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Minnesota Gov Tim Walz, up for Harris VP, criticized for 'remarkable lack of leadership' during COVID, riots

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Minnesota Gov Tim Walz, up for Harris VP, criticized for 'remarkable lack of leadership' during COVID, riots

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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.”

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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.”

OBAMA STRATEGIST SHOUTS OUT ONE CANDIDATE FOR HARRIS RUNNING MATE

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.”

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“I am thrilled by Kamala Harris’ candidacy and believe Gov. Walz would be a strong addition to the ticket,” the state representative said.

HARRIS SNUBS ONE OF THE FEW DEMS OPEN TO BEING HER VP: REPORT

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.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was elected governor twice since 2018 and served in Congress for 12 years.

IS NEWSOM OUT OF THE RUNNING IN HARRIS’ VP SEARCH? A LOOK AT THE 12TH AMENDMENT

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.

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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.”

‘WE WERE ABANDONED’: PENTAGON EMAILS SHOW NATIONAL GUARD WAS READY TO DEPLOY BEFORE 2020 MINNEAPOLIS PROTESTS

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.”

— David Hann, Minnesota GOP chairman

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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.

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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.”

— Lisa Demuth, Minnesota House minority leader

“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))

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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.

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Walz’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for May 4, 2026

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Wisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for May 4, 2026


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The Wisconsin Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

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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 Pick 3 numbers from May 4 drawing

Midday: 7-0-7

Evening: 2-1-3

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 4 drawing

Midday: 1-0-3-5

Evening: 1-0-1-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning All or Nothing numbers from May 4 drawing

Midday: 01-03-09-10-13-14-16-17-20-21-22

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Evening: 02-03-04-06-10-11-12-13-15-16-19

Check All or Nothing payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Badger 5 numbers from May 4 drawing

02-06-07-14-29

Check Badger 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning SuperCash numbers from May 4 drawing

07-12-13-15-20-28, Doubler: N

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Check SuperCash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Prizes up to $599: Can be claimed at any Wisconsin Lottery retailer.
  • Prizes from $600 to $199,999: Can be claimed in person at a Lottery Office. By mail, send the signed ticket and a completed claim form available on the Wisconsin Lottery claim page to: Prizes, PO Box 777 Madison, WI 53774.
  • Prizes of $200,000 or more: Must be claimed in person at the Madison Lottery office. Call the Lottery office prior to your visit: 608-261-4916.

Can Wisconsin lottery winners remain anonymous?

No, according to the Wisconsin Lottery. Due to the state’s open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner. Other information about the winner is released only with the winner’s consent.

When are the Wisconsin Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Super Cash: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 3 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 3 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 4 (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 4 (Evening): 9:00 p.m. CT daily.
  • All or Nothing (Day): 1:30 p.m. CT daily.
  • All or Nothing (Evening): 9 p.m. CT daily.
  • Megabucks: 9:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Badger 5: 9:00 p.m. CT daily.

That lucky feeling: Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Feeling lucky? WI man wins $768 million Powerball jackpot **

WI Lottery history: Top 10 Powerball and Mega Million jackpots

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Wisconsin editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Detroit, MI

Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Game Delayed on Monday

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Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Game Delayed on Monday


Original Story: The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers clash on Monday night was anything but smooth.

Boston got an excellent start from Payton Tolle, who went seven innings in the contest and allowed just one base hit and two earned runs. After a five-run seventh inning, Boston took a 5-2 lead. Then, in the top of the eighth inning, the consest was delayed due to inclement weather.

This story will be updated as information surfaces.

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Updated: The weather certainly played a role in Monday’s contest. Midway through the contest, fans at Comerica Park had to take cover due to lightning in the area.

The rain came fast and hard, but the action continued for a few innings afterward.

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Eventually, with the crowd looking empty, the action started to get a bit sloppy. Tolle allowed the two earned runs on just one base hit. That’s in part due to two errors from the Red Sox behind him in the sixth inning. Detroit scored both of its runs in the sixth inning. Fortunately, the Red Sox followed suit with five runs of their own in the seventh inning in equally weird fashion. Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran smashed a homer to left field that on the broadcast looked like it was going to be a pop-up to left field, then all of a sudden it was out.

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Wilyer Abreu followed up with a base hit to push Boston’s fourth run of the inning across.

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Finally, Marcelo Mayer came through with a base hit to drive in the fifth run of the inning for Boston.

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Then, in the eighth inning, the contest was put into a rain delay with the weather getting worse.

“The game is currently in a delay due to inclement weather in the area. We will continue to provide updates,” the Tigers announced on X.

At the time, Enmanuel De Jesus was on the mound for Detroit with Andruw Monasterio at the plate with one ball. As of writing, neither the Red Sox nor the Tigers has provided an estimated time for the resumption of the contest, although the grounds crew did start to move the tarp on the field. When the game does resume, Boston will be just six outs away from getting back in the win column. For Boston, it’s a game it certainly needs to win and currently is in a good position to do so. But, again, it’s not over.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee’s housing crisis leaves younger adults and families struggling to find stability

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Milwaukee’s housing crisis leaves younger adults and families struggling to find stability


Housing instability for young adults in Milwaukee is a growing problem. Looking for solutions, young adults, residents and leaders gathered at Wellpoint Care Network in late April to discuss systemic gaps and realities young adults face with renting and homeownership. 

“Homeownership is a privilege when it shouldn’t be,” Tamia Abney, youth-coordinated entry liaison at Pathfinders, said.

The convening challenged members to think of possible solutions to the young adult housing crisis.

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Basic needs aren’t being met

A 2024 Wisconsin Policy Forum study revealed that half of Milwaukee renters are using at least 30% of their income to keep a roof over their heads. 

Joe Peterangelo, research director at Wisconsin Policy Forum, shares information from a study that found home prices are outpacing incomes in Wisconsin. (Photo provided by Wellpoint Care Network)

In 2024, the average monthly rent in Milwaukee was $1,177. Workers in common jobs like fast food, retail, nursing assistants and other occupations earn between $28,000 and $44,000 a year, and can only afford approximately $720 to $1,100 in rent, according to the Wisconsin Policy Forum. 

“Those are important jobs that make up most of our society,” Abney said. “The income isn’t meeting the needs to pay for their living.” 

During the convening at Wellpoint Care Network, Mayor Cavalier Johnson said there are young people who have decent jobs and still struggle with affordable housing.

“When you make that first good job out of college and make a certain dollar amount, everybody thinks you have it when that’s not the case,” Johnson said. “I lived it, too.”

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Milwaukee housing shortage

One reason for the high rent prices in Milwaukee is that the number of people needing homes is growing faster than the number of housing units available. 

According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, Milwaukee’s households increased by 17,335 between 2010 and 2024, but only 11,038 housing units were available, leaving an underproduction of 6,297 units. 

“There’s a shortage for low-income families because somebody else has already snatched it away from them,” said Carl Mueller, founder and chairman of Mueller Communications.

The mayor, who declared 2026 the year of housing in Milwaukee, said the city is working to increase housing supply so rent can become cheaper and change how tax dollars are being used to support young professionals.

“We still invest in affordable housing, but what we’ve done now is open it up to make investments in workforce housing, so young professionals don’t end up in situations where they’re spending 30% of their income, too,” Johnson said. 

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Mueller and other community members suggested the city build developments similar to NeuVue and ThriveOn King, which bring housing and community resources together. 

Community members have breakout sessions about how housing instability can impact younger adults and families. (Photo provided by Wellpoint Care Network)

Additional challenges

Another reason for the local housing shortage is that residential projects take the longest to get approved.

According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, the median time it takes for a Milwaukee building project to go from zoning to final building permit approval is 145 days, but for residential projects it takes about 224 days. 

Johnson said when he came into office, he challenged the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services to speed up the permit process.

“I think if we had been more aggressive and if we had cut more red tape over the years then a lot of the development that’s happening in some of the surrounding communities would have happened in the city,” Johnson said. 

Johnson added that Milwaukee’s zoning policies need to be updated so more properties can be built. 

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“We haven’t had a wholescale zoning policy since John Norquist was mayor,” he said.

A need for a better quality of living

Al Smith, chief operating officer at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, said youths, families and young adults are living in places with high rent prices but are experiencing poor conditions – lead issues and infestations among them. 

“Some are paying up to $1,500 a month for places they don’t want to live in, but it was the only option they were left with,” Smith said. “We need a better quality of housing stock.”

Iasia Sawyer, 21, and a member of the Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council and participant of the Youth Transitioning to Adulthood program, said she’s already in her second apartment and has faced ongoing challenges with her landlord over mold and pipes.

Housing stability creates positive impact

Al Smith, chief operating officer at Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, said youths, families and young adults are living in places with high rent prices but are experiencing poor conditions – lead issues and infestations among them. 

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“Some are paying up to $1,500 a month for places they don’t want to live in, but it was the only option they were left with,” Smith said. “We need a better quality of housing stock.”

Iasia Sawyer, 21, and a member of the Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council and participant of the Youth Transitioning to Adulthood program, said she’s already in her second apartment and has faced ongoing challenges with her landlord over mold and pipes. 

Housing stability creates positive impact 

Smith said more young adults and families in stable housing would bring an increase in graduation rates and other benefits. 

“When I think about education or even kids having to switch schools constantly, there’s no stability in that,” he said. 

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Johnson recalled how traumatizing it felt when he had to attend six different Milwaukee Public Schools throughout his childhood because of housing instability. 

“As mayor, I’m working to make sure that more kids in Milwaukee have the stability that I didn’t have growing up,” Johnson said. “It’s not just about housing support; you guys are also providing the foundation for everything else in life.”

Homeownership can be attainable for young adults

Smith said he found it disheartening to know there are some who have no desire to become a homeowner. 

“If you’ve seen multiple generations of your family that were only renters and never owned a home, they don’t think homeownership is a possibility for them,” he said. 

He said the best way to encourage young adults into homeownership is through community support to address credit, bankruptcies and other barriers so they can make the adjustments to become eligible to buy a home.

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At Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, Smith said they are teaching individuals how to financially prepare for homeownership. 

According to Smith, it takes about $275,000 for the organization to build a home, and families who participate in the program only pay about $150,000 for their first mortgage. The program provides additional financial support to help keep monthly payments affordable.

“You’ll also get the benefit of building wealth and equity into that,” Smith said. 

Sawyer said she wants young people navigating adulthood to know that although finding stable and quality housing is a challenge, it can be attainable. 

“There are people who are ready to give up because they don’t have the right support around them for their situation,” she said. “Now it’s about moving forward.”

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