>>Minnesota Department of Health Lay Offs
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Health is laying off hundreds of employees in response to 220 million in federal funding cuts. M-D-H sent layoff and separation notices to 170 workers whose positions were funded by terminated grants. Notice will also be given to employees at risk for layoffs due to seniority rules. Officials say an estimated 300 notices are going out today (Tues), and nearly 20 job offers have been rescinded. State Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham said, “The sudden and unexpected action from the federal government left us with no choice but to proceed with layoffs immediately.”
>>U.S. Attorney General Recommends Death Penalty for Mangione
(New York) – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed federal prosecutors to pursue the death penalty against the man accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson of Minnesota. Luigi Mangione faces state murder and terrorism charges in New York, along with federal murder and stalking charges. The state charges are not eligible for the death penalty. Bondi says, “Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” Mangione has pleaded not guilty to 11 state charges but has not been arraigned yet on the federal charges. He’s due back in federal court later this month.
>> Senate Votes to Condemn President Trump’s Pardons for January 6
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Senate voted today to condemn President Trump’s pardon of participants in the January 6 insurrection who had been found guilty of violent crimes. Following lengthy debate again today, the Senate passed the resolution by a vote of 34 to 22. Ten Republicans chose not to vote. Republicans against the measure argued this was a waste of valuable time and the Senate should be working on the budget and other issues facing Minnesotans. A copy of Senate Resolution 15 will be sent to President Trump. the U.S. Congress and Governor Walz.s murder of Brian Thompson was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” Mangione has pleaded not guilty to 11 state charges but has not been arraigned yet on the federal charges. He’s due back in federal court later this month.
>>M&M Stadium Coming to Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools
(Wadena, MN) — Not many people knew it, but the man who developed M&M’s and Mars Candy Bars was born in Wadena. With that in mind, the activities director of Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools used social media to make a major announcement. Norm Gallant wrote that a major partnership with Mars will change Wolverine Athletics for the future. Gallant said each of the Wolverine softball and baseball fields will receive turf and have a retractable roof. He said the complex will be known as M&M Stadium. He said the football field and track will also feature turf and have a year-round dome known as the “Snickers Complex.” Many of those responding to the post were thrilled by the announcement, but began to catch on when they read about the retractable roof and dome, realizing it was an April Fools joke. Forrest Mars was born in Wadena in 1904. He died in 1999 at age 95.
>>Twins Announce New 2025 Food Offerings
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins, in partnership with foodservice and retail ally Delaware North, have announced a variety of new specialty food items for the 2025 season at Target Field. Many of these new offerings celebrate the Twin Cities. Among the exciting new options are a Grilled Spam sandwich, an 18-inch corn masa quesadilla called the “Machete,” which can be filled with steak or chicken, TokiDoki wings, and a Grand Slam Shawarma.
These new food and beverage selections and other enhancements to the ballpark will debut at the Twins’ 2025 Home Opener on Thursday against the Houston Astros. Gates will open at 1:00 p.m. for a 3:10 p.m. first pitch. Tickets are currently available for purchase at twins.com/tickets.
>>Wolves in Denver Tonight
(Denver) — The Timberwolves are in Denver tonight for a late game with the Nuggets. It starts at 9 p.m. The Wolves are currently in 7th place in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Golden State Warriors. After tonight, the Wolves have six games left in the regular season.
