Midwest
Tim Walz cheers Tesla stock tumble, but Minnesota state employees' pension owns over 1M shares
More than 1 million Minnesotans own Tesla shares in their retirement funds, but that didn’t stop failed Democratic vice presidential hopeful and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz from mocking Tesla and CEO Elon Musk for its recent downward trend in the stock market.
During a Wisconsin town hall this week, Walz remarked that he checks Tesla’s stock value when he wants to feel better.
“Some of you know this. On the iPhone, they’ve got that little stock app. I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day — $225 and dropping,” Walz said as the audience erupted in cheers. “And if you own one, we’re not blaming you. You can take dental floss and pull the Tesla thing off.”
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Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., was Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024 and is thought to be weighing a 2028 presidential bid. (Getty Images)
But those diving stocks may actually be hurting Walz’s constituents, according to a June 2024 report from the Minnesota State Board of Investment that shows the state held 1.6 million shares of Tesla stock in its pension fund.
As of March, Tesla’s stock is down 41.4% year-to-date after a series of vehicle vandalism incidents linked to growing backlash against Elon Musk’s role as head of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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In response to Walz’s comments, Trump’s Rapid Response team wrote in a social media post, “When we need a little boost during the day at the White House, we walk around the corner from our office and admire these beautiful portraits.”
The post included portraits of Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Trump also said Friday he views those committing crimes against Musk’s company “as terrorists” and told reporters the crimes are “under very serious investigation.”
Five Tesla vehicles were set on fire and shot at in what police are investigating as a “targeted attack” at a local repair center in Las Vegas Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (Hal Sparks via Storyful)
Investor Kevin O’Leary called Walz’s comments “beyond stupid” on CNN Thursday.
“That poor guy didn’t check his portfolio and his own pension plan for the state,” O’Leary said of Walz. “It’s beyond stupid what he did.
“What’s the matter with that guy?” he continued. “He doesn’t check the well-being of his own constituents.”
ELON MUSK CONGRATULATES SPACEX, NASA FOR ‘EXCELLENT WORK’ RESCUING STRANDED ASTRONAUTS
Teslas are becoming targets of attacks in protest of CEO Elon Musk’s political involvement. (Getty Images)
Walz is touring Republican-leaning districts across the U.S. and hosting town halls.
His office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment before publication.
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Thousands of participants are expected to lace up their shoes as the 38th Annual Avera Race Against Cancer returns Saturday, May 9, with events across eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota.
Avera Race Against Cancer running and walking events will take place in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Yankton and Marshall, Minnesota, with total participation projected to exceed 7,500 people. Last year’s event broke participation records with a total of 7,747 participants across all regions.
“We never take that for granted,” said Reid Jensen, director of annual giving for the Avera Foundation. “Yet a lot of our signups each year are based on the excitement and inspiration people have experienced or heard about from past events.”
The annual fundraiser supports patients facing all types of cancer, with proceeds benefiting a wide range of services. Among them is the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center, a 24/7 call center offering guidance and support to patients and families.
Funds also help cover lodging and transportation assistance for individuals and families, screenings and early detection, genetic testing, specialized equipment, wigs for cancer patients, complementary therapies, such as massage and Arts in Healing, and grief support and survivor events, according to the Avera Health press release.
Organizers emphasize that all dollars raised stay local to support patients and families in the region. As of April 30, fundraising totals had already reached more than $780,000 toward an $850,000 goal, $100k more than last year’s goal. Donations can be made online at AveraRace.org.
For those wishing to volunteer for the event, sign up online on the Avera Race Against Cancer Sioux Falls event page at averafoundation.org. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Those who sign up to volunteer will receive a 2026 Avera Race Volunteer shirt.
There is also still time to register individually on the event website.The Avera Race is one of the few large events of its kind that offers “week of” and “same day” registrations, according to the Avera press release.
“We’ve been doing that for 37 years and will continue to do that,” said Elijah Bonde, community giving manager for the Avera Foundation.
Sioux Falls race details
In Sioux Falls, the race will start and finish at the GreatLIFE Fitness Club at Avera McKennan Fitness Center at 3400 S. Southeastern Ave. Race course maps are available for each running or walking course. Parking information can be found on the Sioux Falls event page online at averafoundation.org.
Before the day of the event, all registered individual and team participants are required to pick up their race day packets at the GreatLIFE Fitness Club at Avera McKennan Fitness Center on the following dates and times:
Team packets:
- Friday, May 1, 1-7 p.m.
- Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 3, 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Monday, May 4, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Individual packets:
- Thursday, May 7, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 8, 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Packets will include timing chips on racing bibs for the 5K and 10K races and the first 5,000 registrants will receive an official 2026 Avera Race Against Cancer shirt.
Whether rain or warms rays of sunshine, the race day schedule of events will be as follows:
- 6 a.m. — Complimentary shuttle buses begin, running in 15-minute increments until 10 a.m.
- 7 a.m. — Avera Race Expo and Survivor Pavilion opens
- 7:15 a.m. — Survivor group photo
- 7:40 a.m. — Song tribute to all survivors
- 7:45 a.m. — Aerobic warm up with Jackie Haggar-Tuschen, executive director at Avera McKennan Fitness Center
- 8 a.m. — 10K race start and breakfast buffet opens
- 8:15 a.m. — 5K race start
- 8:20 a.m. — 1.5 and 3-mile walk start
Both runs will be staggered and chip-timed. Race results will be posted online after the race at AveraRace.org.
‘Smiles, hugs and a few tears’
The Race offers countless moments that keep people coming back year after year. It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together — united by purpose, driven by hope and committed to a cause that truly matters.
That spirit of unity is shown by not just runners and walkers, but also from local sponsors and organizations who make the event possible.
This year, Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln serves as the title sponsor for the 2026 race, and events like the Sioux Empire Ford Club’s Mustang Cruise for Race Against Cancer, held on April 28, have helped build momentum and excitement leading up to race day.
For the participants themselves, they bring their own story, motivation and connection to the cause.
“Many [participants] are running enthusiasts who appreciate the chip-timed 5K and 10K races, with awards to top finishers,” Bonde said.
Others simply enjoy venturing out an a spring day for a leisurely 1.5-mile family walk or a 3-mile walk, while also supporting a good cause.
In this instance, the race can also be a spectator sport for those who wish to cheer participants in support.
For those who stand beside patients in their hardest moments, the Avera Race Against Cancer is a day filled with meaning, and reflects the stories they carry, the lives they’ve cared for and the courage they witness every single day.
This is true for Jayna Boeve, mammography quality control technologist who leads a team from Avera primary care clinics in Sioux Falls, who has seen cancer tough the lives of not just patients but also co-workers, friends and family members.
“As healthcare workers, it’s especially meaningful for us to stand alongside our patients outside the clinical setting and show our support in a visible, unified way. It’s become a tradition that brings our team together for a cause that truly matters.”
For many others, the annual event is “deeply personal.”
Avera Foundation statistics reval that 90% of participants are not cancer survivors themselves but attend in support of someone they love, according to Avera’s press release on April 28.
“There’s a lot of fun as teams show their spirit. But there’s also inspiration as we recognize survivors and remember those who are no longer with us,” Jensen said. “We see a lot of smiles and hugs but also a few tears.”
Vanessa Carlson Bender is the Development and Public Health Reporter at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Reach her at vbender@gannett.com.
DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Gas prices in Michigan are up 84 cents from last week in the state of Michigan, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $4.86/gallon for regular unleaded fuel, which is 99 cents more than this last month and $1.64 more than this time last year.
This means that for a full 15-gallon tank of gas, drivers are paying an average of $73, up $22 from last year’s highest prices.
“Michigan drivers are feeling the squeeze as gas prices spike 85 cents in one week,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Until oil prices ease and gasoline stocks rebuild, drivers may continue to feel pressure from higher prices at the pump.”
Metro Detroit’s current average is $4.83 per gallon, up 76 cents since last week and up $1.66 from this time last year.
Here’s a look at the priciest and cheapest gas prices across the state:
- Most expensive gas price averages: Benton Harbor ($4.94), Ann Arbor ($4.92), Grand Rapids ($4.91)
- Least expensive gas price averages: Marquette ($4.65), Flint ($4.82), Metro Detroit ($4.83)
For more information on gas prices near you, click here.
Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee leaders on Monday, May 4, will unveil new plans to help stop illegal dumping in the city.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the Department of Neighborhood Services are expected to announce the expansion of a citywide program that uses hidden cameras in the monitoring of illegal dumping.
This annoucement will be made at City Hall at 10 a.m.
Illegal dumping
Dig deeper:
Illegal dumping continues to impact Milwaukee neighborhoods, especially on the north side.
Boats, mattresses and even small vehicles are among the items dumped along streets and vacant areas on the city’s north side.
Alderwoman Andrea Pratt said she monitors more than 40 illegal dumping sites weekly. One recurring trouble spot, she said, is along the Beerline Trail.
Additionally, since closing in July 2025, the former Pick ‘n Save parking lot at 35th and North has also become a major site for trash, furniture, and tires.
In March, FOX6 News first showed viewers piles of garbage around the building after a viewer reported concerns. The city then issued an order to the property owner to clean up the property.
Weeks later, neighbors say the major trash piles are gone, but graffiti now covers parts of the building and new trash has appeared behind it. They say the closure created additional problems for the neighborhood.
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The City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services has now issued another order, requiring the property owner to remove the graffiti or face fines.
Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee
Report illegal dumping
What you can do:
If you are caught dumping garbage illegally in Milwaukee, you can face a fine of up to $25,000.
Anyone can report illegal dumping by calling 414-286-2489.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.
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