>>Standoff in Marshall Ends Peacefully Wednesday night

(Marshall, MN) — Police in southwest Minnesota say a standoff ended peacefully Wednesday night in Marshall after several hours of negotiations. Investigators say a 63-year-old man made verbal threats and fired a handgun at an officer on the scene. The officer escorted a family member to the house before the suspect barricaded himself inside. Authorities used chemical agents to remove the man who reportedly fired additional rounds during negotiations. He was eventually taken into custody without incident and will be booked in the Lyon County jail once medically cleared.

>>Minnesota Posts Strong Job Gains

(St.Paul, MN) — Minnesota posted strong job and labor force growth in March, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state gained an estimated 11,000 jobs in the last month on a seasonally adjusted basis, up 0.4%, with the private sector up roughly 8,000 jobs, up 0.3%. Minnesota’s labor force increased by an estimated 3,000 people over the month, bumping the labor force participation rate up one-tenth of a percent to 68.0%. The unemployment rate remained steady at 2.7%.

>>Minneapolis City Council Considers $15 Minimum Price for Tobacco Products

(Minneapolis, MN) — Cigarettes and other tobacco products could cost at least 15 dollars a pack under a proposed ordinance change in Minneapolis. City Council members also want to eliminate coupons for tobacco products, increase penalties for selling to minors, and close a loophole that allows indoor smoking in some establishments. Opponents claim the price hike and changes will hurt businesses and not deter smoking and tobacco use.

>>Nominations Open for FarmFest Woman Farmer of the Year

(Eagan, MN) — Nominations are now open for the fifth annual FarmFest Woman Farmer of the Year Award. Organizers say they’re looking for nominees who exemplify hard work and selfless dedication to their farms, communities, and agriculture industry. The winner will be honored at the Women in Ag event on Thursday, August 8th, and receive a $1,000 cash prize. Nominations are open now and due May 23rd.

>>Minnesota Twins Hosting 37th annual Prince Night in June

(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins will celebrate the life and legacy of Prince on June 13th at Target Field. The team is hosting the seventh annual Prince Night and will recognize the 40th anniversary of “Purple Rain” before and during the game against Oakland. The first five thousand fans will receive a purple baseball hat with Prince in gold on the front and his symbol under the brim. Fans can also purchase a special ticket package with an exclusive Prince track jacket.