternoon after a crash on the East Range multi-use ATV trail east of Aurora. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the 45-year-old man was traveling westbound near Colby Lake Road when he encountered a side-by-side coming the opposite direction on a narrow curve north of Whitewater Lake. Both drivers tried to avoid each other, but the motorcycle lost control and struck the side-by-side. The motorcyclist was taken to Northern Pines Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say everyone involved was wearing appropriate safety gear.
>>Hector Man Killed in Crash With Semi
(Hector, MN) – A Hector man was killed in a semi-SUV crash in Renville County Friday afternoon. The state patrol says it was reported at 1:13 p.m. on Highway 212, about 2 miles west of Hector. An SUV driven by 33-year-old Blaine Minkel of Hector was westbound on 212, and a semi driven by 50-year-old Zackary Tewes of Rossie was eastbound when they collided. Minkel was killed, and Tewes was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
>>Cirrus Aircraft Added to Pentagon List
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft has been added to a U.S. Department of Defense list of companies linked to China’s military because of its ownership by Chinese state-owned aerospace company AVIC. The designation could prevent Cirrus from receiving new or renewed Defense Department contracts, but it does not impose sanctions or affect commercial aircraft sales. Cirrus employs nearly 1,600 people, most of them in Duluth, and remains one of the Twin Ports’ largest employers. The company also led the nation in general aviation aircraft deliveries for the fourth straight year in 2025.
>>Ely Dedicated Memorial for Fallen Miners
(Ely, MN) — The city of Ely is honoring the 218 miners who lost their lives working in the area’s underground iron ore mines. A dedication ceremony was held Sunday at the historic Pioneer Mine site for the new Ely Miners Memorial, a project more than two decades in the making. Volunteers with the Ely Arts and Heritage Center spent years researching the names and stories of the fallen miners. The first recorded mining death was John E. Ogren, who died in the Chandler Mine in 1889. Organizers say the memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the workers whose sacrifices helped build Ely and shaped Minnesota’s mining heritage.
>>Minnesota to Host 2026 Special Olympics Summer Games
(Undated) — Minnesota is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, and the home team will be hard to miss. Nearly 3,000 athletes from 52 state programs will compete June 20th through the 26th, including the largest delegation, Minnesota’s nearly 300 athletes. Organizers say many of those competitors have spent years training for this moment, often practicing morning and night. The Games will be held at venues across the Twin Cities, including the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine, with opening ceremonies on June 20th at Huntington Bank Stadium featuring performances by Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste.
>>Keep Safety in Mind on Minnesota’s Water Trails
(St. Paul, MN) — The DNR is reminding Minnesotans that preparation is key before hitting the state’s water trails. Officials say paddlers should check river levels, which can change quickly with rainfall, and always wear a life jacket. DNR Water Recreation Consultant Nancy Stewart also recommends reviewing maps, sharing your trip plans with someone you trust, and packing items like sunscreen, proper footwear, and a dry bag. More water trail safety tips are available on the DNR website.
