Stories from June 2, 2026

House Speaker Lisa Demuth says she opted to enter the GOP primary race for governor after party leaders deflated the endorsement in that contest. And Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has named an interim police chief as the city looks to replace Brian O'Hara, who resigned last week.
Road trip to Moorhead: A stroll with trolls in Detroit Lakes
Just off Highway 10, an three and a half hours north of the Twin Cities, enormous wooden trolls roam a sculpture garden in Detroit Lakes. They’re pieces by the Danish sculpture artist Thomas Dambo, and one comes with a message for the people of Minnesota.
3 people charged in fatal auto theft attempt outside coffee shop in Minneapolis
A Minneapolis woman is charged with murder and vehicular homicide in the death of a man who tried to stop her and another person from stealing his vehicle last month. Two others are also facing charges.
Ex-Minnesota GOP chair wants unity around endorsed candidates
“I would hope that we could have a situation where we could start having unity, because it's going to be an uphill battle to take on Amy Klobuchar in November,” Ron Carey told MPR News.
Storm chances increase for Wednesday and Thursday
Minnesota is about to trade sunshine for storm chances as a more active weather pattern settles into the Upper Midwest. While a few storms could become severe, the bigger story may be the opportunity for widespread, beneficial rainfall as meteorological summer gets underway.
Study dives into three potentially dangerous crowd-control weapons used during the ICE surge
A new study examined the crowd-control weapons law enforcement used during protests against federal immigration raids in the Twin Cities and elsewhere. Researchers say some chemical irritants and projectiles were deployed in ways that may have put protesters, journalists and bystanders at greater risk.
Minneapolis' North High School turns the corner on graduation rates
North High School’s Class of 2026 will cross the stage on Friday. They’re on track to meet or even exceed state graduation averages, only three years after lagging 20 points behind.
Morning Announcements for June 2
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, June 2. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Frey names 30-year department veteran as interim Minneapolis police chief
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced Tuesday that Bill Peterson, the current 1st Precinct inspector and a 30-plus-year veteran of the police department, will serve as the city’s interim police chief.
Floyd family attorneys condemn moment of silence held for Derek Chauvin at Minnesota GOP convention
Attorneys for the family of George Floyd are calling on Minnesota Republican Party leaders to apologize for a moment of silence held at the party convention for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted in Floyd’s murder.
House Speaker Lisa Demuth to run in GOP primary for governor
Lisa Demuth says she’ll move to a primary after Republican delegates picked businessman Kendall Qualls for the endorsement. Republican Party officials said Monday night that gubernatorial candidates aren’t bound to their commitments to abide by the endorsement due to balloting glitches.
Strengthening support for foster youth in Minnesota
MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about some of the challenges foster youth face in Minnesota and what they need to feel seen, heard, valued and cared for.
Longtime Minnesota sports journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr. dies
Minnesota sports journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr., whose decades-long career included the distinction of being the first reporter to cover their son playing in the Super Bowl, has died.
Minnesota disability service provider organizations say thousands of legitimate providers were disenrolled from 14 high-risk Medicaid programs Monday.
Courtney Williams scores 30, Olivia Miles has 19 and the Lynx ease past the Mercury 111-77
Courtney Williams scored 30 points on 13-of-20 shooting, Olivia Miles had 19 points and nine assists, and the Minnesota Lynx eased past the Phoenix Mercury 111-77. Minnesota jumped out to a 35-22 lead after the first quarter, began the second on an 11-4 run and ended the half with 67 points.
High pressure brings sunshine Tuesday ahead of late-week thunder chances
High pressure brings abundant sunshine for Tuesday into the start of Wednesday. We’re still tracking hopeful rain, thunder chances for Wednesday night into Thursday, Friday.
Some young adults transitioning out of foster care are now losing SNAP food aid benefits
Stricter work or education requirements went into effect yesterday, June 1, as part of what President Trump calls his “One Big Beautiful Bill” act. So now many young adults transitioning out of foster care may struggle to get enough to eat.
Peregrine falcons at Mayo Clinic: How the world-renowned hospital came to raise birds of prey
For almost four decades, Mayo Clinic has raised peregrine falcons as part of a national recovery effort to save what had been an endangered species. Now, the peregrine falcon program is a beloved part of the world-renowned hospital's offerings.
North Minneapolis church home to Black and Jewish history turns 100
The First Church of God in Christ building in north Minneapolis, previously home to the Tifereth B’nai Jacob Synagogue, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2024.
Wildfire burning near Burntside Lake outside Ely forces evacuations
The Birch Bay Fire has burned about 25 to 30 acres near the North Arm of Burntside Lake, about eight miles outside Ely. Nine cabins have been evacuated.