>>Mangione Federal Trial Delayed Until January 2027
(Manhattan, NY) — The federal trial of Luigi Mangione in the killing of Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been delayed until January 2027. A federal judge postponed the case to avoid conflicting with Mangione’s state murder trial, which is still set to begin September 8th. Jury selection in the federal case is now scheduled for January 5th, with opening statements on January 25th. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both the state and federal charges stemming from the December 2024 shooting death of Thompson, who led the Minnetonka-based health insurance company. Prosecutors allege Mangione stalked Thompson before the fatal shooting outside a Manhattan hotel. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
>>St. Paul-Based Planned Parenthood Announces Layoffs
(St. Paul, MN) — St. Paul-based Planned Parenthood North Central States is restructuring its operations, laying off 38 employees, offering new positions to 12 others, and eliminating 11 vacant jobs. The organization says rising healthcare costs, unstable funding, and an estimated $7 million in uncompensated care prompted the changes. As part of the restructuring, Iowa’s in-person services will be consolidated in Des Moines, while virtual care will continue statewide. Planned Parenthood says it will continue operating 14 health centers across its five-state region.
>>New Law Requires Schools to Establish Threat Reporting System
(St. Paul, MN) — A new Minnesota law taking effect Wednesday requires every school district and charter school to establish an anonymous threat reporting system designed to help prevent violence. Schools will have one year to adopt a reporting policy and until July 1, 2028, to fully implement it. Districts can either develop their own anonymous reporting system or use the statewide program already available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The law was one of several school safety measures approved during the 2026 legislative session.
>>MPCA Releases 2026 Draft Impaired Waters List
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has released its draft 2026 impaired waters list. This year’s review included the Cannon River, Nemadji (NA-mahd-gee) River, Leech Lake River, and Grand Marais (Muh-ray) Creek watersheds, along with others across the state. Officials say common problems in central and west-central Minnesota include poor habitat, sediment, and excess nutrients that can harm fish and aquatic insects. The MPCA is proposing to add 46 new impaired waters and remove 45 existing impairments, marking significant progress in water restoration. Public comments will be accepted through July 22nd.
>>Birthright Citizenship Rally Planned
(Minneapolis, MN) — Community leaders and immigrant advocates will gather today(4 PM) at Mercado Central in Minneapolis to support birthright citizenship. The rally follows last week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the use of nationwide injunctions, allowing President Trump’s order restricting birthright citizenship to take effect in some parts of the country while court challenges continue. Organizers say they’ll reaffirm that birthright citizenship, guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, has been a cornerstone of American democracy for more than 150 years.
>>Three Killed in Northwestern Wisconsin UTV Crash
(Webster, WI) — Two Minnesotans and an Ohio woman were killed in a UTV crash in northwestern Wisconsin Saturday evening. Authorities say a UTV driven by 69-year-old Gary Shreindl of Anoka failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by a pickup truck northeast of Webster. Shreindl, 68-year-old Constance Klatt of Anoka, and 69-year-old Debra Dye of Lodi, Ohio, died at the scene. The pickup driver, a 21-year-old Webster man, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
>>Longville VFW Raising Money to Restore Veterans’ Grave Markers
(Longville, MN) — A northern Minnesota VFW post is raising money to restore the graves of veterans ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Longville’s VFW Post 772 says 93 veteran grave markers in three area cemeteries have been damaged or shifted over time by weather and age. The organization has launched a GoFundMe campaign to repair, level, and replace the markers, noting that many of the veterans no longer have family members to care for their final resting places. The goal is to preserve their memory and honor their service for future generations.
>>Corps of Engineers Urges July Fourth Safety
(St. Paul, MN) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding Minnesotans to put safety first as they head outdoors for the Fourth of July weekend. Officials urge boaters and swimmers to avoid mixing alcohol with water activities and to wear a properly fitted life jacket. The Corps also warns that long hours on the water can lead to fatigue and slower reaction times. To encourage outdoor recreation, day-use fees at Corps-operated boat launches and swimming beaches will be waived nationwide July 3rd through the 5th. Camping fees are not included.
>>Hennepin County Updating Outdoor Sirens
(Undated) – A project to improve the control system of the largest coordinated outdoor alarm system in Minnesota is underway in Hennepin County. The nearly 300 city-owned sirens countywide will receive new, modernized control systems. Officials say the new system will provide faster, more reliable operating and maintenance data to improve readiness and reliability in emergencies. The new system will take several months of testing, but the old system will still be used during that time.
>>Sid Hartman Inducted into National Sports Media Hall of Fame
(Greensboro, N.C.) — Legendary Minnesota sportswriter and broadcaster Sid Hartman was posthumously inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame Tuesday night. Hartman spent more than 90 years with the Star Tribune, rising from newspaper delivery boy to become one of Minnesota’s most influential sports voices. His son, Chad Hartman, accepted the honor on his father’s behalf, telling the audience he reflected on his father’s passion for journalism and the lasting impact he had on Minnesota sports. Chad also said he hoped his father was somehow part of the special moment. Sid Hartman died in 2020 at the age of 100. The National Sports Media Association also recognized Star Tribune writer Phil Miller as Minnesota Sportswriter of the Year and Minnesota News Network Sports Director Mike Grimm as Minnesota Sportscaster of the Year. Both attended Tuesday night’s ceremony in Greensboro.
