>>GoFundMe Launched for Children of Murder‑Suicide Victim
(International Falls, MN) – A GoFundMe has been launched to support the three children of 35‑year‑old Ashley Kittelson, who was identified as one of two people found dead in an apparent murder‑suicide in International Falls last Friday. The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office says deputies discovered Ashley and 44‑year‑old Nicholas Kittelson inside a home after noticing a running vehicle in the driveway and being aware of a protection order involving the homeowner. Investigators believe Ashley died of a gunshot wound before Nicholas turned the gun on himself. The GoFundMe organizer says Ashley was a devoted mother and a nurse who “dedicated her life to caring for others.” Funds raised will go toward counseling, daily living expenses, education, clothing, and other essential needs for her children. The investigation remains ongoing.
>>Director of Integrity O’Malley Gives Fraud Update
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz’s choice to oversee fraud in the state, Tim O’Malley, testified in front of the House Fraud Prevention Committee. Republican Chair Kristin Robbins said when it comes to the current state of fraud in Minnesota, she has not “seen the culture change” despite over a year of committee hearings and multiple hearings in Washington D.C. O’Malley says that some parts of his plan will take time, like c culture change, but “it’s important to start right now, and it can be accomplished.” O’Malley went through the multiple steps of his roadmap to prevent fraud. They include leadership accountability, enhanced screening of applicants on the front end, and centralized investigations to stop fraud in the beginning, and recoup money that has already been paid out.
>>Senate Passes School Bus Legislation
(St. Paul, MN) – The full Senate has passed a new school bus safety bill that clarifies state law on school bus stop arms to better protect students. This new bill says drivers have an obligation to stop when a school bus has flashing lights, regardless of whether the stop arm is fully extended. Last year, the Minnesota Court of Appeals found that the state law required school bus arms to be fully extended for a driver to be required to stop. A court case was overturned after the driver argued that the bus stop arm was not fully extended. The bill passed the Senate by a 67-0 vote and now heads to the House.
>>House Lawmakers Discuss Term Limits for Governor
(St. Paul, MN) – A House Elections Committee discussed a proposal to limit the governor and lieutenant governor in Minnesota to two, four-year terms. If passed, the bill would create a Constitutional Amendment for the voters to decide on the ballot. DFL Representative Mike Freiberg of Golden Valley says this bill is unnecessary because “we have an automatic mechanism in place to prevent governors or any elected official…that might be viewed as overstaying their welcome, and that’s called an election.” But Republican Drew Roach of Farmington argued why not let Minnesotans decide. He says this wouldn’t make it a law, but “would allow voters to vote on it.” The bill is authored by Republican Jimmy Gordon of Isanti. It did pass and is now referred to the Rules Committee for further discussion.
>>AG Ellison Says Minnesota Will Continue Antitrust Case Against Live Nation
(St. Paul, MN) – Attorney General Keith Ellison says his office will continue pursuing its antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, despite a federal settlement that would end the Department of Justice’s case against it. Ellison said Live Nation, a concert promoter and Ticketmaster’s parent company, has “worked to drive their competition out of the market,” resulting in higher ticket prices and fewer options for venues and artists. He criticized the federal settlement, saying it “does very little to actually change the status quo.” Minnesota is joining more than 30 other states in moving forward with its claims, and the case remains in active litigation.
>>SCSU Economist Warns We Could See $4 a Gallon if War with Iran Continues
(St. Cloud, MN) – As gas and oil prices rise by the day due to the United States’ war with Iran, President Donald Trump says it’s a “small price to pay” for “safety and peace.” Currently, oil tanker traffic is at a standstill at the Strait of Hormuz. St. Cloud State University Economist King Banaian says it could reopen soon, but with Iran’s decision to appoint the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the recently killed supreme leader, as its new leader, the strait may stay closed for a while. But, he says, “If the United States was able to somehow provide insurance, or perhaps escort ships through the straits and establish that they have control of the straits, that price would back down over the next month or so.” If it stays closed for another two to three weeks, Banaian says “$4 gas is not out of the question” in a matter of weeks. The AAA statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded in Minnesota today is $3.25 and $3.47 nationwide.
>>Record Attendance for Boys State High School Hockey Tournament
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota State High School League says a record 140,846 fans attended this year’s Boys Hockey Tournament. That breaks the previous record of 140,442 set in 2024. The total four-day attendance includes all the hockey games at Grand Casino Arena and the U of M’s Mariucci Arena. Both state championships were overtime thrillers. Warroad topped Hibbing-Chisholm 5-4 in the Class A title game, and Moorhead edged Minnetonka 5-4 in double OT for the Class 2-A crown.
