>>Senate Repasses OIG Bill, Heads to Governor’s Desk
(St. Paul, MN) – More than a year after passing the bill the first time, the Minnesota Senate has repassed the Office of Inspector General bill and is sending it to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. The new OIG will serve as an independent watchdog to prevent fraud in the state and protect Minnesota tax dollars. The Senate passed the bill 368 days ago, but it stalled in the House last year, and a vote was never taken. After several stumbles in House committees, the bill passed that chamber last week by a 127-5 vote. Today, the Senate passed the amended version with a 66-0 vote. It now heads to Governor Tim Walz so he can sign it into law.
>>Ex-Senator Eichorn to Plead Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Minor
(St. Paul, MN) – Ex-Minnesota state Senator Justin Eichorn will reportedly plead guilty to attempted enticement of a minor on Thursday in federal court. The Grand Rapids Republican was arrested in March of 2025 during an underage prostitution sting in Bloomington. A change of plea notice was filed today (Mon) in the U.S. District Court. Eichorn resigned from the Minnesota Senate following his arrest. His defense attorney claimed federal prosecutors targeted Eichorn because he’s a state lawmaker. He remains free on bond until the hearing.
>>Northern Minnesota Man Charged In Deadly Motorcycle Crash
(Spruce Township, MN) — A northern Minnesota man is accused of being drunk when he allegedly struck and killed a motorcyclist in Spruce Township near Badger last Thursday. Authorities say Rodney Werk has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide, 3 one count for allegedly leaving the scene and another for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The motorcyclist who died was identified as 49-year-old Paul Donahue of Badger.
>>Driver Pleads Guilty In School Bus Crash Near Hibbing
(Hibbing, MN) — An Alborn woman accused of using Snapchat before a serious school bus crash near Hibbing has pleaded guilty. 20-year-old Svea Snickers entered a guilty plea to criminal vehicular operation in connection with the 2024 crash. Authorities say her vehicle struck the side of a school bus. The bus driver and 21 children were injured in the collision, with reported injuries including concussions and broken bones. Under the plea agreement, Snickers will be placed on supervised probation and must complete 200 hours of community service.
>>Mountain Iron House Fire Linked To Space Heater
(Mountain Iron, MN) – Authorities responded early this morning(Monday) to a house fire in Mountain Iron after smoke was seen coming from a second-floor window. Deputies with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say the two people inside the residence were able to get out safely. Investigators determined the fire was caused by a space heater placed too close to a mattress. The home sustained moderate damage.
>>Rapper Ludacris to Play Twins Postgame Concert in June
(Minneapolis, MN) — Grammy Award-winning rapper Ludacris is playing a free show following a Minnesota Twins game next month. Ludacris will perform on Friday, June 26th, about 15 minutes after the Twins vs. Rockies game at Target Field. The concert is free for any fan with a ticket. The Twins are also selling a VIP package that includes postgame field access near the stage. Ludacris played the 2024 Minnesota State Fair with T-Pain.
