>>Minnesota Senate President Vows to Keep Fighting for ICE Recovery Package
(St. Paul, MN) — Senate President Bobby Joe Champion says he will keep fighting for the passage of an economic recovery package to help Minnesota businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge. A report released by North Star Policy Action shows that the federal immigration operation cost Minnesota’s hospitality industry 4,600 jobs, 2.6 million hours lost by workers who kept their jobs, and $71 million dollars in lost wages. Champion pushed a $100 million economic package through the Senate, but says his effort was killed by House Republicans in the final hours of the legislative session because they demanded changes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.
>>US Senator Smith Opposes ICE Funding Increase
(Washington, DC) — U-S Senator Tina Smith is urging colleagues to reject a Republican-backed spending package that would provide more than $70 billion for ICE and Customs and Border Protection. Smith says Congress should not increase funding until stronger accountability measures are in place, and investigations into the deaths of Minnesotans Alex Pretti and Renée Good are completed. Republicans say ICE and Border Patrol need additional resources to carry out their missions.
>>US House Passes Iran War Powers Resolution
(Washington, DC) — A war powers resolution passed in the U-S House calls for an end to military action against Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats Wednesday in an effort to remove U-S forces from Iran unless Congress votes to declare war. Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum said, “The American people have made clear that they oppose the war with Iran.” The resolution now goes to the U-S Senate where a similar measure passed last month.
>>1st District Candidate Johnson Plans to Hold Town Halls in All 21 Counties
(Rochester, MN) — DFL-endorsed congressional candidate Jake Johnson plans to hold town hall meetings in all 21 counties in the 1st District before the November election. The math teacher from Rochester says his campaign is generating a lot of “energy” and “enthusiasm” across southern Minnesota. Johnson said, “It’s reflected in the conversations we’re having with our neighbors focused on affordability, and tackling corruption, and investing in our small towns.” Johnson is challenging Republican Congressman Brad Finstad.
>>Groundbreaking in Litchfield for Plant That Converts Waste into Renewable Energy
(Litchfield, MN) — There’s a groundbreaking ceremony today (Thurs ) in Litchfield for a facility that will convert waste into renewable energy. Vanguard Renewables will operate the anaerobic digesting plant, and the energy will be delivered to CenterPoint Energy customers in Minnesota. Officials say the facility will divert more than 300 tons of organic waste from landfills a day and convert it into enough renewable energy to meet the needs of around 53 hundred homes. he plant is being built at Wagner Dairy farm.
>>PACER Center Names New Executive Director
(Minneapolis, MN) — PACER Center, a Minnesota nonprofit that helps families of children with disabilities navigate special education, assistive technology, and bullying prevention resources, is naming Heather Powell as its next executive director. Powell will begin the role June 22nd, succeeding Tonia Teasley, who retired in March. PACER officials say Powell’s background in education and disability advocacy aligns closely with the organization’s mission. Founded in 1977, PACER serves Minnesota families with children and young adults with disabilities from birth through age 26.
>>Authorities Working to ID Body Found in Mississippi River in Hastings
(Hastings, MN) — The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to identify a body found floating in the Mississippi River Sunday in Hastings. Dakota County dispatch received a report of a body in the river just north of the confluence with the St. Croix River. Water patrol officers from Dakota County and Pierce County, Wisconsin recovered the body. Investigators aren’t releasing any other information but say there is no threat to the public.
>>Farmington Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Murder of Wife
(Hastings, MN) — A Farmington man will spend up to two decades in prison for the attempted murder of his wife. Prosecutors say 53-year-old Mehdi Badaoui received a 240-month sentence in Dakota County after pleading guilty in March to first-degree attempted murder. Badaoui repeatedly stabbed his wife during an April 2025 domestic violence incident, causing life-threatening injuries. County Attorney Kathy Keena called the attack a brutal act of domestic violence and said the sentence reflects a commitment to victims and accountability.
>>Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Deer Collision Near Perham
(Perham, MN) — A motorcyclist is seriously injured after colliding with a deer Wednesday afternoon in Otter Tail County south of Perham. Authorities say the rider sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to a hospital. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office says the crash remains under investigation.
>>Lynx Guard Miles Named WNBA Rookie of the Month
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota Lynx point guard Olivia Miles is being honored as the W-B-N-A Rookie of the Month for May. Miles led all rookies in scoring with 15.4 points, 5.9 point assists, and 1.5 steals per game. The Lynx drafted Miles number-two overall out of T-C-U. Miles helped Minnesota to a league-best 6-2 record last month. The Lynx open a three-game homestand tonight (Thurs) against the Golden State Valkyries.
