>>Gun Violence Prevention Package Advances to Senate Floor, Faces Uncertain Future
(St. Paul, MN) — A sweeping gun violence prevention package that includes a ban on assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines has cleared its final committee hurdle and is now headed to the Minnesota Senate floor. The proposal still faces significant challenges, particularly in the evenly divided Minnesota House, where bipartisan support would likely be needed for passage. DFL House Floor Leader Jamie Long says Democrats are unified behind the effort. “It is not divisive for us to take action on gun violence,” Long said. “That is broadly supported by Minnesotans. That is not divisive for us.” But Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth pushed back, pointing to past struggles to pass similar measures. “Gun bills, when Democrats had full control of state government, didn’t have the votes within their own caucuses, Senate and House,” Demuth said. “So I would say that’s very indicative.” Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says the package is expected to reach the Senate floor for debate next week. If approved, the legislation would mark one of the most significant gun policy changes in Minnesota in recent years.
>>McCollum Pushes Bill Aimed at Protecting Human Rights in West Bank
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum is introducing legislation designed to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used in ways that violate human rights in the West Bank. The Democrat says the long-standing goal of a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians is increasingly at risk. “I want Israeli children to be able to be tucked into bed at night, not worry about missiles raining down on their head,” McCollum said. “I want Palestinian parents to tuck their children into bed in their home, looking forward to going to school tomorrow,” McCollum argues that recent actions by the Israeli government are undermining that goal. She points to what she describes as a significant increase in the approval of new settlements in the West Bank, along with the legalization of previously unauthorized outposts. Those moves, she says, violate international law and the charter of the United Nations.
>>Multiple Injured in Head-On Crash Near Montevideo
(Montevideo, MN) — A head-on, two-vehicle crash Tuesday evening in Chippewa County in western Minnesota left multiple people injured, including several juveniles, and prompted a large emergency response. According to authorities, Chippewa County Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 5:18 p.m. reporting the collision on River Road just south of Gravel Road in Montevideo. Emergency crews arriving at the scene determined that occupants in one of the vehicles were trapped and required extrication. One adult and five juveniles from that vehicle were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The driver of that vehicle sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital. The driver of the second vehicle reported no injuries. Authorities have not released additional details on the cause of the crash, and the incident remains under investigation.
>>>Cold Weather Rule Ends Thursday
(Undated) — Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is set to expire tomorrow (Thurs), marking the end of a seasonal safeguard that helps keep heat and electricity on for thousands of residents during the coldest months. The state’s Cold Weather Rule, administered through the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, runs annually from October 1st through April 30th. During that period, eligible residential customers are protected from having their natural gas or electric service disconnected if they fall behind on payments, provided they arrange and maintain a payment plan with their utility provider. Beginning May 1st, those protections no longer automatically apply.
>>Gas Prices Nearing Four-Dollar a Gallon
(Undated) — Gas prices are on the rise across Minnesota, but drivers are still paying less than the national average. According to the AAA, the statewide average for regular unleaded is now about $3.93 per gallon, compared to roughly $4.23 nationwide. Part of the increase is tied to tensions involving Iran, which sits near the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption there can quickly drive prices higher. Within Minnesota, drivers can still find the cheapest gas outside the Twin Cities, where prices often run 10 or more cents lower per gallon.
>>Minnesotans of Fatih, Clergy to Hold 24-Hour Vigil Outside HCMC, Urging Lawmakers to Pass Funding Bill
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesotans of faith and clergy are set to gather outside Hennepin County Medical Center Thursday for a 24-hour prayer vigil, calling on state lawmakers to pass critical funding this session. Organizers say hundreds are expected to take part from April 30th through May 1st, highlighting concerns over the hospital’s financial future. HCMC, the state’s largest safety-net hospital and trauma center, has been under strain following significant federal Medicaid cuts. Supporters say the funding is essential to protect care for vulnerable communities across Minnesota.
>>Minnesota Awards Workforce Training Grants
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED) has announced 10 new workforce development grants through the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership totaling 1.6 million dollars. The funding will support seven educational institutions working with Minnesota businesses to create customized training programs, including onboarding, upskilling, and leadership development. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek says the program helps connect employers with educators to strengthen the state’s workforce and keep quality jobs in Minnesota. Since 2019, the partnership has awarded nearly $45 million to train more than 45,000 workers, leveraging over $74 million in private investment.
