>>Walz Predicts Special Legislative Session for Middle of Next Week
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz now says the earliest he can call a special legislative session will be the middle of next week. The budget deals in a few working committees are still not finished. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth says House lawmakers are finding common ground. She says, “We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but we’ve worked together very well. So that work is continuing.” Demuth says she’s optimistic the work will be finished soon, and they can move on to the special session. The deadline to avoid a state government shutdown is June 30th.
>>U of M Infectious Disease Expert Rips New COVID Vaccine Guidance
(Minneapolis, MN) — University of Minnesota infectious disease expert Doctor Michael Osterholm is criticizing federal health officials for no longer recommending healthy children and pregnant women receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Osterholm said, “We surely encourage vaccination of children and pregnant women, but no one has ever suggested to be mandated. And what has happened now, however, is the fact that we see that we’re actually prohibiting individuals from getting these vaccines.” He says the recommendation by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Junior isn’t supported by science. Osterholm warns these new COVID vaccine guidelines set a dangerous precedent.
>>Former National Security Advisor Sullivan Speaking at U of M Next Thursday
(Minneapolis, MN) — Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is visiting the University of Minnesota next week. The Southwest High School graduate and Minneapolis native will talk about the Biden administration’s policies and future of America on the World stage June 5th at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Sullivan served as President Biden’s national security advisor from 2021 until 2025 and held several positions in the Obama administration. He’s meeting with honor students from Southwest High School before the event.
>>Police Looking for Vehicle That Hit 2 Pedestrians near State Fairgrounds
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Authorities are investigating a hit-and-run crash near the State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights that left two pedestrians severely injured. St. Anthony police are asking for help identifying the suspect vehicle that hit the two people late Wednesday night. Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening, but severe injuries. Officers are looking for late 1990s or early 2000s Buick LeSabre with damage to the front passenger side. The vehicle was spotted after the crash near Rosedale Mall. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Anthony Police Department.
>>Missing 20-Year-Old Brooklyn Park Woman
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — Police in Brooklyn Park are searching for a missing woman. Officers say 20-year-old Precious Urrutia was last seen Wednesday afternoon. She’s described as Indigenous, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs around 200 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes. Urrutia was last seen wearing a maroon and cream-colored varsity jacket and black leggings. There’s concern for her safety.
>>MDH Launches Stay-Cool MN Campaign
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Health is launching a statewide campaign to help protect Minnesotans from extreme heat. According to the M-D-H, extreme heat claims more lives in the U-S than tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding combined. The Stay-Cool MN campaign encourages Minnesotans to follow these tips to stay safe when it is hot outside: Stay hydrated, Stay informed, and Stay cool. Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed May 30th Extreme Heat Awareness Day.
>>Hormel Canned Beef Stew Recall
(Austin, MN) — Austin-based Hormel Foods is recalling over 250,000 pounds of canned beef stew. Federal health officials have issued this nationwide recall due to potential contamination with wood fragments. The affected products include 20-ounce cans of “Dinty Moore Beef Stew,” which have a “FEB 2028” best-by date printed on them. Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness, consumers who have this product at home are advised to either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.
>>Four Newspapers in Northwest Minnesota Close
(Undated) — Four newspapers in the northwest part of the state have ceased their printing operations. The Leader Record, Grygla Eagle, Red Lake County Herald, and McIntosh Times are all shutting down. The decision followed months of discussions and financial evaluations. According to the Star Tribune, the four publications had a combined total of approximately 25,000 subscribers.
>>Undefeated Minnesota Lynx Play the Mercury in Phoenix
(Phoenix, AZ) — The unbeaten Minnesota Lynx play the Phoenix Mercury tonight (Fri 9pm) in Arizona. The Lynx improved to 5-and-0 with an 82-77 win over the Seattle Storm Tuesday at Target Center. All-Star forward Napheesa Collier is listed as questionable with a sore knee. The Mercury have a 4-and-1 record following a 94-89 home victory against the Chicago Sky. Minnesota heads to San Francisco on Sunday to take on the Golden State Valkyries.
