White Earth Nation Opens First Off-Reservation Cannabis Dispensary in mn
MOORHEAD, Minn. – The White Earth Nation made history in late May with the opening of a cannabis dispensary in Moorhead – the first recreational marijuana store in Minnesota to operate outside of tribal lands.
“This has never been done before – being the first to be able to open an off-reservation dispensary, let alone just the first dispensary in the state,” said Zach Wilson, CEO of Waabigwan Mashkiki, the tribe’s cannabis business. The name means “flower medicine” in Ojibwe.
A compact between the state and White Earth Nation outlines guidelines for tribal cannabis operations beyond reservation boundaries. Wilson said the move sets a precedent for other tribes and states navigating the legal cannabis industry.
By 11 a.m., just an hour after the grand opening, Wilson said the dispensary had already served hundreds of customers. Lines wrapped around the building before doors opened at 10 a.m.
The dispensary currently sells smokeable flower and cannabis-infused drinks, with plans to add gummies and vape cartridges. All products, except beverages, are grown and processed in-house, Wilson said, making the operation fully “seed to sale.”
Adara Rutherford, who works at the tribe’s production facility in Mahnomen, said third-party testing helps ensure product quality. Customers can scan QR codes on packaging to verify safety and contents.
Wilson said Moorhead was chosen for its proximity to the reservation and strong customer demand.
Damion Knudsen of Fargo, N.D., crossed the Red River to shop on opening day. “The stigmas of the harms of cannabis — I think people are starting to understand it’s not as harmful as they once thought,” he said.
White Earth Nation plans to open a second dispensary in St. Cloud in June.
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Health officials confirm new measles cases in Twin Cities metro area
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Two unrelated measles cases have been confirmed in Minnesota, highlighting the need for continued vaccination and awareness, state health officials said.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported that the state’s third and fourth measles cases of 2025 involve an unvaccinated child from Dakota County and an adult from Washington County with unknown vaccination status. The child had no travel history or known exposure, raising concerns about undetected community spread. The adult was exposed during domestic air travel outside the state. Both individuals are recovering at home.
“This could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of MDH’s infectious disease division.
The child was infectious while visiting the Mall of America’s indoor theme park on May 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. MDH advises anyone who was there during that time to watch for symptoms—such as fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash—from May 31 to June 14. People who are unvaccinated or have never had measles are most at risk.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or simply being in the same room with an infected person. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. It can lead to serious complications, including hospitalization and death.
The best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Children should receive two doses: the first between 12–15 months, and the second between 4–6 years. People traveling to areas with outbreaks may need additional doses.
MDH urges all Minnesotans to review their immunization records and contact their doctor if unsure of their vaccine status. More information is available on the MDH measles website at https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/measles/index.html.
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Trump erasing police reforms initiated by George Floyd’s death
WASHINGTON, DC – Five years after George Floyd’s killing sparked national protests and calls for police reform, the Trump administration is swiftly undoing many changes made in its aftermath.
On his first day in office, Trump revoked former President Joe Biden’s 2022 executive order that had restricted federal use of chokeholds and “no-knock” warrants, limited the transfer of military equipment to local police, and encouraged — though could not mandate — reforms at the local level. Biden signed the order after congressional efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act stalled in the Senate, despite clearing the House twice.
Now, the Justice Department under Trump is reversing course on federal oversight. Days before the anniversary of Floyd’s death, the DOJ moved to dismiss its case against the Minneapolis Police Department, ending the push for a federal consent decree following a two-year investigation that found the department used excessive force, discriminated against Black and Native people, and violated free speech rights. A judge granted the dismissal “with prejudice,” preventing the case from being refiled.
“This administration has signaled in every way they are going to remove any restraints or reforms on the police,” said Joanna Schwartz, a UCLA law professor and policing expert.
Trump has long opposed consent decrees, calling them a “war on police.” Reports indicate roughly 70% of attorneys in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division have left since Trump took office, as the agency shifts its focus from protecting civil rights to enforcing executive orders.
Meanwhile, Trump supporters have launched a petition asking him to pardon Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis officer convicted of murdering Floyd. Trump has not publicly responded.
