>>Republicans Propose Measures to Combat Fraud and Waste
(St. Paul, MN) — Senate Republicans have unveiled eight bills to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in the state of Minnesota. The bills propose more oversight, accountability, and reform in state grant programs. Senator Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa believes these bills will have support from both sides and chambers to crack down on this problem. Republicans cited a recent survey that showed twenty percent of Minnesotans believe fraud is the top issue facing this legislature.
>> Bill to Eliminate State Tax on Social Security Clears First Hurdle
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill eliminating Minnesota’s tax on social security benefits has passed its first committee hearing. The bill would provide financial relief to Minnesota retirees. The bill is authored by House Republican Aaron Repinski of Winona, who argued seniors have worked their entire lives and should not be taxed on social security. It passed the Tax Committee along party lines and has moved on to the Ways and Means Committee.
>>Former Anoka County Work Release Officer Accused Of Having Affair With Inmate
(Anoka, MN) — A former work release officer in Anoka County is facing charges following an alleged romantic affair with an inmate. According to police, the woman’s husband reported her after discovering text messages exchanged between her and the inmate. Initially, the officer denied the affair but later claimed that she attempted to end the relationship because the inmate threatened her. She has been placed on leave while the investigation is ongoing. The officer faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct.
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>>Former St. Paul High School Volleyball Coach Pleads Guilty To Criminal Sexual Conduct
(St. Paul, MN) — A former St. Paul volleyball coach accused of having sexual relations with a 15-year-old student is pleading guilty. Thirty-one-year-old Keng Cha previously worked at Como High School. He pled guilty to two charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and a prohibited occupational relationship. As part of Cha’s plea deal, a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge will be dismissed at sentencing on April 22nd.
>>Brainerd Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison
(Minneapolis, MN) — A man from Brainerd will serve ten years in federal prison for dealing large amounts of fentanyl in central Minnesota. Authorities searched a storage unit that belonged to 28-year-old Dazaughn West in August of 2023 and found between 13- and 15-thousand fentanyl pills weighing around 2.8 pounds. Court records say a search of his home led to another 150 grams of fentanyl pills, distributable amounts of cocaine, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, and a 22-caliber rifle. West pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl last August.
>>Winning Names of MnDOT’s ‘Name a Snowplow’ Contest Announced
(St. Paul, MN) — We know the eight winning names in MnDOT’s latest “Name a Snowplow” contest. The top vote-getters are “We’re Off To See The Blizzard, ” “Snowtorius B-I-G,” “Plowabunga!,” “Anthony Sledwards,” “You’re Welcome,” “Don’tcha Snow, ” “Skol Plow,” and “I Came, I Thaw, I Conquered.” Governor Walz and MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger unveiled the winning names. Walz said “Anthony Sledwards” is officially ready for Minnesota winter. More than 23 thousand voters cast a ballot in the fifth annual contest.
>>Basilica Block Party Won’t Be Held This Year
(Minneapolis, MN) — The organizers of the Basilica Block Party have announced that the event is canceled for this year. After returning last year to Minneapolis following a two-year hiatus, they have decided to pause the event again. The organizers are exploring new options and are hopeful for an even brighter future in 2026. The block party is an important fundraiser for the Basilica Landmark.
>>Demolition Starts On Historic Downtown Duluth Building
(Duluth, MN) — Demolition began on a historic downtown Duluth building called the Pastoret Terrace. The structure has been fire-damaged and unstable for years, previously housing the Kozy Bar and Apartments. It has been embroiled in legal disputes between the city and a local preservationist. The Duluth Economic Development Authority has owned the building since 2016, when Dr. Eric Ringsred lost it due to unpaid taxes.
