Stories from June 3, 2026

People with cancer or HIV could lose Medicaid under new work rules, advocates say
Adults on Medicaid will be required to work 80 hours per month. The Trump administration says people who are sick will have to prove they are too sick to work to be exempt from the new work rules.
White Sox avoid a sweep by beating the Twins 8-0
The White Sox took a 4-0 lead in the first on Twins starter Taj Bradley and improved to 33-29 after losing the last two nights.
Lynx’s Olivia Miles named WNBA Rookie of the Month
Lynx guard Olivia Miles continues adding to her list of accomplishments just a month into her first professional season. On Wednesday she was named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month.
The Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud is proposing to reduce its number of parishes and close some churches. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced yesterday that Bill Peterson will be interim police chief while the city conducts a national search for a new leader.
Ex-DFL chair says Minnesota should consider scrapping endorsing conventions
“I do think at this point in time that's a really serious question that the Legislature should debate,” Mike Erlandson, chair of the Minnesota DFL from 1999 to 2005, said of going straight to primaries.
Tornado Watch, three rounds of strong storms ahead
After a quieter daytime Wednesday, strong thunderstorms impact southwestern Minnesota late tonight. More thunderstorms are here through Friday. The weekend looks pleasant, with some 90s here next week.
Minnesota-based aid group responding to extreme drought in Somalia
Severe drought in Somalia has displaced an estimated 200,000 people this year and put millions at risk of hunger, according to the United Nations. The drought reverberates in Minnesota, which is home to the largest Somali population in the U.S. as well as several groups that provide aid to east Africa.
Analysis: More than 4,000 leisure, hospitality jobs lost during first three months of 2026
Research and progressive policy group North Star Policy Action used federal jobs data and statistical modeling to estimate the economic impact of the federal immigration surge.
Star Tribune planning job cuts, exploring new ownership model
The Minnesota Star Tribune announced Tuesday that it plans to cut about 15 percent of its staff through buyouts and layoffs. Publisher Steve Grove also said the Star Tribune is exploring a new ownership model.
Red Lake Nation returns plane to Roseau pilot, reaching resolution after 7-month standstill
Roseau pilot Darrin Smedsmo retrieved his small engine plane from Red Lake Nation on Wednesday. The plane had been seized after Smedsmo made an emergency landing in October on tribal lands.
Morning Announcements for June 3
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, June 3. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Retired judge to chair state panel documenting effects of federal immigration enforcement in MN
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has appointed members to a new state council tasked with documenting the impact of the federal immigration enforcement surge in the state. The panel will be chaired by retired Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill.
Minneapolis council committee denies plan for new development in George Floyd Square
The proposal will now go on to a vote by the full city council. If the council denies it, city staff can make a new recommendation — or restart the process of finding a community development partner.
What you need to know about your cholesterol
Do you know your cholesterol numbers? What do they really mean? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about cholesterol, heart disease risk and how to protect your heart as you age.
Iowa voters pick their nominees for competitive general elections
Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek will face Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson in the Senate race. For governor, Democrat state Auditor Rob Sand and Republican businessman Zach Lahn move on to November.
Ontario County District Attorney Jason McBride says 20-year-old defendant Emily Motyka had been charged with 11 counts including first degree murder, according to video posted by local outlets. She pleaded guilty to second degree murder and kidnapping charges as well as waived her right to appeal.
Reality TV stars throw their hats in the ring for public office
Reality shows are an escape with characters who can be larger than life. But some stars use the experience of fame as a stepping stone toward another challenge: running for political office.
Dry for most Wednesday ahead of increasing thunder chances
Most of Minnesota will remain dry Wednesday with high clouds increasing. Scattered storms move into western Minnesota Wednesday evening. Storm chances increase statewide into Thursday and Friday.
10 new books in June will transport you
With all that's required to reach “dream destinations” these days, another option is to walk to your local public library instead — and pick up one of these new books out in June set across time and place.
Minnesota lawmakers boost a tax credit that helps young farmers
The Beginning Farmer Tax Credit incentivizes established farmers to rent or sell equipment, livestock and land to beginning farmers. The program’s mission is to “foster farmer-to-farmer connections.”
Rural hospitals worry about the future of an obscure discount drug program they rely on
Multiple rural, critical access hospital leaders say that, while imperfect, 340B has become a lifeline. These facilities serve a large percentage of patients on Medicaid and Medicare, which pay low reimbursements to hospitals, making it difficult for them to break even.
A year after violent attack, Sen. Hoffman says trauma lingers but he won't retreat from public life
State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, faced political violence at their doorstep last year. A year after an assassination attempt, they say they hope to remain in public life, despite the risks to lawmakers and their families.
In deeply Catholic central Minnesota, St. Cloud Diocese looks to reduce parishes, close churches
The St. Cloud Diocese’s plan is a dramatic reshuffling of religious and community life in a part of central Minnesota with deep Catholic roots. Church officials say declining attendance and a shortage of priests are driving the changes.