>>Former President Biden Pays Respects to the Hortman Family
(St. Paul, MN) — Former President Joe Biden was among the thousands who paid their respects Friday to DFL House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their golden retriever Gilbert, as they lay in state at the Minnesota Capitol. Hortman is the first woman in the state’s history to receive this tribute. She, her husband, and their dog were fatally shot earlier this month in their Brooklyn Park home in a targeted ambush. Biden also visited State Senator John Hoffman at the hospital. Hoffman and his wife were also shot in their Champlin home on the same day. He remains hospitalized but is reportedly alert and recovering.
>>Hortman’s to be Laid to Rest
(Minneapolis, MN) — A private funeral will be held this morning (10:30) in Minneapolis for DFL House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The couple was shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home earlier this month — a tragedy that’s shaken the state’s political community. Governor Tim Walz called Hortman “a trailblazer and a fierce advocate,” saying her legacy will live on in the laws she helped pass and the lives she touched. Hortman made history this week as the first woman in Minnesota to lie in state at the Capitol.
>>Sherburne County Sheriff Denounces Boelter’s Claims of Poor Jail Conditions
(Elk River, MN) — The suspect in the political assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, fifty-seven-year-old Vance Boelter, claims deplorable jail conditions. Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott says, He’s not in a hotel; he is in jail, and it’s disgusting that he would paint himself as a victim before a federal judge.” Boelter’s hearing was delayed on Friday after he made these claims, which he says have prevented him from sleeping for almost two weeks. Brott says Boelter is on suicide watch and appears to be sleeping when deputies check on him regularly. He says Boelter is offered phone access, a shower, and meals every day in jail.
>>Twin Cities Pride
(Minneapolis, MN) — Pride Month may be wrapping up, but the biggest celebrations in Minnesota are just getting underway. Today (Sat) and tomorrow, the Twin Cities Pride Festival takes over Loring Park in Minneapolis — with more than 650 vendors, live music on three stages, a cannabis garden, and a book fair. And don’t miss the Pride Parade — it steps off Sunday morning at 11. Meanwhile, People’s Pride, which organizers describe as the “non-corporate alternative pride event,” is today(Sat) from 12-4 at Powderhorn Park, also in Minneapolis.
>>Stearns County Rollover Crash Injures 2 People
(Stearns County, MN) — A rollover crash in Stearns County hospitalized two people on Thursday. Deputies responded to the crash near Albany around 6:30 p.m., finding a pickup had left the road, entered a ditch, and rolled. The driver, twenty-one-year-old Diego Sanchez of Long Prairie, suffered minor injuries. His passenger, twenty-year-old Oscar Mendez, also of Long Prairie, sustained a facial laceration and arm injury. Both were taken to Melrose Hospital.
>>Man Charged in Mass Shooting at Boom Island Park
(Minneapolis, MN) — A twenty-three-year-old man faces two counts of second-degree murder and four counts of attempted second-degree murder for a mass shooting in northeast Minneapolis. Zyere Porter is accused of killing one and injuring six others earlier this month at Boom Island Park. The June 1st shooting killed Stageina Whiting, who leaves behind a baby. Court documents say those injured vary in degree, with one victim fully paralyzed and in critical condition. Porter was arrested on Thursday in Spring Lake Park, and his first court appearance is on Monday.
>>Fourth of July Travel Projections
(Minneapolis, MN) — Triple-A Minnesota is forecasting record travel for the Fourth of July weekend. More than 72 million Americans are expected to hit the road or take to the skies, up nearly two million from last year. In our region, about four million people are expected to take road trips of 50 miles or more. That’s 50,000 more than last year. Air travel in Minnesota and the Midwest is expected to decrease slightly, but road traffic is expected to remain busy. AAA urges travelers to plan, allow extra time, and ensure their vehicles are road-ready.
>>Minnesota State Parks Offer Fourth of July Fun — Camping Spots Still Available
(St. Paul, MN) — Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in the great outdoors? Minnesota’s state parks, recreation areas, and trails are ready to welcome visitors with hiking, swimming, picnicking, and serene experiences, free from fireworks. The Department of Natural Resources reports that camping reservations are still available at several parks across the state, making them perfect for a last-minute holiday getaway. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay, Minnesota’s public lands offer a scenic and family-friendly way to enjoy Independence Day.
>>MLB: Twins 4, Tigers 1
(Detroit, MI) — The Minnesota Twins have won three in a row after beating Detroit last night, 4-1. Byron Buxton hit a homer, Brooks Lee had two R-B-I and David Festa pitched five-and-two-thirds (5 2/3) scoreless innings as Minnesota won the opening game of a three-game series in Detroit. Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 12th save. The Twins have won three in a row and are within two games of 500 again, at 40-42. The teams play again this afternoon with Bailey Ober starting for the Twins against Casey Mize for Detroit. First pitch is at 12:10.
>>Minnesota Timberwolves to Sign Naz Reid to 5-Year $125 Extension
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly signing forward Naz Reid to a five-year, $125 million contract extension. Reid had a one-year player option for $15 million dollars for next season, but is expected to turn that down to finalize his new deal. The Wolves’ fan favorite averaged 14 points and six rebounds per game, mainly coming off the bench. Reid was the Sixth Man of the Year in the 2023-2024 season.
>>Minnesota Lynx Outlast Atlanta Dream in Overtime
(College Park, GA) — The Minnesota Lynx needed overtime to get past the Atlanta Dream 96-92 Friday night in Georgia. Napheesa Collier returned after missing two games with a sore back and led Minnesota with 26 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Kayla McBride scored 18, Courtney Williams had 16 points, and Bridget Carleton added 14. The 13-and-2 Lynx play the 2-and-13 Connecticut Sun tomorrow night at Target Center.
