Stories from June 4, 2026

Qualls sees 'pocketbook issues' as key to Minnesota governor's race
GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls told MPR News Thursday that economic issues would be his top focus if elected and that he’d be “all in” if President Donald Trump chose to endorse him.
Forest Service officials say the Birch Bay wildfire burning a few miles northwest of Ely is now 30 percent contained. The Minnesota Department of Human Services has disenrolled sixty percent of providers from 14 high-risk Medicaid programs.
Three Minnesota literary organizations receive major national grant 
The Literary Arts Fund announced Thursday that the Loft Literary Center, Graywolf Press and the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop are among 40 recipients that will share $7.7 million.
Packers' Christian Watson agrees to four-year, $110.5 million extension
A person familiar with the situation says Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has agreed to terms on a four-year, $110.5 million contract extension through 2030 with a $31 million signing bonus.
DHS disenrolls 3,400 Medicaid providers while flagging small fraction for further fraud review
Minnesota’s Department of Human Services disenrolled 60 percent of providers from 14 high risk Medicaid programs as part of an agreement with the federal government to combat fraud. But only 59 providers were flagged for additional review.
After 50 years, musician Deb Jenkins is still finding ways to make Fargo-Moorhead more vibrant
Whether as a nurse, chef, musician or community member, Deb Jenkins has contributed to the Fargo-Moorhead community in many ways. During a live taping of Minnesota Now, we spoke to Jenkins about what makes the area so special to her.
Farming is a community endeavor for this Moorhead-area producer
Noreen Thomas and her family produce vegetables, flowers, grains, eggs and seeds near Moorhead. Doubting Thomas Farms also includes producers raising honeybees, grazing cattle and harvesting herbs. And Thomas mentors other women in agriculture.
Fowzia Adde turns to her refugee experience to help other immigrants thrive in Moorhead
Fowzia Adde founded the Immigrant Development Center to help other immigrants find jobs and settle in the region. She was inspired by her own struggle to transfer her nursing credentials into a career in the Red River Valley after spending seven years in a refugee camp in Kenya.
Severe storm potential Thursday and Friday
Humidity is remarkably higher as of late morning Thursday, compared to the same time the day before. Central Minnesota is the most prone for wind damage Thursday. This rolls out of here by early Friday morning. Onto the weekend, friends! We made it!
Watch: Join Great Lakes Now as an expedition explores the deep Lake Superior
Join a livestreamed expedition to the deepest point in the Great Lakes and explore a hidden underwater world from your own screen. Watch the live stream on MPR News’ Facebook Page or on MPRnews.org.
Ticks are thriving in Minnesota. Experts explain why.
Health experts emphasize early detection and prevention as tick activity increases statewide.
Drought conditions worsen across Minnesota
Minnesota's drought situation took another step in the wrong direction this week, with the latest drought monitor showing expanding dry conditions and the expanding of severe drought in southwestern Minnesota.
Morning Announcements for June 4
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, June 4. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Knight, Coyne Schofield, Muller among PWHL stars eligible to be signed by league's 4 expansion teams
Seattle’s Hilary Knight, Minnesota’s Kendall Coyne Schofield, Boston’s Alina Muller, and Ottawa’s Brianne Jenner headline a group of PWHL stars eligible to be signed by the PWHL’s four expansion teams, after the league released its protected player list.
Trump administration has separated dozens of children from their parents for a second time, AP finds
An Associated Press investigation reveals that dozens of children who were separated under the first Trump administration have been re-separated, despite a judge's order to reunite them.
Senate begins voting on funding immigration enforcement after Trump's settlement fund is dropped
The Republican-led Senate is moving forward with legislation to fund immigration enforcement agencies after forcing the White House to drop its settlement fund for political allies and stripping a separate proposal for White House security from the bill.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell says United fraudulently manipulated the health status of people in a public health plan in order to get larger payments from the state in a "growth at all costs" strategy.
Spotty to scattered rain, thunder chances through Friday
We’ll have some additional chances at spotty to scattered shower and thunderstorm development through Friday. The weekend is shaping up to be mainly dry and very warm.