Midwest
Minnesota Gov Tim Walz, up for Harris VP, criticized for 'remarkable lack of leadership' during COVID, riots
As Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is eyed as a potential vice presidential pick for Vice President Kamala Harris on the 2024 Democratic ticket, some critics are pointing to his handling of COVID-19 and riots across Minneapolis in 2020 that rocked the state’s urban areas.
“[H]e’s been a disaster for Minnesota and is by far the most partisan governor that I can remember having,” Minnesota GOP Chairman David Hann told Fox News Digital. “Going back to 2020, certainly — he did nothing to try to stop the riots going on in Minneapolis. I think he was fearful of alienating his ‘progressive’ base, who were supporting the riots. Kamala Harris was raising money for the rioters.”
Democrats, meanwhile, believe Walz is a strong candidate — as he was elected governor twice since 2018 and served in Congress for 12 years — in a key swing state that could help Harris win in November.
“Governor Walz has been a strong leader, a great partner with the [l]egislature, and he would be an excellent choice for Vice President,” Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman told Fox News Digital in a statement. “We worked together over the last two years on the most productive session in Minnesota in decades, passing policies that will help Minnesotans build better lives for themselves and their families.”
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a news conference for the Biden-Harris campaign discussing the Project 2025 plan during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention near the Fiserv Forum on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti)
Hortman added that “the last two years are a shining example that Tim Walz is good at working with strong women in full collaboration to get things done.”
“I am thrilled by Kamala Harris’ candidacy and believe Gov. Walz would be a strong addition to the ticket,” the state representative said.
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is being eyed as a running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. (Montinique Monroe | Jim Vondruska)
Some critics point to Walz’s memorandum mandating indoor masking during the coronavirus pandemic, which he enacted in 2020 and ended in 2021. The Upper Midwest Law Center sued, calling the mandate unconstitutional, but an appellate court ultimately sided with Walz.
Walz also set up a hotline to report residents who violated COVID-19 mandates, as FOX 9 Minneapolis reported at the time.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was elected governor twice since 2018 and served in Congress for 12 years.
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Republican State Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka asked Walz to “please take [the] Hotline down” in a post after it was established, calling the move “unnecessary.”
“We can all show a bit of kindness to our neighbors as we manage our times and needs differently in the stay at home efforts,” the state senator said at the time.
Gazelka also noted Walz’s delay in sending the National Guard to Minneapolis when riots broke out downtown following George Floyd’s murder in May 2020.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, left, speaks to Blue Earth County Public Works Director Ryan Thilges. (Michael Goldberg/AP)
“I called the White House after [four] days of unbridled rioting with the Governor frozen on what to do,” Gazelka wrote on X on Sunday. “I know that Gov[.] Walz and Pres[ident] Trump talked. I know Walz finally brought the Guard out in full for the next night. But Walz was [three] days too late. Pressure may have made him move.”
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Hann similarly said Walz “waited for three days before he could bring himself to ask for the National Guard to be deployed.” He also pointed to the “defund” police movement’s roots in Minnesota following Floyd’s murder and subsequent rioting in the Twin Cities.
“He displayed a remarkable lack of leadership in dealing with the riot that was very destructive and the aftermath of which is still affecting the quality of life and the business climate in Minneapolis.”
A protester stands next to a burning car holding a sign in support of the Black Lives Matter movement on Thursday, May 28, 2020 during the third day of protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Anadolu Agency / Getty Contributor)
As a result of the delayed action, hundreds of businesses across Minneapolis and St. Paul were devastated by the destruction and had to ask their local government for help recovering — on top of what they lost during pandemic-related closures.
RIOTING, LOOTING LINKED TO GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS LEAVES TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION ACROSS AMERICAN CITIES
Charles Stotts and wife Kacey White, owners of Town Talk Diner on Lake Street in Minneapolis, watch as water pours out of the restaurant on Thursday, May 28, 2020. (Andy Rathbun/MediaNews Group / St. Paul Pioneer Press via Getty Images)
However, the criticisms from Republicans did not end in 2021 after COVID.
In March, following Walz’s State of the State address, he described Minnesota as the “best state in the country for a kid to grow up.” He listed his goals for boosting school funding, requiring “100%” clean energy by 2040, protecting abortion rights and protecting LGBTQ minors, according to The Pioneer Press.
House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth issued a response noting the challenges Minnesota is facing under Walz’s leadership, first noting a nearly $18 billion surplus in Walz’s $72 billion budget that was initially supposed to be returned to taxpayers but was spent on other state initiatives instead.
“We grew government in a way that is unsustainable.”
“We know that when there is tax relief offered for young families … as great as that sounds, and we are appreciative of that point, if Minnesota wasn’t such an expensive place to live,” Demuth said in March. “In addition to that $18 billion of surplus that is now gone, taxes and fees — our state budget — was raised by another $10 billion. We grew government in a way that is unsustainable.”
Smoke rises from a fire on a police cruiser on May 30, 2020, in Philadelphia. The first of six people charged with setting fire to police vehicles in Philadelphia during the 2020 riots against police brutality after the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis has been sentenced. ((AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file))
Hann made similar comments, condemning the governor’s “terrible mismanagement” of state funds.
“He set up the state for a structural deficit going forward, as he’s put in place spending regiments that will far exceed our ability to fund. … His and his policies have been detrimental to businesses.”
She also noted that children are scoring lower in statewide educational tests.
Additionally, many critics of Walz’s leadership have noted an increase in violent crime not only in the Twin Cities but across the state starting around 2020. While violent crime slightly decreased in 2023, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, it is still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Walz’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
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North Dakota’s small towns get less attention than they deserve. Mandan keeps the state’s oldest park alive at Fort Abraham Lincoln, where reconstructed earth lodges sit a few minutes from a working farmers’ market. Valley City earns its City of Bridges nickname with a downtown tour that crosses the Sheyenne River eight times. New Salem holds onto its 19th-century Custer Trail story while pointing visitors toward miles of open prairie. Bottineau adds a creamery operating since the 1930s and a giant turtle statue that has somehow become the town mascot. The seven towns below pack more character into a quiet state than most people expect.
Mandan
Mandan’s past is layered in different eras of American history. First, this town was a village for the Mandan tribe; it later became a cavalry fort, then a railroad town, and finally a hub for the region’s farmers and ranchers.
Attractions include the Mandan Heritage Plaza, which houses a wonderful local farmers’ market. Another great attraction is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, which is the oldest state park in North Dakota. This state park features educational opportunities about the Mandan Native Americans through reconstructed earth lodges. For those of a mind seeking adventure, Huff Hills Ski Area contains some of the best slopes in the state.
Bottineau
Though it does make for a fun stop, there is even more to Bottineau than the giant statue of Tommy the turtle keeping vigil by the roadside. For example, you may want to visit Pride Dairy, the last small-town creamery in all of North Dakota. Named by USA Today as the best ice cream in the state, this family-oriented shop has been servicing its customers since the 1930s. For further culinary options, one may want to visit Marie’s on Main Street; operating as a bistro, fine-dining experience, and cocktail bar all at once, Marie’s is a local favorite. Lastly, excursions to nearby Lake Metigoshe State Park offer hiking trails, fishing holes, and more.
Rugby
Many of Rugby’s best attractions are in its history. The Prairie Village Museum showcases some of the county’s oldest artifacts, and the 1907 Great Northern Railroad Depot gives a great glimpse into the past. Built in red-brick Tudor style, this depot is one of many scattered across the nation to be repurposed and preserved. The Victorian Dress Museum is located in a former church and provides a delightful look into Victorian-era fashion and accessories. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street Boutique is also a local highlight. Here, attendees can shop for everything from clothing to kitchen items.
Valley City
Nicknamed the City of Bridges for a reason, Valley City encourages its visitors to embark on the Valley City Historic Bridges Tour to best appreciate this town’s unique place in history. The many bridges of the tour cross over the Sheyenne River at various points, but none stand out more than the Hi-line Railroad Bridge, which is one of the highest and longest single-track railroad bridges in the country. After this interesting tour, you may want to check out Medicine Wheel Park, located on the grounds of Valley City State University. Scenic and lush, this Park contains 30 acres and a large rock sculpture meant to track Earth’s rotation around the sun.
Speaking of planets: the downtown Valley City State Planetarium makes for a perfect family outing. As of 2025 it has been equipped with a new domed projection system and a 24-foot ceiling.
Lisbon
Lisbon, settled in the heart of the Sheyenne River Valley, has a Main Street lively with restaurants, shopping, and history. Among its best places to eat is the Bronc, a local favorite that combines social atmosphere with delicious meals. Nearby, one can also find the Rustic Hanger, a boutique with clothing, gifts, and home decor that adds to the town’s charm.
As promised, there are plenty of outdoor experiences to enjoy both in Lisbon and the valley in which it is situated. The North Country Trail is a great opportunity for visitors to hike and explore, challenging themselves on a trail that runs from the Sheyenne River National Scenic Byway on the north side of Lisbon and the beautiful Sheyenne River bluffs on the south side.
Dickinson
Speaking of trails to explore, outdoorsy types will also love Dickinson for its proximity to the Crooked Crane Trail, which offers wide-open landscapes and wildlife. Nearby Patterson Lake, too, provides visitors a chance to have a day on the water or enjoy a shoreline stroll.
Also exploring its own nature and history is the Dickinson Museum Center, which (amongst other options) is home to the Badlands Dinosaur Museum – an exciting chance for families to enjoy a deep exploration of an ever-evolving exhibit displaying fossils, minerals, and a public preparation lab. The museum provides an excellent glimpse into prehistoric life in the area and is always working to provide new exhibits and opportunities for all guests.
New Salem
Established in 1883, New Salem’s history is best explored in the Custer Trail Museum. Featuring multiple buildings, this impressive museum contains a church from 1904, two schoolhouses, the Old New Salem depot, a blacksmith shop, and others. Following this, visitors may want to stop by Metro Perk & Market, a local restaurant/bakery and a coveted coffee shop.
There are several options for accommodations should one wish to explore New Salem and its beautiful, expansive prairie fields in more depth. This includes the Metropolitan Hotel and the Arrowhead Inn.
The towns explored on this list are each historic and full of character. North Dakota’s best offerings are found in the walking tour across Valley City’s bridges, in the nature around Lisbon, and in the historic train depots of Rugby. There is much more to North Dakota than can be found on these towns’ streets and in their surroundings, so do not wait: these seven small towns are ready to be visited.
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from May 4 drawing
30-36-42-60-63, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from May 4 drawing
09-10-12-50-52, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 03
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 4 drawing
08-17-22-34-39, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
- Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
- Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.
When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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