News

Election preview highlights Greater Minnesota coalition conference

Minnesota News July 23, 2026

NEW ULM — The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Summer Conference (CGMC) drew officials from cities across the state for three days of networking, policy discussions and recognition of local advocacy efforts. CGMC Executive Director Bradley Peterson opened the conference with an election preview. He said that all 201 legislative seats, the governor’s office and other statewide offices are on the ballot this fall. Peterson said the current Legislature is evenly divided in the House at 67-67 with a one-seat DFL majority in the Senate. That balance has led to more collaborative ...

Springfield woman sentenced to five years in prison

Local News July 23, 2026

NEW ULM — A 44-year-old Springfield woman originally charged with 14 criminal sex counts was sentenced to five years, four months in prison in Brown County District Court July 13. Sarah Marie Riederer was convicted of one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. She pled guilty to the charge May 27 and 13 first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges were dismissed. Riederer was sentenced to 64 months at the Shakopee Correctional Facility, credited with one day served and must serve 32 months supervised release. Her prison time may be extended to eight full years for ...

Millions have signed up for Trump Accounts, but some families are still waiting for baby's $1,000

National News July 22, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — At a rally Wednesday, President Donald Trump touted the $1,000 babies can receive when their parents open Trump Accounts in their names, seed money that Trump says will help give them "a really fair shot at the American dream." "Think of that. The government is finally ...

Democrats press ICE on oversight, say 1 officer referred for discipline over use of force

National News July 22, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — One Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has been referred for discipline over a use of force incident since the beginning of the Trump administration, said Democratic members of the House Homeland Security Committee after a briefing with ICE officials Wednesday ...

A twist on a fairy tale

Local News July 22, 2026

LAKE BENTON — Longtime actors but first time co-directors Jenna Kor and Tom Schmitt debut for the Opera House putting on the musical “Into the Woods” for the Lake Benton Opera House’s summer musical. The musical follows the fairy tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and ...

House Republicans adopt $95 billion package for the Iran war and Trump's priorities

National News July 22, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House adopted a Republican-only $95 billion budget proposal Wednesday, a long-shot effort to fund the Iran war and other White House priorities over objections from Democrats and a few GOP holdouts in a final push before the midterm elections. House Republicans were ...