Stories from June 5, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security has posted a proposed contract for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use a private prison facility in western Minnesota to hold up to 1,600 immigrant detainees. That’s according to a contract proposal issued Thursday that seeks to use Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton, owned by CoreCivic. Gov. Tim Walz has requested the extradition of a Texas ICE agent to Minnesota to face assault charges related to the shooting of a man in Minneapolis during the federal enforcement surge.
Walz requests Texas ICE agent charged with assault return to Minnesota
Texas federal immigration agent Christian Castro was charged in May with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime. Walz said his team sent a letter to Texas governor Greg Abbott earlier this week requesting Castro’s extradition.
Show Love 4 One Another: How to celebrate Prince this weekend
All weekend, fans of Prince can celebrate his life and music on his birthday on June 7. The event will mark what would have been Prince’s 68th birthday.
The U.S. job market is strong but many Americans are still frustrated by prospects and rising prices
U.S. employers added a surprising 172,000 jobs in May as the labor market continued to show resilience in the face of rising costs from the Iran war. The Labor Department reported Friday that job growth was down slightly last month from a revised 179,000 in April.
Mild weekend, stormy next week
Storms are possible Friday. A severe thunderstorm watch is posted across much of central and southern Minnesota until 11 p.m. The weekend looks lovely. More rain arrives Monday with strong or severe storms Wednesday.
A whiff of weather, can you smell the rain? Science says yes
Have you ever stepped outside after a summer rain and immediately thought, “Wow, it smells amazing out here!” That earthy, fresh, almost nostalgic scent has a name: petrichor.
Feds propose housing ICE detainees in western Minnesota private prison
The Department of Homeland Security has posted a proposed contract for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use a private prison facility in western Minnesota to hold up to 1,600 immigrant detainees.
Is Medea misunderstood?
Maybe, says mythologist and broadcaster Natalie Haynes. Her new novel, “No Friend to This House,” retells the story of Medea and Jason with Medea at the center.
Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno wins the NHL's King Clancy award for leadership and service
Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno has received this season’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership and service. The award is presented annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.
Olivia Miles sets WNBA rookie record with 8 3s and Lynx beat Valkyries 87-84 for 6th straight win
Olivia Miles scored a career-high 28 points and set a WNBA rookie record with eight 3-pointers, and the Minnesota Lynx held off the Golden State Valkyries 87-84 for their sixth straight victory.
More spotty storms Friday then a warm, mostly dry weekend
Look for more spotty thunderstorms Friday with a mix of clouds and sun. The weekend will be mainly dry and very warm. More stormy and hot weather is on tap for next week.
Minnesota teacher helps kids feel connected through music
At Normandale Hills Elementary, music teacher Jeff Zupfer is helping students navigate a difficult school year through songs focused on joy, resilience and belonging.
MN Shortlist June 5-11: A gay ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ a new ICE puppet play and ‘Favourite Girl’ rock
"The Great Gatsby" centennial continues at the Orpheum. Pillsbury House + Theatre uses puppetry to explore the impact of ICE on south Minneapolis. A group show explores mutual aid. A feminist choir turns 50 and more in this week’s MN Shortlist.