>>Minnesota Senate Approves $100 Million to Assist Businesses Impacted by ICE Surge
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Senate is approving a 100-million-dollar recovery bill to help businesses impacted by federal immigration operations around the state. The bill gives 100% forgivable loans to businesses who suffered a loss of revenue of 30 percent or greater. Senate President Bobby Joe Champion said, ” As state senators, we should work on behalf of all Minnesotans regardless of their political affiliation because they’re human begins with dreams with aspirations.” Republican Carla Nelson of Rochester says the money could be better spent. She asked members, “What could that 100 million dollars do to help with uncompensated care that one of our hospitals is dealing with right now.” The bill passed the Senate on a 35-31 vote. The House has a similar bill that hasn’t come to the floor yet.
>>Minnesota Senate Passes Ban on Prediction Markets
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill passed by the Minnesota Senate bans gambling on everything from elections to sporting events. The measure authored by D-F-L Senator John Marty of Roseville would ban prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. Marty says prediction markets try to skirt around state gambling bills by claiming that they are future contracts, not bets. Minnesota has not legalized any form of online sports betting or online casino gambling. The bill passed the Senate 56-10. It’s now waiting for the House to take action on the legislation.
>>GOP Delegation Urges Walz to Support Funding For Outdate County IT Systems
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota’s Republican congressional delegation is urging Governor Walz to fund upgrades to the state’s aging county systems for administering public assistance programs. In a joint letter, Representatives Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, Michelle Fischbach, and Brad Finstad say outdated technology is making it harder for counties to manage Medicaid and SNAP benefits efficiently. They point to systems like MAXIS, which dates back to 1989, and argue upgrades are needed to reduce errors and prevent fraud. The Republican lawmakers say funding could come from state resources or federal grants, especially as new requirements emphasize program integrity. The governor’s office has not yet responded publicly to the letter.
>>Police in St. Paul Investigating Fourth Homicide of 2026
(St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a deadly shooting Thursday night in the downtown area. Officers say a man called 9-1-1 to report he had been shot and paramedics treated him at the scene. The victim was taken to Regions Hospital where he died a short time later. Investigators are trying to determine what led to the shooting and looking for suspects. This is the fourth homicide of the year in Minnesota’s capital city.
>>Pine River Couple Facing New Charges in Daughter’s Death
(Pine River, MN) — A Pine River couple is facing new charges in the 2025 death of their 10-year-old daughter. Cass County prosecutors say Darcy and Heather Cross are now charged with second-degree murder without intent and wrongfully obtaining assistance, adding to earlier manslaughter and child neglect charges. The couple is accused of exaggerating their daughter’s medical needs to collect roughly $20,000 a year in state benefits from 2022 to 2025. Investigators say the girl was found unresponsive in a safety bed inside the home, surrounded by unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Authorities say concerns grew after her condition did not match what had been reported to schools and care providers.
>>Otter Tail County Home Lost in Fire
(Otter Tail County, MN) — Authorities in Otter Tail County are investigating a fire that left a home completely destroyed Thursday afternoon. By the time crews arrived, the residence was fully involved and ultimately deemed a total loss. Firefighters from Pelican Rapids, Elizabeth, and Rothsay responded alongside the State Fire Marshal’s Office. No word yet on a cause.
>>Forest Restoration Efforts Underway in Northeastern Minnesota
(Duluth, MN) — Reforestation efforts are underway in northeastern Minnesota as crews work to restore areas burned by last year’s wildfires. In St. Louis County, forestry officials oversaw the planting of 40,000 red and white pine seedlings across nearly 50 acres of land impacted by the Munger Shaw Fire. The fire burned about 1,600 acres near Cotton in May 2025 and forced evacuations as it spread through dry forest conditions. Officials say planting long-lived species like pine will help create a more resilient forest and reduce future wildfire risk.
>>MnDOT Launches “On My Way” Safety Campaign for Schools
(Undated) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is rolling out a new campaign to help schools teach bike and pedestrian safety. The program, called On My Way, was created after a 2023 state law required schools to cover those topics. MnDOT spokesman Joseph Palmersheim says the materials are designed to be easy for educators to use and engaging for students of all ages. The campaign includes videos, lesson plans, slide decks, and activities. More information is available on MnDOT’s website.
>>Wild and Timberwolves Advance to Second Round of Playoffs with Game 6 Wins
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Wild and Timberwolves are both advancing to the second round of round of the playoffs. The Wild skated past the Stars 5-2 last night in Game 6 of their first-round series at Grand Casino Arena. Quinn Hughes scored twice and Matt Boldy had a pair of empty-net goals. Minnesota will face Colorado in the next round. The Wolves topped the Nuggets 110-98 in Game 6 at Target Center. Jaden McDaniels had 32 points and ten rebounds and Terrance Shannon added 24 points. Minnesota will meet San Antonio in the Western Conference semifinals.
