>>Governor Walz Won’t Endorse in 2026 Senate Primary
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz says he won’t endorse a candidate in Minnesota’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Congresswoman Angie Craig are both vying for the seat currently held by retiring Senator Tina Smith. Walz says he’ll wait until after the D-F-L primary to back the party’s nominee. Senators Smith and Amy Klobuchar also plan to stay neutral until the August primary next year.
>>Rep. Koznick: $93 Million Tax Shift to Met Council Deserves Public Hearing
(St. Paul, MN) — As lawmakers prepare for a special session to finalize Minnesota’s budget, some Republicans are raising red flags over a lack of public input on significant transportation shifts. House Transportation Committee co-chair Jon Koznick of Lakeville says over $93 million in sales tax revenue is being transferred to the Metropolitan Council without hearings or public testimony. He’s calling for at least one public hearing and a full committee review. Koznick says Minnesotans deserve transparency, especially when new taxes, like one on E-V charging, are being added behind closed doors.
>>MDH Warns of Impact on Diabetes & Heart Programs from Federal Budget Cuts
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Health says proposed federal budget cuts could threaten its diabetes and heart health programs. The agency relies heavily on federal grants, and without them, layoffs and program closures may follow. M-D-H reports 60% of Minnesota adults have a chronic condition, and more than 10% have diabetes.
>>Air Quality Alert in Effect for Northern Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — An air quality alert remains in effect for northern Minnesota until 7 pm today (Fri) due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says some areas may reach “red” A-Q-I levels—unhealthy for all—while much of northern Minnesota will see “orange” levels, unhealthy for sensitive groups. No burning permits will be issued, and campfires are discouraged.
>>Man Dies Cliff Jumping in Iron Range Mine Pit
(Gilbert, MN) — A man is dead after cliff jumping into a mine pit Thursday afternoon on the Iron Range near Gilbert. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a man who had been cliff jumping was missing. Multiple law enforcement agencies did an extensive search and the 27-year-old man from the Virginia area was found dead in the water. The incident remains under investigation.
>>Woman Arrested for Arson in Beltrami County House Fire
(Bemidji, MN) — Authorities in Beltrami County say a woman is under arrest for an alleged arson fire near Bemidji. First responders found a mobile home fully engulfed in flames early Thursday. Deputies say two people inside were able to get out safely. Investigators say they determined the fire had been intentionally ignited. The female suspect was arrested without incident at a residence in Bemidji.
>>Man Found Unresponsive in Vehicle on Douglas County Road
(Garfield, MN) — A man is hospitalized in Alexandria after suffering an apparent medical incident in his vehicle Thursday morning near Garfield. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says the 72-year-old man was found unresponsive behind the wheel in the middle of a county road. Deputies had break out a window to begin providing first aid. The driver was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Authorities have not released his current medical condition.
>>Former Minnesota Resident Missing in Peru
(St. Paul, MN) — A St. Paul woman is seeking help to locate her former husband, a professional mountaineer who went missing while climbing in Peru. Edson Vandeira, originally from Brazil and a former Minnesota resident, was one of three climbers on Artesonraju Mountain—one of the most challenging peaks in the Peruvian Andes. The group didn’t return on June 1st. Natalia Mossmann of St. Paul says she launched a GoFundMe to support urgent rescue efforts involving local climbers, police, and guides. She says high-altitude rescues require specialized equipment, food, and intense coordination.
>>Take a Kid Fishing Weekend Starts Today
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s Take a Kid Fishing Weekend kicks off today(Fri) and runs through Sunday. Minnesota adults can fish without a license, provided they bring a child aged 15 or younger along. Kids under 16 can fish year-round without a license, but all fishing rules still apply. The weekend is part of Great Outdoors Month, with state leaders urging Minnesotans to enjoy the health benefits of outdoor fun. You can fish without a license in most state parks—no trout stamp needed.
