>>Boelter Sentencing Set for July
(Minneapolis, MN) — The man who admitted to the fatal shootings of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband will be sentenced next month. Court records show Vance Boelter(bell-ter) is due in federal court in Minneapolis on July 23. Boelter pleaded guilty earlier this month to murder, stalking, and firearms charges for the June 2025 attack that also seriously wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Under his plea agreement, he faces the maximum federal sentence. Separate state murder charges remain pending.
>>Congresswoman Craig Introduces Bill to Codify Voting Rights
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Angie Craig has introduced legislation to codify the right to vote. The Right to Vote Act would protect Americans’ right to vote in federal elections by preventing states from enacting laws that make it harder to cast a ballot. It would also require states seeking to restrict voting access to justify those policy changes. Earlier this month, Craig unveiled a pro-democracy agenda aimed at safeguarding the nation’s elections.
>>Minnesota, 18 Other States Win Election Court Order
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota is one of 19 states that won a court order permanently blocking key provisions of President Trump’s 2025 executive order on elections. The order sought to require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote, restrict the counting of some mailed ballots, and withhold federal funding from states that did not comply. The court sided with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and 18 other attorneys general, ruling the executive order exceeded the President’s authority.
>>New Federal Student Loan Rules Could Affect Minnesota College Students
(Undated) — Students returning to college this fall could see major changes to their federal student loans as new rules take effect July 1st. Rachel Sherlock, Associate Director of Financial Aid at Minnesota State University, Mankato, says students who drop below full-time enrollment may have their annual loan eligibility reduced, potentially creating a funding gap for future semesters. New borrowers entering repayment will also have fewer repayment choices, with just a standard payment plan or a new income-based Repayment Assistance Plan available. Sherlock encourages students and borrowers with questions to contact their college’s financial aid office or visit StudentAid.gov before making enrollment or repayment decisions.
>>State Exports Drop in First Quarter
(St. Paul, MN) — he Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says the state’s exports fell 8 percent to $5.8 billion in the first quarter of this year. Officials say the decline was driven almost entirely by a 628-million-dollar drop in mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada, a trend that’s continued since last year. Excluding those exports, Minnesota’s other international sales actually grew two percent. State officials say ongoing trade uncertainty, including tariffs and strained relationships with key trading partners, continues to weigh on the state’s export economy.
>>Speed Believed Factor in Fatal Duluth Township Crash
(Duluth, MN) — Authorities believe speed was a factor in a fatal single-vehicle crash in Duluth Township late Wednesday night. Police say 24-year-old Zander Hamlin left the roadway, struck a large tree, and spun several times before coming to rest in the road. Despite lifesaving efforts, Hamlin died at the scene. Investigators say he was wearing a seat belt, and alcohol does not appear to have been a factor.
>>Governor Walz Announces 2027 Fishing Opener Site in Cold Spring
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz has announced that the 2027 Governor’s Fishing Opener will be held in Cold Spring on May 14th and 15th. It will be the first time the central Minnesota community has hosted the event. Anglers will fish Long Lake and the connected Sauk River Chain of Lakes in the ROCORI region, known for its lakes, fishing opportunities and public lands. The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a Minnesota tradition since 1948. Next year’s event will mark the 79th opener.
>>House Passes Bill Supporting Native American Small Businesses
(Washington, D.C.) – Native American entrepreneurs could soon receive additional support under legislation led by Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. The House unanimously passed Morrison’s bill, which would ensure Native American small business owners have equal access to federal programs, resources and development opportunities. Morrison says Native American-owned businesses contribute more than $90 billion to the U.S. economy. The measure now heads to the Senate.
>>Staying Safe When Running Outdoors
(Minneapolis, MN) — As temperatures climb, Minnesotans heading out for a run are urged to take extra precautions. University of Minnesota sports medicine physician Dr. David Supik (Soo-Peck) says the safest times to run are early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and the risk of heat illness is lower. He also recommends drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, and listening to your body. On extremely hot or humid days, Supik says it’s smart to move your workout indoors or choose a cross-training activity instead. He says setting realistic goals and sticking to a routine can help runners stay healthy all summer long.
