>>Doctors, Allina Health Reach Contract Agreement
(Minneapolis) – After two years of negotiations, doctors and Allina Health have reached a tentative agreement on their first union contract. The three-year agreement covers more than 600 doctors, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners who provide primary and urgent care. The agreement comes after more than 60 bargaining sessions, and a one-day Unfair Labor Practice strike last November. The contract provides more power to doctors over their schedules, safety improvements to clinics, and fair pay and protections around parental leave, medical leave and family leave. The tentative agreement must now be approved by members starting next week.
>>State Senator Calls for Updating IT Systems
(Waite Park, MN) – State Senator Aric Putnam joined Stearns County staff for a first-hand look at the aging computer systems used to enroll Minnesotans in key programs. These legacy systems are used for enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP, WIC and other public assistance programs. After a live demonstration, Senator Putnam said, “County workers are doing everything they can to connect residents with critical services but these outdated IT systems make that job far harder that it needs to be.” Putnam added that these systems are making it tougher to detect and prevent fraud. Putnam supports legislation that would establish a Human Services Systems Steering Committee to provide recommendations to state agencies on how to improve this technology.
>>MDA Reminds Ag Businesses How to Verify Inspectors
(St. Paul, MN) — As seasonal inspections ramp up, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is reminding ag businesses how to verify inspectors. MDA pesticide and fertilizer inspectors check licenses, records, storage areas, safety equipment, and worker protection compliance. Before granting access, businesses should confirm inspectors have state-issued MDA photo ID, explain the purpose of the visit, and provide a written notice of inspection.
The MDA says verifying credentials helps protect businesses while inspections help safeguard public health and the environment. You are also encouraged to contact law enforcement if you suspect something suspicious.
>>Emmer Tours MSP Air Traffic Control
(Bloomington, MN) — Republican Congressman Tom Emmer toured air traffic control facilities at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport today, highlighting new federal investments aimed at modernizing the nation’s aviation infrastructure. The tour comes as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy advances a nationwide effort to upgrade air traffic control systems, backed by $12.5 billion Congress approved through the Working Families Tax Cut Act. At MSP, that funding will help replace outdated radar, communications equipment, and tower controls, some of which date back to the 1960s. Emmer called MSP the region’s most important airport and praised the air traffic controllers who keep it running safely. MSP is the 17th busiest airport in the country for passengers and a major economic engine for Minnesota, supporting more than 93,000 jobs and contributing over $21 billion to the state’s economy.
>>Bear Hunt Lottery Applications Now Being Accepted
(St. Paul, MN) — Prospective bear hunters have until Friday, May 1st, to apply for a 2026 bear hunting license through the DNR. Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or at any license agent. Hunters may also apply for preference only, earning a point toward future lotteries. The DNR will issue 5,330 licenses across 15 permit areas. License numbers are based on bear population trends, with modest increases in some areas. Lottery winners will be notified by June 1st, and licenses must be purchased by August 1st. Any remaining licenses go on sale August 5th. The bear season runs from September 1st through October 18th.
>>Wild Host Canucks in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) – After four days off, the Minnesota Wild return to the home ice tonight to meet the Vancouver Canucks at Grand Casino Arena. The Wild can clinch a playoff spot tonight by just getting one point against the Canucks. The game also gives Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes a shot at his former team. The Wild are six points behind Dallas for the number two spot in the Central Division. Game starts at 7 p.m.
>>Wolves Play Pistons Tonight in Detroit
(Detroit) – The Minnesota Timberwolves are in Detroit tonight to play the best team in the Eastern Conference. Detroit has a record of 55-21 and is four games ahead of the Boston Celtics for the top playoff spot in the East. The Wolves enter the game holding the sixth spot in the West, just a half game behind Houston for the fifth spot. Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable while Jaden McDaniels is ruled out for the game.
