Midwest
Ilhan Omar quashes Senate bid rumors with re-election announcement
High-profile “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar effectively closed the door on rumors she would seek Minnesota’s open Senate seat in 2026, with an announcement launching a House re-election bid.
“At a time when our rights are under attack, it is more important than ever to fight back against the chaos, corruption, and callousness of the Trump Administration,” the Minneapolis Democrat told Minnesota Public Radio.
“In Minnesota, we know that organized people will always beat organized money. Our campaign is ready to build on our successful grassroots organizing efforts to have a record turnout for the midterms and help win back the majority,” she said.
She won her last race for the 5th Congressional District seat handily, defeating Iraq-born Republican journalist Dalia al-Aqidi by about 50 points.
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Omar had been one of several names bandied about as potential successors to Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., who announced last month she would not seek re-election.
Almost immediately, fellow Democrat Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan threw her hat in the ring, while Omar and other top potential candidates remained silent.
One of Omar’s fellow “Squad” members, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has been rumored as a potential 2028 primary opponent to Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer.
In February, Smith – who was originally appointed by then-Gov. Mark Dayton to succeed Sen. Al Franken after his resignation over sexual misconduct allegations – said in February that she was ready to spend more time with her family.
“This decision is not political, it is entirely personal, but it’s not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever,” Smith said.
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also declined to seek Smith’s seat, leaving his deputy – Flanagan – as the highest-profile Democrat in the race to date.
“At this point in time, I don’t want to have my thumb on the scale in any way,” Walz said in February.
“I just know we’ve got a deep bench. We’ve got good folks,” said Walz, who may instead consider a third term in St. Paul.
If elected, Flanagan – who is Ojibwe – would be only the fifth U.S. senator of Native American heritage and the second currently in office, alongside Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin.
On the Republican side, retired Marine and Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze announced a bid and called it his “most important mission of them all.”
Additionally, former Sacramento Kings player Royce White announced his own bid. White previously lost the 2024 GOP Senate primary.
The race to succeed Smith will be the Land of 10,000 Lakes’ first open Senate race since 2006 – when Dayton declined to run for re-election and Sen. Amy Klobuchar defeated then-Rep. Mark Kennedy, R-Minn., by about 19 points.
Franken has endorsed Flanagan.
Fox News Digital reached out to Omar’s campaign for further comment but did not immediately hear back.
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North Dakota
Case of measles reported in western North Dakota county
MANNING, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — One case of measles was reported in Dunn County, increasing North Dakota’s total number of cases to 36 this year, the Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.
The Dunn County case was believed to have been contracted out of state, health officials said.
North Dakota’s 36 total measles cases confirmed this year now equals the state’s total measles cases reported in 2025, according to the department’s measles dashboard.
Measles cases have been reported across six other counties in North Dakota this year: 23 cases in Pembina County; six cases in Ransom County; three cases in Grand Forks County; and individual cases reported in Traill, Walsh and Williams counties. Five people who contracted measles in 2026 needed to be hospitalized.
Previously, Molly Howell, immunization director of HHS, said being vaccinated against measles is critical to prevent the spread of the disease. She said people with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are 97% protected against contracting the disease.
Cases of measles continue to be reported across the U.S. and Canada, the department said, and people should monitor for symptoms.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and eye irritation, followed by a widespread rash, according to the department. People can transmit the disease for up to four days before a rash develops, according to HHS.
People who believe they may have contracted measles should call a healthcare provider before arriving at a medical clinic for treatment so precautions can be taken to protect other patients and medical staff, HHS said.
As of April 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,814 cases of measles across 36 states in 2026.
Ohio
Governor DeWine announces Ohio sales tax holiday
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOIO) – Gov. Mike DeWine is encouraging Ohioans to take advantage of this year’s sales tax holiday in August.
According to the governor’s office, the holiday will take place from midnight Friday, August 7 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9.
The following items qualify for the sales tax exemption during the three-day holiday:
- Clothing priced at $75 or less per item
- School supplies priced at $20 or less per item
- School instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item
“Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday comes at a time of year when families are getting ready for back-to-school,” said Governor DeWine. “The sales tax break is designed to provide meaningful savings for families as they purchase new school essentials for the upcoming year.”
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
South Dakota
South Dakota man gifted RV for his community impact
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) -Brad Nelson with South Dakota Parks and Recreation was recognized by Bish’s RV in collaboration with Jayco’s Campers “Hometown Hero” program, where community members can be nominated for the impact they’ve made.
“I volunteer for veterans’ outdoor therapy. We strongly believe that there is a healing power in nature and being outdoors. So we provide fully funded outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping. Which makes sense with the camper. It just makes big differences in their lives,” said Brad Nelson, Park Manager, Rock Point Recreation.
“I think it’s very important because of the things we are at Bish’s RV, our inventory is to design and build memories. And when somebody goes above and beyond, does a great job, and they’re able to build memories, it’s good for everybody and the community,” said Teague Williams, General Manager, Bish’s RV.
Nelson says the RV won’t be used for himself. Instead, he’ll use it to help military veterans get outdoors and enjoy nature.
Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
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