The Minnesota DFL held its endorsement convention in Rochester, while the Minnesota GOP decamped to Duluth for its event, both of which were conducted over the course of Friday and Saturday.

The headline endorsements were for Governor, with Amy Klobuchar backed for the DFL and Lisa Demuth for the GOP, while Peggy Flanagan won the DFL endorsement for U.S. Senate – all-but-confirmed when Angie Craig decided to skip the convention – and Adam Schwarze won the GOP nod.

Among the notable developments from Saturday's proceedings came at the Minnesota GOP convention, where delegates held a moment's silence for convicted murderer Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd in 2020 and who continues to serve his prison sentence.

At the Minnesota DFL convention, tribute was paid to Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, just under a year after they were assassinated by an extremist gunman at their home in Brooklyn Park.

Here's who each party endorsed for this year's elections:

Governor

DFL – Amy Klobuchar

From the moment she entered the race in the wake of Gov. Tim Walz announcing would not stand for re-election, Amy Klobuchar has seemingly been a shoo-in or the DFL endorsement.

The former Hennepin County Attorney won election to the U.S. Senate in 2006, and has comfortably won re-election three times. Each time she has proven adept at drawing votes from across the state – most recently beating Royce White in 2024 by 15 points.

But it remains to be seen whether her moderate credentials will inspire progressives in Democratic strongholds, and while she won the endorsement on Saturday, there was plenty of support at the DFL convention for progressive candidate Kobey Layne.

During her acceptance speech, Klobuchar vowed a "transformative" governorship that prioritizes affordability and healthcare access, and criticized the actions of ICE agents and the Trump administration's handling of the economy.

GOP – Kendall Qualls

On a frantic day at the GOP convention, Qualls emerged as the victor after 10 rounds of voting despite trailing House Speaker Lisa Demuth during the early proceedings. The advantage shifted to Qualls after the fourth round, when third choice MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell was dropped from the race, with many of his supporters giving Qualls their backing.

There were concerns about the legitimacy of the votes taken in some of the rounds, with technological issues reportedly impacting some of the ballot clickers. Lindell is expected to run against him in the August primary, and Demuth has not ruled out the possibility either amid the uncertainty over Saturday's vote.

Qualls is an Army veteran and a former health care executive who unsuccessfully ran for the GOP nomination in 2022, and also lost in the 2020 U.S. House 3rd District election to Democrat Dean Phillips. running mate, businessman Brian Nicholson, has come under scrutiny

In his acceptance speech, Qualls called for unity from the Republican Party to battle a DFL party he referred to as "Marxists and socialists." While he is making fraud a major part of his campaign, his running mate Brian Nicholson has come under scrutiny due to a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging financial misconduct.

U.S. Senate

DFL – Peggy Flanagan

Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor will head to a primary battle with Rep. Angie Craig with the backing of the DFL. Craig announced earlier this week that she would be skipping the DFL convention and heading straight to the primary.

Flanagan has served as Walz's deputy since he entered office in 2019, having previously served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for four years. As well as the DFL endorsement, Flanagan has also been endorsed by retiring Sen. Tina Smith, whose seat she would take should she win in November.

She vowed to take the fight to President Trump, saying: "Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans don’t give a damn about you. But we got here because too many Democrats have been weak."

GOP – Adam Schwarze

Schwarze won the endorsement at Friday's convention, but may still face a competitive primary with runner-up Michele Tafoya, who has previously suggested she will still run for the GOP nomination, and Royce White, who finished third at the convention.

The former Navy SEAL has set himself as an unwavering supporter of President Donald Trump, whereas Tafoya said appealing to more centrist and independent voters was the path to victory.

Schwarze said Republicans "don't have to compromise on values" to win their first statewide election since 2006, and also called for "fighters ... charging the hill to support [Trump's] agenda."

Attorney General

DFL – Keith Ellison

Ellison is seeking a third term as Minnesota Attorney General at a time where he and other Democratic AGs have been attempting to protect and push back on controversial policies enacted by the Trump administration over the past 18 months.

A civil rights lawyer by profession, Ellison served in the Minnesota House and the U.S. House – the latter for a dozen years – before being elected as AG in 2018. He was narrowly re-elected in 2022, beating Jim Schultz by .87% of the vote. However, the electoral conditions at the time – amidst spiking inflation and during a Democratic presidency – were more favorable to Republicans.

This time he enters the race in a kinder environment for Democrats, but at a time when the handling of public program fraud remains among the highest priorities. Ellison's office has led numerous high-profile fraud and criminal prosecutions during his tenure, but he could find himself vulnerable to oversight failures during Gov. Walz's tenure.

GOP –Ron Schutz

Schutz received unanimous endorsement of Republican delegates to take on Ellison, with GOP chairman Alex Plechash saying he will "put Minnesota families, victims, taxpayers, and law enforcement first."

Schutz has a served four years in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. and has a lengthy resume as a trial lawyer, serving as the chairman of Robins Kaplan LLP from 2019 to 2024, leaving to run for AG after 38 years at the company. He is also the former chair of right-wing, Minnesota-based think tank the Center for the American Experiment.

While Democrats are facing potential headwinds due to public program fraud, Republicans will face questions over the wider legal controversies generated by unprecedented actions taken by the Trump administration, which included the brutal months-long immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities that resulted in two people being killed and hundreds more detained seemingly without cause.

Secretary of State

DFL – Steve Simon

Simon is bidding for another term as Minnesota's Secretary of State at a time the Trump administration is attempting to restrict voting access, challenge long-held voting rights, and re-draw districts in an attempt to retain its Republican majority in the House.

The DFL describes Simon as "Minnesota's firewall against extremists," praising his efforts to maximize election participation in a state that typically has one of the highest turnouts in the country. Simon has also resisted the Trump administration's efforts to gain access to Minnesota's voter rolls.

GOP – Tad Jude

Jude spent 16 years in the Minnesota Legislature, first in the House and then the Senate, between 1973 and 1989, making history as the youngest ever to ascend to the Legislature when he won election in 1972 at the age of 20.

In its endorsement for the 73-year-old from Maple Grove, the Minnesota GOP said Jude will ensure that "every legal vote counts," continuing the party's wider claims of widespread voter fraud that has never been proven despite numerous investigations.

State Auditor

(Note: The Minnesota State Auditor's Office oversees local government spending in Minnesota. Responsibility for state government spending oversight typically lies with the Office of the Legislative Auditor and the Legislative Budget Office).

DFL – Zack Filipovich

The DFL selected Filipovich as their endorsed candidate to replace Julie Blaha, who has decided not to run after serving two terms as state auditor. He beat Tonka Bay Mayor Adam Jennings and St. Cloud State Rep. Dan Wolgamott to the endorsement.

A former Duluth City Council member, Filipovich is a Certified Management Accountant with more than 14 years experience in finance, currently working as the finance manager for the Northspan Group, a community and economic development consulting firm

GOP – Nate George

George is currently serving as the Mayor of Braham, a small city of 1,850 in east-central Minnesota, and as the Director of Licensing & Investigations for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority.

He cites his experience overseeing financial management in both his elected and professional roles, taking credit for turning around Braham's finances. Also a combat veteran, he won the endorsement with 76.8% of first ballot votes.

How’s the MNGOP convention going?

MNGOP: pic.twitter.com/zIZ2V1UOSE

— Michael Holmstrom (@MichaelH_MN) May 31, 2026

Although the endorsement is official, electronic voting issues caused problems earlier in the day, leading House Speaker Lisa Demuth to question the legitimacy of the results. According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Demuth criticized the accuracy of the electronic system after "anomalies" were found on two ballots. Before the convention, Demuth said she would drop out of the race without the Republican party's endorsement.

According to KSTP's Tom Hauser, the electronic voting issues first arose on the sixth ballot, which is precisely when Demuth went from being in the lead on the first five ballots, to trailing Qualls.

"The convention is in near meltdown mode over questions regarding electronic voting system. The total number of voters dropped by several hundred between ballots #4 and #5. Demuth went from the lead to slightly behind Qualls. No results from #6 in more than 2 hours," Hauser reported.

"The voting machines broke down, so they say. They've had problems with them for two days," said MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, whose bid for governor hasn't received support from the Republican Party. "Pretty easy solution: paper ballots, hand-counted."

Breaking news!! The voting machines "malfunctioned" at the Minnesota convention! pic.twitter.com/zd5EFLmWlI

— Mike Lindell (@realMikeLindell) May 30, 2026

According to reporters at the convention in Duluth, a motion to move to paper ballots failed ahead of an eighth ballot.

To receive the endorsement, a candidate needed to receive 60% of the vote. They continue voting until there's a winner, and Qualls jumped to 59% on the eighth ballot, compared to 38% for Demuth. He stayed at 59% on the ninth ballot before winning on the 10th.

MNGOP: The two remaining candidates for GOP governor endorsement just spoke to delegates. Kendall Qualls accused “corrupt St. Paul swamp” for trying to create issues and delays because of electronic voting issues.
Demuth responds by saying “election integrity matters.” @KSTP pic.twitter.com/BZ9YuGcrFb

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) May 30, 2026

Qualls now has the GOP's full support against U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who won the DFL endorsement and has selected former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schrierer as her running mate. Klobuchar is the heavy favorite to win the governorship on Aug. 11 and push the streak of a Democrat residing in the governor's mansion to 20 years.

Meanwhile, former Duluth city councilor Zack Filipovich won the DFL endorsement for state auditor on the second ballot. He ousted Tonka Bay Mayor Adam Jennings, and Rep. Dan Wolgamott, who was dropped after receiving only 3.2% of the vote on the first ballot.

zack filipovich speaks to the minnesota DFL convention after winning the party’s endorsement for state auditor, with his parents and wife in the front row

huge congrats to @Flip_1776!! let’s win this!!! pic.twitter.com/WrfDFCckKs

— taylr (@taylr) May 31, 2026

“Zack Filipovich won this endorsement by traveling the state and sharing his vision for transparent and accountable local government,” said DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom, in a statement. “With his background in accounting, Zack will strengthen public trust and improve oversight of our taxpayer dollars at the most local level. Working families will be better off with Zack in the Auditor’s office."

A standout point guard for Cretin-Derham Hall High School in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Sweeney was teammates with future MLB Hall of Famer Joe Mauer. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for one season before transferring to St. Thomas, where he played from 2002 to 2006 and was a two-time All-MIAC point guard in his final two seasons.

Throwing back to the Sean Sweeney days

Congrats on being named the @OrlandoMagic Head Coach and good luck in Game 7 tonight!#RollToms | #USST pic.twitter.com/DNLBILuroJ

— St. Thomas Men’s Basketball (@TommieMBBall) May 30, 2026

Sweeney's NBA career began as a video coordinator with the New Jersey Nets in 2011. He remained with the franchise as it moved to Brooklyn and was promoted to assistant coach under Jason Kidd during the 2013-14 season. Sweeney then followed Kidd to Milwaukee and spent four years as an assistant with the Bucks before spending three years as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons. He then reunited with Kidd again for four years with the Dallas Mavericks before being hired by the Spurs as their associate head coach last offseason.

Now Sweeney, who turns 42 this summer, will get his first opportunity to lead an NBA team. He'll join the Magic upon the conclusion of the Spurs' season, which will either end in Saturday's night Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals or after a trip to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.

The Magic recently fired head coach Jamahl Mosely after their third consecutive loss in the first round of the playoffs. Mosley had been their coach since 2021. Orlando has lost each of its last seven playoff series, last advancing past the first round under Stan Van Gundy and prime Dwight Howard in 2010.

Sweeney is the first NBA head coach born in Minnesota since Medina native Ryan Saunders, son of the late Flip Saunders, led the Timberwolves from 2019-21. Other former NBA head coaches born in Minnesota include Kevin McHale and Dave Joerger.

Local concert series and outdoor events are starting to fill the calendar.

Add in the arrival of Prince Celebration 2026, and it's a packed week filled with iconic voices, punk heroes, and one-of-a-kind shows.

Here are the concerts to catch this week around the Twin Cities.

Prince Celebration 2026 w/ Chaka Khan, Morris Day, and others

Wednesday, June 3–Sunday, June 7 at various locations

The annual celebration of Prince's music runs from June 3–7, filled with exhibitions, film screenings, panels, and live music. This year's big attractions, at least in terms of live music, include a kickoff concert at First Avenue featuring Chaka Khan.

On June 5, the Armory hosts the Prince Celebration of Life 10th Year Anniversary Concert, which features the first-ever collaboration between members of Prince's NPG and the Revolution. Guest artists include Morris Day, Miguel, Tevin Campbell, Bilal, and Kat Graham.

The following day is the festival's only free event, a sing-along and block party held in downtown Minneapolis near the Prince Mural. In addition to the two-hour sing-along, there will be performances from Shelby J, Jada LaFrance, CeeLo Green, and Kris Kollins, who plays The Kid in the new "Purple Rain" stage musical.

Alice Bag Band

Wednesday, June 3 at Cloudland Theater

Alice Bag formed The Bags with Patricia Morrison in 1977. The group was foundational to the burgeoning Los Angeles punk scene. A child of Mexican immigrants, Bag was an electric stage presence who was already breaking the mold in a scene that prided itself on, well, breaking the mold.

The Bags were short-lived, but Bag kept making music through the 80s before taking a break from public performances. In 2016, she dropped her debut solo album. Since then, she's kept up a steady stream of creative output. Bag recently announced that her upcoming tour with the Alice Bag Band, which starts in Minneapolis, will be that group's final trek. Somehow, it'll be her first Twin Cities performance.

A night earlier, the post-grunge rockers behind "Possum Kingdom," The Toadies, will headline First Avenue with Local H and Vandoliers.

Mantis: 'You Get Lost' album release

Wednesday, June 3 at Berlin

The relatively new ambient jazz trio from Eau Claire is celebrating the release of their engrossing new record, "You Get Lost." Led by guitarist Scott Burton, the trio draws influence from forward-thinking performers like Anthony Braxton, as well as hip-hop and electronic music. The trio also includes Bon Iver and Bizhiki multi-instrumentalist S. Carey and veteran bassist Jeremy Boettcher.

On Thursday and Friday, 84-year-old blues icon Taj Mahal will make a two-night stand at The Dakota.

On the other side of the Mississippi, Jonathan Biss will start a three-night run with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, performing Schumann's Piano Concerto, along with works by György Kurtág, Augusta Read Thomas, and Clara Schumann. The first night's show will be at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, while the next two nights will be at the Ordway Concert Hall.

Caterwaul 2026 w/ Dazzling Killmen, Mike Watt, Didjits

Friday, June 5–Sunday, June 7 at Zhora Darling

The annual festival is heading to Zhora Darling this year, with a lineup that fully encompasses its reputation for bringing together punk, metal, noise, hip-hop, and post-punk acts. Among this year’s attractions are the driving Dazzling Killmen (who sold out their late 2025 gig at Cloudland Theater), the reunited ‘80s punk group Didjits, and Mike Watt and the Missingmen, a project of the titular Minutemen bassist.

The three-day fest will have stages indoors and outdoors and will also feature sets from Rye Coalition, Stress Positions, Great Falls, Heet Deth, Point Line Plane, and others. It’ll certainly have the well-curated chaos that Caterwaul has delivered each year since 2020.

The Last Dinner Party

Friday, June 5 at Palace Theatre

The fist-pump-inducing U.K. art rockers were inescapable after their 2024 breakout, “Prelude to Ecstacy." Last fall’s “From the Pyre” got a similar reaction. So, unsurprisingly, their stature has grown since they last passed through the Twin Cities at First Avenue in 2024. Their soaring melodies and boisterous stage energy will fit nicely at the Palace. 

Additionally, $1 from every t-shirt sold is going to the Ally Coalition, “supporting LGBTQ youth across the country.”

Turn Turn Turn will head to the Cedar Cultural Center on Friday for the group's first full-band show since releasing their third LP, "All Hat, No Cattle."

On Saturday, the rodeo is heading to Surly Brewing Festival Field. The Minneapolis Rodeo is the first PRCA Pro Rodeo and music fest in the Twin Cities, and will feature sets from Nikki Lane, The Cactus Blossoms, Mike Marks, The Gringos, and others.

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Noise Party 14

Sunday, June 7 at The Cedar Cultural Center

The 14th edition of Noise Party is emblematic of what the series has been doing since it was founded. The experimental music shows are beloved for thoughtful curation and enveloping performances. While the headlining names may be unfamiliar this go-round, the musicians involved in those groups are not.

The show includes Bizlang (Alana Horton, aka alone-a, and Christian Erickson), Dracula Gril! (Alan Sparhawk and Haley Fohr), Robert Lehmann and Toby Ramaswamy, Shahghasemi/Ylvisaker (Jeremy and Max Ylvisaker and Aida Shahghasemi), Starflower (Ross Clowser, Anna Dolde, and Toby Ramaswamy), and (t)rust (Papa Mbye and Collin Weiland). There will also be visuals from artist Shane Donahue.

In St. Paul, Grand Old Day returns with lots of food and free concerts, including sets from Gully Boys, The Plastic Constellations, Thomas Sticha, Bunny Blood, and Obi Original & the Black Atlantics.

Concerts on Monday, June 1

• Stella Cole at The Dakota
• Alec Collins with Brother Wonder at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Metal Monday at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Roe Family Singers at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Tuesday, June 2

• Toadies with Local H and Vandoliers at First Avenue
• Mac Saturn at Turf Club
• Vincen García at The Dakota
• By Storm with Lerado Khalil at 7th St. Entry
• Vincent García at The Dakota
• Mark Winters with Sylvia Dieken and Reese Glover at Pilllar Forum
• Martin Kember and The Unit: “Purple Musicology” at Green Room
• Thomas Sticha at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• MPLS Fonk at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Sawtooth Witch with Desdamona and Mike Michel of the Orange Goodness at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Wednesday, June 3

• Prince Celebration Kick-Off Party with Chaka Khan and DJ Lenka Paris at First Avenue
• Alice Bag Band with Clickbait and Buio Omega at Cloudland Theater
• Mantis album release at Berlin
• Livingston Taylor at The Dakota
• Smokedope2016 with Ghostfacekush and Bartesianwater at Varsity Theater
• Cruvell album release with Marzanna, Chuck Love, Gucci Snotrag, Kid Cuisine, and Sassy G at 7th St. Entry
• Buckls with Slash Fire and Duck Bomb at Pilllar Forum
• Sun Wave Mountain Cave feat. Paper Beast and Renegade Escape at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Align, Utility, and Lovely Dark at Zhora Darling
• Seje and St. Anthony Mann at Icehouse
• The Second Stringers at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Joey Thursday at The White Squirrel Bar (free)

Concerts on Thursday, June 4

• Phantom Planet and Augustana at Varsity Theater
• Dwight Yoakam at Treasure Island Event Center
• Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band at The Dakota
• SPCO: Jonathan Biss Plays Schumann’s Piano Concerto at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
• Moon Walker with Super Cassette at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Shordie Shordie with hoodtrophy at Fine Line
• Gold Minefield album release with Channy Leaneagh at Berlin
• The Menagerie with Toadstool, Agony in the Living Room, and Milk at 7th St. Entry
• Leo Middea at Icehouse
• Satsang (solo) with Joey Harkum (solo) at Turf Club
• Weeklong Weekend with Gauze and Crash House at Pilllar Forum
• Josh Cleveland Band album release with Haley Rydell at Granada Theater
• ANTrio Jazzologists at Zen Arcade
• Jeremy Elijah and Lauren Whalen at Aster Cafe
• Micah Schnabel and Vanessa Jean Speckman with the Right Here and Car Spiders at Cloudland Theater
• Dr. Mambo’s Combo, Purple Funk Metropolis, Lips Speak Louder at Mears Park (free)
• The Current Happy Hours presents Hiss Golden Messenger at Surly Brewing (free)
• Emmy Woods at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Switching Fields with LongView and Bookowski at The White Squirrel Bar (free)

Concerts on Friday, June 5

• Prince Celebration of Life 10th Year Anniversary Concert feat. members of NPG and The Revolution with Bilal, Morris Day, Tevin Campbell, Miguel, and Kat Graham at The Armory
• The Last Dinner Party with Automatic at Palace Theatre
• Caterwaul 2026: Mike Watt + The Missingmen, Season to Risk, New Brutalism, Didjits, The Crosses, Resurrectionists, Birdhands, and Mad Mojo Jett at Zhora Darling
• SPCO: Jonathan Biss Plays Schumann’s Piano Concerto at Ordway Concert Hall
• Turn Turn Turn with Triple Fiddle at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Killswitch Engage with Machine Head, Iron Reagan, and Havok at The Fillmore
• Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band at The Dakota
• Spite at Varsity Theater
• Billy Currington and Kip Moore with Kenny Whitemire at Grand Casino Hinckley Amphitheater
• Corsair EP release show with Vvakefield, Lilac and Lotus, Giants Knife, and Perth at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Mathis Picard Trio at Berlin
• Em Beihold with Janani K. Jha at Fine Line
• TH3 EP release party at Icehouse’s Starlight Room
• Thomas Sticha with Val Son and LaPlant Road at Turf Club
• Yuasa-Exide with Blanky and Lutheran Heat at Cloudland Theater
• Willow Waters and the Earth Tones with Tabah and Bird Dog at Pilllar Forum
• Synastry at Uptown VFW
• Favourite Girl at Aster Cafe
• Aiden Intro with Lasalle at 7th St. Entry
• American Cream Band album release with IE, Mullet, and Bridal Style at Eagles 34
• Skillibeng at The Cabooze
• Why Not, Products Band, Lana Leone, and Filthy Kittens at Mortimer’s
• Zacc Harris Trio at Berlin (free)
• Sam Graber Band at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Whisper with Magick Flavour Station and Nu Nova at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• The Crimson Boys and Dangerbad at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Saturday, June 6

• Caterwaul 2026: POS, Rye Coalition, Great Falls, Muscle, Watches, The Thirsty Giants, Art Star, Whippets, Heet Deth, Panel, and more at Zhora Darling
• Prince Block Party and sing-along in downtown Minneapolis at the Prince Mural (free)
• Minneapolis Rodeo feat. Nikki Lane, The Cactus Blossoms, Miko Marks, The Gringos, Sam Holt, and more at Surly Brewing Festival Field
• Train Days Music Festival feat. Jeremy Messersmith, Maygen & the Birdwatcher, Colin Bracewell, Lamar, and Keep for Cheap at Union Depot (free)
• SPCO: Jonathan Biss Plays Schumann’s Piano Concerto at Ordway Concert Hall
• Kings Kaleidoscope at Fine Line
• Little River Band with Seals & Croft at The Ledge Amphitheater
• Dr. Mambo’s Combo - Forever in My Life: A Birthday Tribute to Prince at The Parkway Theater
• Primitive Man with Wanderer and Wilbur at Underground Music Venue
• Joseph Arthur with Abe Partridge at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Pradabagshawty at 7th Street Entry
• Subsuka and Friends at Skyway Theatre
• Davina and the Vagabonds at Hook and Ladder
• Mononeon at The Dakota
• Mathis Picard Trio at Berlin
• Waste at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Matt Caflisch Band, Al Church + Friends, Cihlar Folk Duo, and DJ Awa Mally at Icehouse
• Cozy Worldwide at Varsity Theater
• The Long Honeymoon with Beatnik Brothers and TLH at Memory Lanes
• Spike and the Gandy Dancers album release at Aster Cafe
• Dan Israel at Boom Island Brewing
• Joan of Profile and Juliet Farmer with Lake Davi and Lexie Modica at Pilllar Forum
• Black Widows album release with Surly Grrly and Chick Singer at Cloudland Theater
• Agnes Uncaged at Graze Food Hall (free)
• Plumstar at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Sunday, June 7

• Caterwaul 2026: Dazzling Killmen, Coliseum, Point Line Plane, Body Stuff, Bronson Arm, Stress Positions, We Are the Asteroid, and more at Zhora Darling
• Noise Party vol. 14 with Bizlang (Alana Horton and Christian Erickson), Dracula Gril! (Alan Sparhawk and Haley Fohr), Robert Lehmann and Toby Ramaswamy, Shahghasemi/Ylvisaker, Starflower (Ross Clowser, Anna Dolde, Toby Ramaswamy), and (t)rust (Papa Mbye and Collin Weiland) at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Grand Old Day feat. Gully Boys, The Plastic Constellations, Thomas Sticha, Bunny Blood, Obi Original and the Black Atlantics, and more at Grand Old Day (free)
• TGNP Sundays with Crystal Myslajek and Mary Hanson Scott with Channy Leaneagh, Lonefront, and Drew Christopherson at Berlin
• Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio at The Parkway Theater
• SWAG at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Dylan Salfer Band at The Dakota
• Citizen Soldier at Fine Line
• Tony May at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Jake Hanson with Luke Enyeart at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Watt Meber with Scott Hefte and Aaron James at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Brass Messengers at 331 Club (free)
• Meatraffle Ska at Lake Harriet Bandshell (free)

The broadcaster spent nearly 55 years with WCCO Radio in the Twin Cities, starting at the station in 1971 as its music director before moving into a litany of on-air roles.

He bid farewell during Saturday's broadcast, joined by "old friends," including Bruce Hagevik, Dave Lee, Mike Lynch, and Steve Murphy.

"This is like... I'm dreaming this," Long said as he was joined by friends in the studio. "Bear with me, some of my colleagues and my friends, I call them my friends, have shown their faces here in the studio, and I can't believe it.

"These are the guys, we get together every so often to have lunch. One of these days, I'm gonna buy," he said to laughs around the studio.

Before landing at WCCO, Long spent time in Webster City, Owatonna, and 950 KRSI in the Twin Cities. He retires with the station's second-longest tenure, trailing only Sid Hartman's 65 years, per a profile at the WCCO website, which adds that the longevity is "a testament to the professionalism, the integrity, and [his] diverse talents."

Long is retiring for health reasons, he told WCCO Morning News Thursday host Vineeta Sawkar.

"You know what they say, life happens when you're making other plans, and indeed," he said. "So, it's unfortunate, but I think, with a little bit of good luck and good medical treatment, we're going to be OK."

A few years ago, Long stepped back from his full-time role with WCCO and has been hosting Saturday morning broadcasts since.

"Thank you to our listeners for listening," he said before signing off by playing Kenny Rogers' "Goodbye."

That includes Kehlani heading to The Armory, Knocked Loose bringing Denzel Curry to Myth, The Tallest Man on Earth scheduling a fall date at Palace Theatre, and the Julian Lage Quartet unveiling a gig at The Fitzgerald Theater.

Here are the details on those and other concerts that were announced around the Twin Cities this week.

Concerts announced in the Twin Cities this week:

• June 10: Chatterbox with Bottle Rocket, The Locals, and Banana Grenade at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• June 10: Another Heaven with Extraterrestrials at Cloudland Theater (free)
• June 19: Drastic Plastic, Neo Neos, and Blood Cookie at Cloudland Theater
• June 26: DJ Keezy presents The Kiltuation Pride Part feat. Uniiqu3, Xina, Maria Isa, DJ Keezy, Hawx, OMGigi, and more at First Avenue
• June 26: Silk Lounge with Ozone Creations and Kwey at Icehouse
• July 5: Natania & Ticket to Brasil at The Dakota
• July 10: American Reckoning album release: An Evening with Zacc Harris and Erik Koskinen at Icehouse
• July 18: Heartbreakers at Varsity Theater
• July 29: Space Monkey Mafia and Left on Tenth with Sunshine and the Night Walkers at Turf Club
• July 31: Mason Jennings at The Parkway Theater
• July 31–Aug. 2: Robert Earl Keen at The Dakota
• Aug. 1: Loathe with All Under Heaven at The Fillmore
• Aug. 6: Kehlani at The Armory
• Aug. 6: Bossman Dlow and Yung Miami at The Fillmore
• Aug. 6: I Am in Love: Jane Monheit Sings Cole Porter at The Dakota
• Aug. 13: Yazmin and Beat Zero with Havana Quartet and Lady Midnight at The Hook and Ladder
• Aug. 15: Summer Jam feat. G-Herbo, K Camp, Hunxho, Skilla Baby, and Jaquees at The Armory
• Aug. 18: Grace Kelly at The Dakota
• Aug. 19: Miki Yamanaka Trio with Nicole Glover at Berlin
• Aug. 20: Squeaky Feet at 7th St. Entry
• Aug. 25: Quicksand and Bane at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Aug. 28: Brass Funkadelic with Amie Austin and the Rumble at The Hook and Ladder
• Sept. 2–3: Bob James at The Dakota
• Sept. 4: Cécile McLorin Salvant at The Dakota
• Sept. 5: Robert Lester Folsom at Turf Club
• Sept. 14: The Barbarians of California with Squint and Armed for Apocalypse at 7th St. Entry
• Sept. 19: Chanel Beads with Mechatok and Anastasia Coope at Turf Club
• Sept. 29: Knocked Loose with Denzel Curry, Superheaven, and Boundaries at Myth
• Oct. 3: Love Spells at 7th St. Entry
• Oct. 18: Catch Your Breath at The Fillmore
• Oct. 24: Russ Taff with Steve Taylor and Some Band at Pantages Theatre
• Oct. 30: The Tallest Man on Earth at Palace Theatre
• Oct. 31: Periphery at The Fillmore
• Oct. 31: Maris at 7th St. Entry
• Nov. 10: An Evening with Julian Lage Quartet feat. John Medeski, Jorge Roeder, and Kenny Wollesen at The Fitzgerald Theater
• Nov. 22: Matt Hansen at Varsity Theater
• Dec. 6: DragonForce - “Inhuman Rampage” 20th anniversary tour at The Fillmore
• Dec. 11: 6LACK at The Fillmore
• April 11: Nothing But Thieves at The Fillmore

On Friday, Mohamed Hared, 26, was sentenced to 128 months in Dakota County Court. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony in connection with the June 29, 2024 killing of 22-year-old Ahmed Ibrahim Cariif. 

According to charges, Hared, Cariif and a third man had carpooled to the fulfillment center on the day of the shooting. Hared had traveled to work with a gun, which he left in his car. 

At around 1 a.m. while the men were on a break from work, Hared noticed that a flashlight attachment on his gun was missing, according to charges. He accused both men of stealing it. 

During another break at around 4 a.m., the three went to look for the attachment, but Hared again accused the men of stealing it. Hared and Cariif then got into two separate physical altercations, charges state. 

During the second altercation, Hared pulled out his gun while Cariif tried to force it out his hand. Hared then fired his gun, with the bullet striking a nearby unoccupied vehicle. The two men yelled at Hared, “Don't shoot," but he fired his gun again, hitting Cariif.

Surveillance video reviewed by detectives confirmed that Hared had started the fights, and that he “had the ability to retreat” but instead chose to continue fighting, according to charges. 

Cariif was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest. His manner of death was ruled a homicide.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says it received a distress signal from inside the Boundary Waters just before 10 a.m. The signal’s coordinates came from the southern edge of lake Lac La Croix on the international border, straight north of Ely. 

The person who had sent the signal had reportedly sustained an injury to their back. Due to the remote location of the coordinates, the U.S. Forest Service was called in to assist with the rescue. 

A 59-year-old father and 17-year-old son from Louisville, Kentucky were eventually airlifted from the site and taken to Ely. There, the father was treated for his back injury at a local hospital and later released.

The event, centered around a two-hour sing-along, will run from 2–10 p.m. and features a series of live performances and DJ sets that will include Kris Kollins, who plays The Kid in the "Purple Rain" musical, and CeeLo Green. 

The June 6 block party takes place just a day before what would have been Prince's 68th birthday, and a day after the first-ever collaboration between members of the NPG and Revolution for a concert at The Armory.

The lineup features many artists who collaborated with Prince, as well as youth performers, including Green, Kollins, Shelby J, Jada LaFrance, Monique Blakey, Bakkwooddrift, Purple Playground, students from the High School of Recording Arts, and promises of surprise guests throughout the show. 

Here's the full run-of-show for the Prince Block Party:

• 2 p.m. - Block Party kickoff with DJ Daniel
• 2:10 p.m. - Youth Showcases
• 3 p.m. - Monique Blakey
• 3:30 p.m. - Bakkwooddrift
• 4:30 Community sing-along
• 6:30 p.m. - Intermission with DJ set
• 7:15 p.m. - Jada LaFrance
• 8 p.m. - Kris Kollins
• 8:25 p.m. Shelby J
• 8:35 p.m. - Special guest performance TBA
• 9:05 p.m. CeeLo Green

Prince Celebration starts on June 3 with a concert featuring Chaka Khan at First Avenue. The Prince Celebration 2026 Block Party is the festival's only free event, with general admission passes priced at $902.75. Single-event tickets are available for select events. 

The announcement puts many shows in the region on hold, including the concert series at the Bluestem amphitheater, which had events on the calendar with Alison Krauss, David Lee Roth, comedian John Mulaney, Needtobreathe, and the Happy Together tour.

"After more than 30 years of bringing live entertainment to our community, it is with deep heartbreak that we share that Jade Presents is closing its doors," the announcement reads.

Concerts already scheduled at Bluestem and the UP District Festival Field "will not be moving forward," according to the announcement. The fate of Jade Presents-booked shows at Fargo Theatre, the Aquarium, and other venues is still up in the air.

"At this time, we are pursuing options that would allow on-sale Jade Presents events/concerts to occur as scheduled," the Fargo Theatre wrote on social media. We will share status updates as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate new waters."

The announcement doesn't say whether ticketholders will get refunds. "Because legal matters are still unfolding, we cannot yet provide definitive information regarding ticketing, refunds, reimbursements, credits, claims, or related processes," the announcement states. "We understand those questions are important, and we will continue sharing verified information as we are able."

Bluestem Center for the Arts is owned by Fargo Public Schools and the City of Moorhead, but was booked and operated by Jade Presents.

Other shows on the Jade Presents calendar include shows with Reverend Horton Heat, Thomas Sticha, the Goo Goo Dolls, Static-X (which had already canceled its tour for health reasons), Skillet, and comedian Charlie Berens, among others.

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Specific details on the reasons for the closure were not shared, but the statement cites changes in the industry, including "rising costs, shifting touring economics, post-COVID challenges, and increasing pressure on independent promoters" that "created an environment that ultimately became unsustainable."

It's a significant blow for live entertainment in the region, and the reasons, broad as they may be, echo sentiments shared by independent venue owners and musicians like The Hold Steady's Franz Nicolay, who testified this month in front of Congress in the ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. 

Among those speaking was Tom DeGeorge, owner of the independent concert venue Crowbar in Tampa, which will close later this year. "Live Nation can overbid, lose money on shows, and absorb it all because they make billions through Ticketmaster and every other part of this industry that they have their hands in," he testified. "There is no level playing field with the monopoly."

Jade Presents did not specifically cite the concert behemoth in its announcement, but it has played a significant role in the changing concert landscape. 

Live Nation will open a new 19,000-capacity amphitheater in Shakopee, Mystic Lake Amphitheater, in June. 

The news also arrives as the concert industry is facing slow sales, with many major artists canceling tours — frequently for health reasons, which some have termed "blue dot fever" after the blue dots on ticketing sites that indicate available seats. In recent weeks, those cancellations have included Meghan Trainor and Zayn Malik, both of whom had tour stops planned in the Twin Cities.

The Bluestem Center for the Arts was scheduled to begin its summer concert season this weekend with Sip & Sail, a concert featuring the cover band Parrothead Paradise.

The Bloomington Police Department says the crash happened around 8:20 p.m., when a motorcycle carrying two people collided with a Metro Mobility bus on the 10600 block of Sheridan Avenue South.

Responders arrived to provide aid, but both riders were later pronounced dead. Their identities have not yet been released, with family still being notified.

Bloomington PD says it's investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

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The Friday night parade of bands and singer-songwriters will get underway on June 12 and last through Sept. 4. The lineup includes rock ensemble Favourite Girl, REM cover band The Reckoning Crew, and singer-songwriter Colin Bracewell, among others.

"I’m thrilled to bring the 50th and France Summer Concert Series into its sixth season," says concert series organizer Anna Devine. "This summer, we have some familiar faces returning to the concert series as well as some debuts from established Twin Cities musicians."

Each night of the series will have headliners hitting the stage from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., as well as a student opener playing from 5:30–6 p.m., all at The Plaza at Nolan Mains.

The music is accompanied by a pop-up beer garden from Edina Liquor, which will serve beer, wine, non-alcoholic options, and THC drinks. Access to the garden is limited to people 21 and older.

Each concert takes place at The Plaza at Nolan Mains — 3945 Market St. in Edina — and is free to attend, with free parking in the area ramps.

Here’s the summer lineup for the 50th and France concert series:

• June 12: The Teardowns with Elizabeth Teskey
• June 19: Thomasina Petrus with Finick
• June 26: Dilly Dally Alley with The Beta Version
• July 10: The Reckoning Crew with Lillies
• July 17: RION with Liam Halloran
• July 24: Meghan Kriedler with Isla Anderson
• July 31: Rich Larson & Friends with Henrik Mills
• Aug. 7: Favourite Girl with Zahra Wiedmann
• Aug. 14: Dan Israel with Isla Anderson
• Aug. 21: Moyana with Iamjoy
• Aug. 28: Colin Bracewell with Mira Babal
• Sept. 4: The Teardowns with Julia Wissink and Eloise Leckrone

Cheryl Reeve's team ran out 79-58 winners at the Wintrust Arena., pulling away in a third quarter that saw them outscore the hosts 31-16.

Hopkins native Nia Coffey had her best game since joining the Lynx as a free agent in the offseason, top scoring with 20 points – including six 3-pointers – and also snagging eight rebounds.

Meanwhile Olivia Miles continues her impressive start since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Lynx, scoring 17 points – 9 from the free throw line – with six assists and six rebounds.

The Lynx's 6-2 start is an ominous warning to the rest of the WNBA, with the team looking strong despite offseason upheaval that saw the departure of players including Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, DiJonai Carrington and Natisha Hiedeman.

Even more ominous for the rest of the league is the Lynx are 6-2 without undisputed star Napheesa Collier, who is nearing her return from ankle surgery.

Next up for the Lynx is another road game when they take on the Phoenix Mercury at 9 p.m. CT Monday.

Flight UA2005 took off from O'Hare International at 8:31 p.m. but diverted to Dane County Regional Airport, landing at 9:11 p.m.

United said that the Boeing 737-900 "landed safely in Madison, Wisconsin to address a security concern with an unruly passenger."

FOX 6 in Milwaukee reports that law enforcement on the flight "restrained and handcuffed the passenger quickly."

The Dane County Sheriff's Office and the FBI were called to the airport, with an FBI spokesperson saying: "A subject was detained by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and afterwards passengers resumed their flight."

There were no reported injuries on the plane, which was carrying 147 passengers and six crew members.

FlightAware shows that the flight left Madison at 1:25 a.m. Saturday, arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at 2:19 a.m.

Richard "Ricky" Johnson, of Cook, died on March 26, 2024, almost two weeks after stacked pallets of bread fell on top of him at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Angora, where Ruby's Pantry operated a food shelf.

His wife, Jennifer Johnson, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ruby's Pantry and an employee in January 2025, arguing that the employee ignored complaints from volunteers about the stacked pallets, known as “bread towers,” being "unstable and unsafe," as well as requests to make the bread towers safer for the unloading process by securing them with straps or bands.

On March 14, 2024, another volunteer was operating a forklift provided by Ruby's Pantry with a bread tower on its tynes when it started to tip about three feet from Ricky Johnson, who was struck on the head, the lawsuit alleges.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was later added to the lawsuit as a defendant, though it has denied negligence in Ricky Johnson's death, along with Ruby's Pantry.

Ruby's Pantry announced on March 31 that it was immediately closing all 85 of its distribution sites throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Iowa, many of them located within churches.

“Over the past several months, we have been thoughtfully realigning the work, structure, and focus of Ruby’s Pantry to ensure our mission remains at the center of everything we do," the announcement reads. "As part of this process, we have worked to better align community needs with our goal of operating in the most effective and seamless way possible,” the Minnesota-based nonprofit says in a statement on its website.

“As a result, we have decided to end the operations of Ruby’s Pantry effective immediately. We recognize that this is difficult news to receive and do not take this decision lightly.”

Ruby's Pantry distributed boxes of groceries at a low cost to more than 200,000 families each year, with pop-ups held monthly at each location.

A trial in the wrongful death case is scheduled to begin in November.

St. Paul Police Department on Friday confirmed that Thomas Stockstill, 66, of St. Paul, died on May 2 at Regions Hospital. He had remain hospitalized since being assaulted on the 1500 block of Marion Street on the afternoon of Jan. 30.

Officers arrived to find Stockstill unconscious, with the 911 caller, 22-year-old James Sprowls, saying the assault occurred in an apartment where Sprowls had been temporarily staying with permission of the female resident.

Stockstill arrived at the apartment on Jan. 30, with the woman telling him she wanted him to leave. Sprowls told police the situation escalated when Stockstill refused to leave and became "aggressive and very angry" towards him.

Sprowls claims Stockstill started grabbing at him, lunged at him, and tried to hit him. The 22-year-old alleges he said: "Please, I don’t want to do this, but can you please leave" before punching him in the jaw, with Stockstill falling on the back of his head.

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office says Sprowls has since pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and was due to be sentenced. He could now face new charges after Stockstill's death.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

The small Minnesota town now has a historical marker in Voyageur Park, headlined "Historic LGBTQ Site," recognizing the launch of East Central Minnesota Pride. 

The plaque sits along the Snake River in remembrance of the group's 2005 picnic, which is believed to be the first rural Pride celebration in the country. The event, hosted by the East Central Men's Circle, a gay social club, drew 50 to 70 people and was the jumping-off point for the city's annual Pride in the Park celebration, which now draws thousands. 

While nearly half a million people attended Twin Cities Pride in 2025, the plaque recognizes the important community-building work that has been done around Pine City.

"We hear this a lot at our Pride," says Natalie Goldman, vice president of East Central Minnesota Pride. "A lot of people want a smaller, quieter event. Not that Twin Cities Pride isn't family-friendly, because it is for the most part. But [Pride in the Park], it's smaller, it's quieter, it's more chill.

"People come to us because they want to celebrate Pride and they want to celebrate it right where they live."

Goldman adds that the marker is a reminder of the kind of change that has taken place in the region.

She cites the organization's co-founder, Randy Olson, who died earlier this year, saying he couldn't come out until he was in his 30s.

"Back in the day, in these smaller towns, you couldn't necessarily be who you are in a public setting at work or at school," Goldman says.

"And that's exactly why Pride in the Park is so important, to showcase how we've come from there to here and all the work that the Men's Circle and the Purple Circle and the Pride committee has done."

The Pine County-based Pride in the Park will host its 21st annual event at Robinson Park in Pine City on June 6, with live music, a car cruise, drag storytime, and more. 

The incident was reported at 7:21 a.m., with West St. Paul PD receiving a call of shots fired at the Speedway at 1285 Robert St. S.

The caller reported an armed man fired a weapon at least twice outside the business before fleeing on foot.

A large perimeter was established by multiple police agencies, with the 43-year-old suspect found just before 8:30 a.m. inside a nearby office building.

He was taken into custody without incident.

No injuries were reported, with the suspect being held at Dakota County Jail pending formal charges.

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A 12-year-old girl, whose parents have been charged in the May 18 incident at Horizon Middle School, handed out edibles containing 300 mg of THC per serving packaged like candy, with 3,000 mg THC per package, according to the Moorhead Police Department.

The legal limit in Minnesota for most edibles is 5 mg THC per serving and 50 mg THC per package, though THC beverages can contain up to 10 mg per serving.

"The item brought to school was far beyond those limits and extremely dangerous – especially for youth," Moorhead PD said in a Facebook post Thursday.

Two of the 10 students who ate the edibles were treated at a hospital.

Martin and Amanda Hulst are accused of using their daughter as a drug dealer to sell THC vape cartridges to Horizon Middle School students, with the girl allegedly distributing them to a dozen other children and giving the money to her father.

 In all, the couple is facing nine criminal charges, including drug possession, drug sale, and child endangerment.

While executing a search warrant at the Hulst home, officers found a plethora of THC edibles, more than 1,900 vape cartridges, other forms of cannabis, psychedelic mushrooms, and more than $73,000 in cash, according to a news release.

"Sharing these visuals helps our community understand the scale and seriousness of what was found," the department said in its post.

"This incident is a critical reminder that illegal THC products can be intentionally designed to look like candy or everyday snacks. It is important for parents to stay engaged with their children and stay educated about these products — ask questions, check backpacks, and talk openly about what is safe to consume."

Moorhead PD said there is "no ongoing safety threat" at Horizon Middle School, adding that its "safety protocols worked as intended."

A 13-year-old student was arrested and charged in December after allegedly bringing about about 1,500 fentanyl pills to the Moorhead middle school.

In a recent look at big offseason decisions coming this summer in the NHL, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos wrote that Minnesota isn't shying away from a potentially record-setting deal for Hughes.

"There is some urgency for the Wild to figure out what Hughes’ intentions are since he will begin the final year of his contract in the fall," wrote Kypreos. "The Wild are prepared to make him a big offer and are more than willing to make him as happy as they did with Kirill Kaprizov last year, when they signed him to a $17-million contract. "

Last offseason, the Wild made Kaprizov the highest-paid player in league history, signing him to an eight-year deal that will pay out an average of $17 million per year. That contract kicks in next season.

Hughes, on the other hand, is entering the final year of a six-year deal he signed with Vancouver in 2021, with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.85 million. The Wild acquired Hughes in a blockbuster trade last December that instantly solidified them as a Stanley Cup contender. Hughes turns 27 this October, and if he were to hit free agency next summer, he would be one of the most in-demand stars to hit the open market in recent memory.

The Athletic's Frank Seravelli speculated earlier this week that the price may be an eight- year deal with an AAV around $15 million. Any deal with Hughes wouldn't kick in until the 2027-28 season, when the Wild, according to PuckPedia, will have around $48.6 million in available cap space.

The highest-paid defenseman in the league is Pittsburgh's Erik Karlsson, who is heading into the final year of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $11.5 million. If the Wild did go as high as $15 million per season, it would blow the previous record contract for a defenseman out of the water.

The question, though, remains whether Hughes wants to stay in Minnesota long-term. In his end-of-season press conference, Hughes stated, "I really like it here. I would definitely be open to re-signing." However, the speculation surrounding Hughes' future has always been about his public desire to team up with his brothers, Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils.

Jack still has four years left on his deal with New Jersey. So, the speculation has been that Quinn could potentially ink a four-year deal so he can hit free agency with his brother in 2030. Luke is signed through the 2031-32 season, so he could then join Quinn and Jack a couple of seasons later.

Guerin hasn't been shy about his desire to keep Hughes in Minnesota. If dishing out a record-setting contract for the second straight offseason is the cost, then it would appear, based on the latest reporting, that Minnesota is prepared to do that.

The double shooting happened at about 8:25 a.m. Friday near the intersection of Nicollet Mall and South Ninth Street, across from the Target store, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.

When officers arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds, including a 25-year-old man who's believed to have met with the suspect before he opened fire.

During a news conference, Sgt. Garrett Parten described a 44-year-old man who was struck by gunfire as an innocent bystander, who was cleaning the sidewalk at the time of the shooting.

Both men were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and are expected to survive.

The suspect fled the scene, but officers were able to track him to the 1600 block of First Avenue South, where he was arrested around 10 a.m., then taken to the Hennepin County Jail.

Parten said officers recovered evidence, including a gun, from the suspect's apartment at Nicollet Avenue and South 16th Street.

Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Class AAAA first-round matchups and bracket

All first-round games will be played at the Caswell Park facility in Mankato at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The semifinals will be played on Wednesday at 2 p.m., and the championship game will be played at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium at the University of Minnesota at 9 a.m. on Friday morning.

• #1 Forest Lake vs. #8 Brainerd — 10 a.m.
• #4 Park vs. #5 Stillwater Area — 10 a.m.
• #2 Farmington vs. #7 Champlin Park — 10 a.m.
• #3 Bloomington Jefferson vs. #6 Edina — 10 a.m.

Class AAA first-round matchups and bracket

The AAA first-round will be played following the AAAA first-round at Caswell Park on Tuesday, around 12:30 p.m. The semis will be played at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and the championship game will also be played after AAAA at 11:30 a.m. on Friday.

• #1 Sartell vs. #8 Orono — 12:30 p.m.
• #4 Rock Ridge vs. #5 St. Francis — 12:30 p.m.
• #2 Byron vs. #7 Simley — 12:30 p.m.
• #3 Mankato East vs. #6 Cretin-Derham Hall — 12:30 p.m.

Class AA first-round matchups and bracket

The AA first-round will be third on Tuesday with 3 p.m. starts for all four games. The second round will be at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and the championship game will be second-to-last on Friday at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium.

• #1 Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial vs. #8 Esko — 3 p.m.
• #4 Rockford vs. #5 St. Cloud Cathedral — 3 p.m.
• #2 Jackson County Central vs. #7 Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton — 3 p.m.
• #3 Caledonia vs. #6 Visitation — 3 p.m.

Class A first-round matchups and bracket

Class A will be the first-round nightcap on Tuesday, and its semifinal games will be played at the same time as Class AA on Wednesday. The final championship game on Friday will be Class A at 6:30 p.m.

• #1 United South Central vs. #8 Sebeka — 5:30 p.m.
• #4 Southland vs. #5 Bold — 5:30 p.m.
• #2 Red Lake Falls vs. #7 New York Mills — 5:30 p.m.
• #3 Barnum vs. #6 West Lutheran — 5:30 p.m.

The company is opening its first franchising opportunities in the state, with an eye on a broad region centered around the Twin Cities metro.

It plans to add at least 15 new restaurants to its 21 existing in-state locations, Todd Owens, Director of Franchise Development for the region, tells Bring Me The News.

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Until shortly after the pandemic, the vast majority of its restaurants were company-owned. That has begun to shift in recent years, as Potbelly pushes to expand via franchising, particularly after being acquired by convenience store chain RaceTrac in October.

"The brand leaned into really investing in the people and systems that would attract franchisees," Owens says. That includes leaning into delivery and digital ordering, which was only 10% of the company's business pre-pandemic and now accounts for 42% of sales.

Locations for the new Minnesota restaurants have not yet been determined, as the company is still identifying potential franchisees. However, Owens says the process is well underway and plans to meet with potential franchisees in the Twin Cities in the coming weeks.

Though Potbelly is defining the Twin Cities broadly, with territories extending to the Wisconsin border and up to St. Cloud. It's looking for franchisees that will run multiple units and take charge of exclusive territories.

Given where the company is in the process, Owens says new Minnesota locations could begin opening as soon as 2027.

Daniel Everett Krueger, 41, is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of his father, Daniel Carl Krueger, 64, at their home on the 4000 block of Snelling Avenue South on Memorial Day.

The younger Krueger called 911, "screaming that his father ... was bleeding very bad," per the complaint. He told the dispatcher he had a gun out, pointed it, and shot "not knowing it was hot."

His father had been shot in the head, and though he was still breathing when responders arrived, his injury was not survivable and he died on Thursday.

A neighbor told investigators that in recent weeks she had heard the Kruegers arguing, with the older Krueger heard telling his son "get the f*** out of here" during one of the arguments, and during another the week prior to the killing she heard a gunshot coming from the property.

When questioned, Daniel Everett Krueger said his father had recently gotten out of the hospital and so he had bought some alcohol, which they drank together. He said the family home was "going through a "going through a pre-foreclosure process and things were stressful."

He continued to say that a "warning shot" had been fired in the home, the pair had tussled, and then "his father fell to the ground."

Daniel Carl Krueger's wife – also the younger Krueger's mother – told police that the pair "drink alcohol frequently and have gotten into wrestling matches in the past."

Daniel Everett Krueger allegedly called his mother from jail and said he didn't mean to shoot his father, claiming it was an accident.

If you know anyone who is affected by domestic violence, you can find more information on services available here, via the Minnesota DPS.

You can also call the Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Maybe you know him better from something else. Either way, comedian Jerry Seinfeld has announced a stop at the DECC Symphony Hall in Duluth on Aug. 7. 

In addition to "Seinfeld" and movie projects like "Bee Movie," Seinfeld has released two stand-up specials through Netflix over the last nine years, "Jerry Before Seinfeld" and 2020's "23 Hours to Kill."

The August gig is the only stop in Minnesota that Seinfeld has on the calendar for 2026. He did, however, perform two nights at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis earlier this year. 

A presale, code "DECC," will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, with tickets going on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 4. 

Jason Olson shared video from his Blink camera of the bears sniffing around his property off of County Road 35 around 1 a.m. on May 15, eventually going after the birdseed in a feeder.

Olson told Bring Me The News that this is the first time he's ever seen a black bear in his yard, located on the west side of Elk River, near Lake Orono and Varty’s Greenhouse.

Fellow residents who commented on his post in an Elk River Facebook group said they had also seen black bears in the area, with one guessing the pair are a sow and her 2-year-old cub, and other sharing that she believes they follow the Elk River.

Other black bears have been spotted recently in a residential area of North Oaks, where a lone bear was photographed snacking on the contents of a bird feeder earlier this week, as well as in Claremont and Hastings.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), between 13,000 and 18,000 black bears call the state home, with mating season typically running from May through July. They are typically found in the northern third of the state, but do travel further south as they look for food. 

“Black bears usually try to avoid people, but sometimes come in conflict with humans when they eat crops, destroy apiaries, or break into garbage cans and birdfeeders,” the DNR’s website states.

Klobuchar says Schierer's experience as a small business owner in rural Minnesota will help her deliver on her pledges to transform state government, expand Minnesota’s economy, and create good jobs across the state, all while helping her capture votes in greater Minnesota.

"I went looking for a lieutenant governor who knows Minnesota the way I know Minnesota, who loves Minnesota the way I love Minnesota, and I found Ben Schierer" Klobuchar declares in a video announcement Friday.

Schierer grew up in Fergus Falls and joined the Fergus Falls City Council in 2004. He was elected mayor in 2016 and reelected in 2020, working to revitalize the city's riverfront and attract businesses to its downtown throughout his tenure.

Schierer also owned and operated Union Pizza & Brewing Company and TÖAST in downtown Fergus Falls, along with his wife Tessa and their five children.

"I understand that the government has to work every day to improve people's lives, with housing, child care, strengthening rural economies," Schierer said in the video. "And I learned really early, if you're going to get this work done, you have to work with everybody."

If he and Klobuchar are successful in November, Schierer would be the first person from Minnesota's 7th Congressional District to be elected to statewide office in more than 50 years.

He previously was seeking the DFL nomination in the Minnesota auditor's race.

The 2026 DFL State Convention is being held Friday through Sunday at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.

With no prominent challengers, Klobuchar is expected to win the DFL endorsement and nomination.

Republican candidates vying for the GOP endorsement during a separate convention this weekend in Duluth include House Speaker Lisa Demuth, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and retired health care executive Kendall Qualls.

Meanwhile, current Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has a clear path to the DFL endorsement in the U.S. Senate race, following U.S. Rep. Angie Craig's decision Wednesday to skip the convention and file to appear on the Aug. 11 primary ballot for the DFL nomination.

Craig faulted the endorsement process, saying she's instead prioritizing the “hardworking DFLers who don’t have the financial resources or time to participate outside of the August primary.”

Joseph Andrew Bragg, 29, of International Falls, was charged at the state level with one count of kidnapping and one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct earlier this year in connection with the Jan. 21 kidnapping, which sparked a statewide AMBER Alert.

The new federal charges allege he also processed child pornography involving multiple victims. 

On Thursday, Bragg was charged in U.S. District Court with one count of kidnapping and attempted transportation of a minor victim and one count of production and possession of child pornography. 

“The allegations set forth in this indictment are every parent’s worst nightmare,” FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson said in a statement. 

“Joseph Bragg allegedly abducted a young child, took her from the love and safety of her home and family, and tried to take her out of the state for his own purposes. Separately, the child sexual abuse material allegedly produced and possessed by Bragg are despicable evidence of a terrifying sexual interest in children.

"The FBI is dedicated to stopping child predators, keeping children safe, and bringing offenders to justice. In partnership with the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office and the BCA, we did just that. I hope the fact that the alleged offender will answer for these allegations in federal court helps to restore a sense of safety to victims."

According to court documents,  the girl’s mother grew worried that her daughter had not returned home after being dropped off at 3:40 p.m. on Jan. 21. She contacted the girl’s father and grandmother, but neither had seen her. 

Camera footage from a neighbor showed the girl walking towards her home at 3:53 p.m., but then turned and walked back to her bus stop out of view.

The girl’s mother told police she had an “unusual online interaction" involving a Facebook profile with the username of Joseph Bragg, who added her on Facebook in early December.

The user had reportedly asked the mother questions about herself, including whether she had children. The user then “indicated he wanted children of his own, was not discouraged to learn a woman already had children, and indicated a desire to engage in activities with children,” according to the criminal complaint. 

The user also asked if the mother or anyone she knew was looking for childcare services. 

Investigators then determined that Bragg had access to a white Dodge Ram rental vehicle with Tennessee license plates, and tracking of his cellphone indicated he was moving south towards Iowa.

An AMBER Alert was issued at 11:45 p.m., and Bragg’s vehicle was located at the Travel Center and Love’s Truck Stop in Albert Lea less than an hour later. 

A sergeant with the Albert Lea Police Department stopped Bragg’s vehicle, and the 7-year-old victim was found in the back seat partially covered in a suitcase. 

Further investigation later revealed that Bragg had taken a Lyft rideshare from a home in the Hamel/Corcoran area to a hotel in Plymouth, where he had booked a hotel room for between Dec. 27 and Jan. 21.

Surveillance footage at the hotel showed him entering the property alone “but carrying a large red suitcase that appeared to be difficult for him to handle.”

Around 30 minutes later, Bragg was seen leaving the hotel room with the suitcase, according to the complaint. 

When interviewed, the girl indicated that she had been sexually assaulted by Bragg inside the Plymouth hotel room.

A search of Bragg’s phone from the night of the kidnapping contained several video and photo files depicting child sexual abuse material involving multiple victims, according to federal charges. A second victim was positively identified through the search.

It's not as scary as it sounds, but the National Weather Service is monitoring the north-central United States for extreme heat and rapid drought onset, otherwise dubbed "flash drought," in the second week of June.

"Flash drought is simply the rapid onset or intensification of drought. It is set in motion by lower-than-normal rates of precipitation, accompanied by abnormally high temperatures, winds, and radiation. Together, these changes in weather can rapidly alter the local climate," NOAA explains.

Basically, high temperatures accelerate drought. The danger is that if it's not predicted ahead of time, it can lead to extensive damage to agriculture, with domino effects on the local economies and ecosystem.

The weather service is concerned about the potential for "extreme heat" in Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin, and Iowa from June 6-8.

"Anomalously warm temperatures, and antecedent and anticipated dry conditions across the Upper Midwest increases the likelihood of Rapid Onset Drought (ROD) for the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes region," the NWS Climate Prediction Center said.

Right now, there's a 40-60% chance of extreme heat in those three days. The flash drought risk area includes southeast Minnesota, eastern Iowa, southwest Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

You can see in the latest soil moisture map that it's really dry in the region.

"Following a very wet spring across the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Valley, precipitation has been limited over the past several weeks," the Climate Prediction Center explains.

"The most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows expansion of abnormally dry conditions across parts of the region. With anticipated anomalous warm temperatures combined with dry soils, and antecedent and anticipated dry conditions there are elevated chances for Rapid Onset Drought (ROD)."

How hot might it get June 6-8?

The National Blend of Models is pushing temperatures in the Twin Cities into the upper 80s during that timeframe, although it's not showing anything drastically different from what Minnesotans are currently experiencing.

However, the temperatures from the National Blend of Models are being dragged down by other models that are only producing temperatures in the low 80s from June 6-8. If the National Weather Service is right about temperatures potentially becoming extreme, then it's a period to be aware of.

We'll do our part and continue to provide updates.

The Richfield-based electronics retailer beat analyst’s expectations with 2% comparable sales growth, announcing that its rise in sales was driven by  gaming, computing, mobile phones and services.

“These drivers were partially offset by a decline in appliances,” the release reads. 

This comes as many Americans are still grappling with persistent inflation that continues to squeeze household budgets. 

During an earnings call, Best Buy CEO Corie Barry told investors their customers are still "value focused and attracted to sales moments," but will still open up their wallets for higher-ticket technology products "when they need to or when there is technology innovation."

The corporation does expect prices on some technology and gaming systems to climb throughout the year. 

Still, the company re-iterated its guidance for the financial year, expecting revenue of $41.2 billion to $42.1 billion, with comparable sales expected to range between -1% and +1%.

Barry will step down as CEO this fall after seven years in the role and will be succeeded by Jason Bonfig, a longtime Best Buy executive who currently serves as chief customer, product and fulfillment officer.

The official transition will take place on Oct. 31, with Barry staying on as a strategic advisor for six months.

The restaurant from chef Diane Moua was named one of North America's 50 best restaurants. The restaurant placed 50th, with editors praising its Hmong sausage with sticky rice and Thai tea French toast.

The list was unveiled this week during an award ceremony in New Orleans. It's the second time organizers of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, published by William Reed, have done a regional list focused on North America.

Moua's restaurant, which spotlights Hmong culinary traditions alongside alluring pastries, has become a magnet for awards and accolades.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” Moua says. “This award is a celebration of Hmong culture and the unwavering support of the Minneapolis community. I am profoundly grateful to my dedicated team for their hard work and passion, and to everyone who has embraced Diane’s Place. Their support inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and keeping the heart of Hmong traditions alive through our menu.”

The list is created by a panel of 300 anonymous experts — chefs, restaurateurs, food/restaurant journalists, and gourmets — who dine across the country and vote on the ranking.

Diane's Place, which is in the process of expanding, was the only restaurant in Minnesota to make the 2026 list. None made the list in 2025.

The recognition can be added to a list of praise that includes being named Food & Wine's restaurant of the year, James Beard nominations, and inclusion in the New York Times' Restaurant List. 

Here is what's in Sven's video forecast today:

• Sun through high clouds today & the weekend
• Highs in the 80s mostly today into next week
• HOTTER north!? I explain why…
• Some ‘kinks’ in the upper level pattern will deliver spotty showers west
• Only ‘good chance’ of rain for Twin Cities/eastern MN is midweek next week
• Overall continued warmer and drier than normal

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BMTN Note: Weather events in isolation can't always be pinned on climate change, but the broader trend of increasingly severe weather and record-breaking extremes seen in Minnesota and across the globe can be attributed directly to the rapidly warming climate caused by human activity. The IPCC has warned that Earth is "firmly on track toward an unlivable world," and says greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C, which would prevent the most catastrophic effects on humankind. You can read more here.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office confirmed that Christian Castro, 52, was located in Texas by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), with investigators traveling to the state this week.

Castro was taken into custody by Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General agents and Texas Rangers, with BCA agents present at the scene.

He was charged in mid-May with four counts of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and one count of falsely reporting a crime in the Jan. 14 shooting of Venezuelan national Julio Sosa-Celis during Operation Metro Surge.

ICE agents had been chasing a vehicle containing Sosa-Celis' cousin and roommate, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, who crashed on the 600 block of 24th Avenue North and ran towards their home.

Sosa-Celis was waiting in the yard as Aljorna ran towards the house, but he fell and was tackled by an ICE agent, believed to be Castro.

As the three struggled on the ground, Sosa-Celis and Aljorna were able to escape into the home, at which point Castro is accused of firing a shot through the closed door, striking Sosa-Celis in the thigh, with the bullet passing through a closet and lodging in a child's bedroom.

Felony assault charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna were dropped in February when new video evidence surfaced, contradicting the claim by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that three men "violently assaulted” agents with a shovel or a broom during a "targeted” pursuit.

"Today’s arrest is a critical step forward in our prosecution of Mr. Castro,” said Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. "The BCA’s investigative work was instrumental in this process and we’re grateful for their collaboration as we pursue accountability for this incident on behalf of Mr. Sosa-Celis, his family, and our community."

"In Minnesota, we believe in equal justice under the law. That means nobody is above the law, including agents of the federal government," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said.

"I am pleased to hear Christian Castro has been taken into custody and will stand trial for the crimes he allegedly committed in Minnesota. Justice demands no less. Christian Castro's alleged shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis appears unwarranted, as evidenced by the lies Castro told his ICE supervisors to justify his unlawful actions. He remains innocent unless and until proven guilty."

This is the second round of criminal charges filed by Moriarty’s office against an ICE agent, though other cases are still pending, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Last month, Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. was charged with two counts of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly pointing a gun at two people during a Feb. 5 confrontation on a highway in south Minneapolis. He made his first court appearance and posted bond last week.

Acting Chief Katie Blackwell issued a public statement Thursday, saying she "did not hesitate" to step into the role when asked by Mayor Jacob Frey, and that MPD will "continue to move forward" amid the transition.

"Like any major law enforcement agency, the Minneapolis Police Department regularly manages unplanned events and rapidly evolving situations that require immediate evaluation, adjustment, and continued operational readiness," Blackwell said.

"The men and women of the Minneapolis Police Department remain committed to serving this community, and our operations will continue without interruption. The public should expect the same level of professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication during this transition."

O'Hara opted to resign Tuesday rather than face disciplinary action after an outside firm determined that he interfered with an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct.

An anonymous accusation that O'Hara had engaged in intimate relationships with city employees, including at least one subordinate, ultimately was found to be unsubstantiated.

O'Hara put out his own statement Wednesday, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his departure should not define his four years of service in Minneapolis.

“He was proud to serve Minneapolis, remains grateful to the officers and community partners who did difficult work under extraordinary pressure, and hopes the city continues moving forward,” an attorney said on O'Hara's behalf.

Blackwell had served as assistant chief of operations since August 2023. She's been with MPD for more than 25 years, working in all five precincts as a patrol officer or supervisor and in a variety of other roles, including head of the department's Leadership and Professional Development Programs.

"As Assistant Chief of Operations, I was deeply involved in the day-to-day operation of this department and in the work that has been done to move this organization forward," Blackwell said. "I have a strong understanding of our systems, our priorities, and the challenges ahead.

"The Minneapolis Police Department has made meaningful progress, and through my leadership, we will continue moving forward during this transition with the same vision, focus, and commitment to public safety, constitutional policing, and service to our community."

On Wednesday, several members of the Minneapolis City Council lambasted Frey for renominating O'Hara earlier in May despite the allegations against the now-former police chief and the active investigation into his attempts to conceal evidence.

Frey quickly defended the decision, claiming that he would not have put O'Hara up for a second term had he known the outcome of the investigation at the time.

"I don’t make decisions based on rumors and anonymous complaints because that would mean making decisions based on optics not facts," the mayor said in a statement Wednesday. "I took action promptly after receiving the investigative report with substantiated findings."

Jontae Brandon Lee, 27, was reported missing after being last seen on March 11. According to the Brooklyn Park Police Department, Lee had been with a 22-year-old friend when the two got into an argument. Lee then left the scene on foot. 

An initial investigation found that Lee may have attacked his friend during the argument, police say.  Over the next two months, police would conduct foot, drone and canine searches in order to find the 27-year-old, a search that ended this week when his body was found.

On Tuesday afternoon, agents from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found a body partially submerged in a drainage pond on the 6900 block of Lakeland Avenue North. The Hennepin County Examiner’s Office has confirmed his identity as Lee. 

On Thursday evening, the man who was with Lee when he was last seen was arrested for probable cause murder, according to the department.

"The Brooklyn Park Police Department worked tirelessly on this case to locate Jontae Lee and to ensure that the person responsible for his death is held accountable. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jontae during their time of loss and sorrow," the department said in a statement.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by Lee's brother describes him as "bright, loving, and incredibly intelligent," adding: "He has a way of bringing positive energy wherever he goes."

The department says air quality will reach the orange AQI category in the seven-county Twin Cities metro and Wright County, with the alert in effect from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.

The cause of the alert is ground-level ozone, which is expected to be high in the metro area during the afternoon, with sunny skies, warm temperatures and low humidity providing a "favorable environment for ... volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides to react with sunlight in the air to produce ground-level ozone."

An orange AQI level is designated as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," which means those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, children and teenagers, and anyone doing extended or heavy physical activity are likely to be affected.

The MPCA is advising people limit or postpone physical activity and stay away where possible from busy roads and wood fires. It also suggests limiting pollution levels by reducing vehicle trips, taking public transit or carpooling where possible, postpone using gas-powered law and garden equipment, and avoid backyard fires.

"Unhealthy ozone can aggravate lung diseases like asthma, emphysema, and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like difficulty breathing deeply, shortness of breath, throat soreness, wheezing, coughing, or unusual fatigue," the MPCA says.

The Winona County Sheriff's Office says Elijah "Eli" McCumber, 22, was found "hungry and tired, but safe" Thursday morning after police received a call from a homeowner on Rose Creek Drive in La Crescent reporting a sighting of a man matching his description.

McCumber had last been seen around 7:20 p.m. Saturday Elijah McCumber was last seen around 7:20 p.m. Saturday on the “dead-end road of Echo Valley Drive" – west of La Crescent – with his vehicle also found by police.

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McCumber was inside the resident's home when search teams arrived. He was evaluated on scene by paramedics and then taken to a hospital for treatment.

His disappearance had sparked a major search response from numerous agencies, including the Winona County Dive Rescue, Minnesota DNR, and the Minnesota-Wisconsin K-9 Search and Rescue.

"We are grateful for all of the community support and especially grateful that Eli was located safe," the sheriff's office said.

The nonprofit Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) filed the lawsuit against developer Ryan Cos. and the city of Pine Island in October, challenging the adequacy of an environmental review for the data center known as "Project Skyway," to be located on a 482-acre site adjacent to Highway 52.

Last week, Goodhue County District Court Judge Patrick M. Biren granted a temporary injunction that halts the data center's construction, which was expected to begin in July, while the lawsuit is ongoing.

MCEA claims that the environmental review ordered by Ryan Cos. was "insufficient and illegal," arguing that a more thorough review is necessary due to the size of the data center, which could require up to 2,700 megawatts of electrical capacity.

The project was initially pitched as up to 3 million square feet of “general light industrial” or “technology center” development, with Ryan Cos. applying for permits for a data center shortly after the environmental review was approved, then later announcing Google as the tenant.

Google announced in February that it's partnering with Xcel Energy on the 250,000-square-foot data center in Pine Island, which it says will use “advanced air-cooling technology” instead of water.

"This courtroom win, the first in MCEA’s data center cases, recognized that the City’s environmental review should be fully examined for compliance with Minnesota law before any data center should be built," the St. Paul-based nonprofit says in a recent update.

MCEA has filed similar lawsuits seeking to halt data center projects in Hermantown and Monticello, both of which are still pending, as well as in Faribault, North Mankato, and Lakeville.

Authorities say the suspect was taken into custody just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday, and is being held in Scott County Jail pending charges. No additional information regarding the suspect or the arrest was made immediately available.

Khalid Abdi, 26, died hours after he was shot during the gathering at the Canterbury Park Expo Center on Wednesday morning. Abdi was a local union worker, and field representative for AFSCME Council 5. 

“Our AFSCME Council 5 family is in mourning. It is with unimaginable sadness and heartbreak to share that we lost our union brother and AFSCME Council 5 Field Representative Khalid Abdi today, who was shot and killed while attending an Eid prayer gathering in Shakopee. It is so hard to believe and comes as an absolute shock to our hearts,” said Bart Andersen, Executive Director, AFSCME Council 5.

"Our union has offered and pledges our unwavering support to Khalid’s family through this incredibly difficult and painful time. We stand with them every step of the way.

"We are a family and every single loss is deeply felt across our union family, staff, members, and allies alike."

Wednesday marked the beginning of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, which is one of the most important dates on the Islamic calendar.

At a press conference Thursday afternoon, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry announced five individuals have been taken into custody after a series of search warrants were executed in cities across the metro, including Prior Lake, Lakeville, Minnetonka, and Brooklyn Park on Thursday morning. Multiple guns were also recovered during the arrests, including one that was modified into a machine gun. 

“This response is not atypical. This is what you can expect when you commit crimes like this in St. Paul,” said Chief Axel Henry before reporters. “We are going to track you down and we are going to hold you accountable for this. 

On the evening of May 4, two people were shot after gunfire was reported in multiple locations across downtown St. Paul following a Metro State graduation ceremony. Shots were fired outside Grand Casino Arena, the RiverCentre parking ramp, and outside the Ordway.

Both Zakriya Haashi Said, 21, of Lakeville, and Omar Abdulwahab Mohamed, 20, of Brooklyn Park, face felony assault and riot charges, and Khalid Ali Mohamud, 21, of Minnetonka, has been charged with one count of felony assault. Salim Booste Awil, 20, of Savage, was charged with aiding an offender. Each is expected to make their first appearance in Ramsey County Court on Friday morning. 

The other individual who was arrested is a minor, and it is unclear what charges will be filed against them.

Criminal charges detail the shootings stemmed from a fight between Muddy and Vill gang members that began as a fist fight.  Said was shot in the face as gunfire erupted, and was treated at United Hospital. 

"One of my greatest concerns heading into this summer is group violence associated with graduation and community gatherings," said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi in a statement. 

“Quickly solving this recent group shooting incident that happened in downtown St. Paul after a graduation celebration is critical in conveying the message to anyone associated with group gun violence that you will certainly get caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Prior Lake casino has confirmed a lineup for the summer that includes a three-day, food-forward festival, as well as performances from comedians and bands, including Taking Back Sunday and Deep Purple.

The Great Midwest Rib Fest will be held between June 25 to 27 outside the casino, with headlining performances by Old Crow Medicine Show, Gabby Barrett, and Cheap Trick.

Rib Fest, a free, all-ages event, also features food from pitmasters across the country, offering attendees the chance to vote for their favorite rack, as the barbecue experts compete for the "Best of the Fest" title.

A rib-eating competition will happen on June 27 at 4 p.m.

The outdoor Rib Fest concerts are in addition to several indoor shows that Mystic Lake announced Thursday, including the following:

• Friday, June 12: Bluegrass group Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas perform in the Mystic Showroom with special guest Theo Lawrence, with tickets starting at $75.
• Saturday, June 13 (sold out) and Sunday, June 14: Musician and comedian Morgan Jay comes to the Mystic Showroom on "The Goofy Guy Tour," with tickets starting at $49.
• Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18 (sold out): Comedian Matt Mathews brings "Boujee on a Budget" to the Mystic Showroom, with tickets starting at $39.
• Saturday, June 20: Rock band Taking Back Sunday plays the Mystic Showroom alongside special guest Bayside, with tickets starting at $39.
• Thursday, June 25: Best known for the hit "Wagon Wheel," Old Crow Medicine Show headlines the opening night of Rib Fest with openers Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors.
• Friday, June 26: Country star Gabby Barrett provides the soundtrack for pigging out on barbecue with Parmalee as part of Rib Fest.
• Saturday, June 27: The Suburbs open for rock band Cheap Trick on the last night of Rib Fest.
• Thursday, Aug. 27: Roll Hall of Fame inductees Deep Purple are joined by Kansas at the Mystic Showroom, with tickets starting at $99.

During a training debrief near the station, three Anoka Police Department employees observed a flying object with "unusual, rapidly changing 'tie-dye' multicolor lighting" over a 90-minute period on Feb. 19, 2025, starting around 1:15 a.m.

The unexplained sighting is detailed in an FBI complaint form released by the National Archives and Records Administration, which refers to the flying object as an unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAP, another term for UFO. It was originally reported to Americans for Safe Aerospace, then to FBI Cincinnati.

A reporting witnesses used binoculars to get a better look, estimating that the UFO had flown at an altitude of 10,000 to 30,000 feet, potentially 50 miles away, at one point appearing to be over Lake Minnetonka then quickly moving towards the Monticello Nuclear Power Generating Plant.

"The UAP also exhibited rapid movement, and appeared to travel 30-40 miles in a
few seconds with a movement that "skipped across the sky like a stone," inconsistent with known aircraft flight or satellite observations," the document reads.

"The object was further described as appearing similar to an orbital diagram of an atom, with six 'hula-hoops with lights around each loop.'"

The witness, an Anoka police officer whose name is redacted, said during an interview that he saw a similar UFO described as a "diamond-shaped object" with multi-colored lights for about 10 minutes while on patrol around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2025, two days earlier. He said it was "moving in every direction at speeds never seen before," until it "took off and disappeared" into the black sky.

"I was able to capture a video of the object that we viewed by pointing my iPhone
camera into the lenses of my binoculars, however it turned out nearly useless and
blurry," the witness said of the sighting with co-workers.

The three Anoka PD employees eventually got cold and left the viewing site, but the reporting witness said he later "identified another similar object that was closer than the previous and also to the north."

"I can only assume we will have another opportunity to monitor these objects again as they have been seen in the area in the past," the witness continued, adding that he also spotted an "object hovering near the Anoka Ice Arena" in September 2022.

Here is what's in Sven's video forecast today:

• Slightly cooler and less humid today
• High pressure at the surface and aloft dominating the weather ahead
• Some showers, thunder sneaks in west as heat dome loosens its grip (temporarily)
• Overall warmer and drier than normal pattern ahead
• Drought expands in latest drought monitor

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BMTN Note: Weather events in isolation can't always be pinned on climate change, but the broader trend of increasingly severe weather and record-breaking extremes seen in Minnesota and across the globe can be attributed directly to the rapidly warming climate caused by human activity. The IPCC has warned that Earth is "firmly on track toward an unlivable world," and says greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C, which would prevent the most catastrophic effects on humankind. You can read more here.

Just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was called after a park ranger reported that a body had been discovered on the rocks at the bottom of a cliff at Palisade Head, a 300-foot rocky headland on the North Shore of Lake Superior that's located within the park.

The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and rescue squad personnel were able to recover the body.

The victim has been identified as Seth Pipho, 29, of Minneapolis.

His death is still under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.

No other information regarding the incident has been released.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Standing at 6-foot-7, McCowan was the third overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft after a dominant career at Mississippi State. She played with the Indiana Fever for three seasons before spending the last four with the Dallas Wings. She will turn 30 years old in late September. The details of her contract have not been disclosed.

McCowan most recently played for Turkish club Fenerbahçe this offseason, where she averaged 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. She played in 17 games with Dallas last WNBA season, and she averaged 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. She was a full-time starter in 2024, and she averaged 11.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

Minnesota began the season without star forward Napheesa Collier, and it quickly lost rookie Emma Cechova to a season-ending torn ACL. Collier is expected to return in the near future, as the Lynx also await Dorka Juhász to return from a foot sprain. In the meantime, McCowan will give them some experience and depth up front.

The Lynx made room for McCowan on the roster by essentially releasing center Emese Hof, who was on a player development contract, and they converted Czech guard Eliska Hamzova's standard contract to Hof's developmental spot.

Minnesota is currently all alone in first place in the entire WNBA with a 5-2 record. It will return to action on Friday night against the Sky on the road at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Montgomery MacGown, his wife Jennifer, and their two sons have been displaced since the storm and have still not returned to their home, according to a GoFundMe page.

“They have lived in hotels cramped into two small rooms with three big dogs,” writes Kayla MacGown, who organized the fundraiser on behalf of her brother. “They are currently in a small Airbnb that certainly isn't large enough for the family and insurance is forcing them out without a finished home.”

In late June of last year, residents across Beltrami County were blasted by hurricane-force winds in the middle of the night, including a 106 mph gust at the Bemidji Airport.

The storm caused thousands of downed trees and power lines, and severely damaged some homes and buildings.

Currently, the family's home consists of just subflooring, with no working bathrooms, kitchen, or a finished roof, Kayla MacGown writes.

She places the blame on their insurance company, which she claims has pushed back “every step of the way.”

“They have fought tooth and nail to try and get their home fixed,” the GoFundMe reads. “They have done everything they can possibly do, but as we have all learned this last year, insurance does not care about us.”

For months, the family has refused to ask for help, but Kayla MacGown says the funds are now desperately needed so they have a place to live.

So far, the online fundraiser has collected more than $2,200 of its $18,000 goal.

Jessica Omoke, 51, had been last seen on May 13 around 10 p.m. on the 9300 block of Fernbrook Lane North in Maple Grove, with her body was discovered nearby two days later, according to police.

The Crystal Police Department is investigating Omoke's disappearance and death, but does not suspect foul play.

Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley (DFL-Brooklyn Park) organized a GoFundMe that's raising money for Omoke's family to help cover funeral expenses.

The online fundraiser describes Omoke as a loving wife, devoted mother to her three beautiful daughters, valued colleague and friend to many at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, and dedicated member of United Central SDA Church in Brooklyn Park.

"This heartbreaking loss has shaken not only her family, but the entire community," the GoFundMe reads. "Jessica was the kind of person who showed up for others, uplifted those around her, and carried herself with grace and strength. Her absence leaves a void that words cannot fully express.

"During this incredibly difficult time, we are coming together to support James, Rachael, Silvia, and Keziah as they navigate the unimaginable pain of losing a wife, mother, colleague, church member, and friend far too soon."

WCCO reported that Omoke was found dead on the day of her twin daughters' graduation, and that her husband also works at Abbott Northwestern.

Family, friends, colleagues, and community members are organizing several events for remembering and mourning Omoke.

The Minnesota Nurses Association helped put together a vigil attended by hundreds on May 20 at Soo Line Park in Crystal.

A memorial and fundraiser is being held on May 31 at Ebenezer Community Church in Brooklyn Park.

A funeral is set to take place on June 5 at the Edge Christian Worship Center in Brooklyn Park, followed by a burial at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope.

"Jessica touched countless lives through her kindness, compassion, faith, and dedication to caring for others," Momanyi-Hiltsley wrote in a Facebook post. "As we come together to celebrate her life and support her loved ones, we ask that you continue to keep the Omoke family in your prayers."

So far, the GoFundMe has raised more than $23,000.

Michael Hurlburt, 27, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the killing of his mother, 56-year-old Lisa Bragg-Hurlburt, at the Half Moon Lake apartments in Eau Claire on Friday, May 22.

According to the criminal complaint, Eau Claire police were dispatched to an apartment on West Grand Avenue on the evening of May 22, after Michael Hurlburt called 911 to report a homicide in the apartment, allegedly stating: "I killed her."

At the apartment, police Bragg-Hurlburt dead in a pool of blood. A knife was found feet away from her body. 

Shortly after, Hurlburt was found a few blocks from the apartment and taken into custody. He later told investigators he had gone to Dairy Queen earlier that day as his last meal before being arrested, according to the complaint. 

He then asked his mother to pick him up and take him back to the apartment, where he stabbed her 30 to 40 times. 

Hulrburt said he killed his mother to "make a statement to the rest of the family," according to the complaint. He also said he had thought about killing his mother in the past.

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In a social media announcement, the City of North Oaks shared a black bear had been sighted on the 5000 block of Hodgson Road Tuesday evening, just north of the Wildflower entrance. 

They also shared a photo of the bear, snacking on the contents of a bird feeder.

“Residents in this area should consider taking measures to make their property less bear-friendly by removing bird feeders, storing their garbage cans and grills in a secure area,” the post details. 

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), between 13,000 and 18,000 black bears call the state home, with mating season typically running from May through July. They are typically found in the northern third of the state, but do travel further south as they look for food. 

“Black bears usually try to avoid people, but sometimes come in conflict with humans when they eat crops, destroy apiaries, or break into garbage cans and birdfeeders,” the DNR’s website states.

North Oaks is unusual for other reasons besides the occasional bear sighting, famously the only city not shown on Google Maps because property lines extend into the streets and all residential roads are private.