>>House Democrats Push for Vote on Gun Violence Prevention Package
(St. Paul, MN) — Tensions continue to rise at the Minnesota Capitol as House Democrats again pushed Republican leadership to take action on a gun violence prevention package passed by the Senate that includes an assault weapons ban. During Wednesday’s floor session, DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long pressed House Speaker Lisa Demuth on why the bill has not advanced after sitting in the House for nine days. Long urged Demuth to allow a floor vote before the legislative session adjourns Monday, while Demuth responded that the timing remains at the Speaker’s discretion.
>>Inflation Climbs, Highest Level in Nearly Three Years
(Minneapolis, MN) — Inflation is once again putting pressure on Minnesota families. New federal data released this week shows U.S. inflation climbed to 3.8 percent in April, the highest level in nearly three years, driven largely by rising energy prices. Statewide, consumer prices were up 2.8 percent over the past year as of March, with gasoline prices jumping more than 11 percent locally. Grocery prices, rent, restaurant meals, and recreation costs also increased. Economists say Minnesotans are feeling the impact most at the gas pump and grocery store, while many middle-income families are cutting back on dining out, travel, and entertainment spending to keep up with higher everyday costs.
>>Missing Rochester Teen Found Dead
(Rochester) — Rochester police say a missing 16-year-old boy has been found dead. Authorities say Christian Gary was discovered Tuesday evening near Bamber Valley Road Southwest and Salem Road Southwest after being reported missing earlier this week. Police say Gary was last seen Sunday night leaving his southwest Rochester home on a yellow e-bike. Investigators say the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner is working to determine the cause of death. Rochester police say there is no known threat to the public and extended condolences to Gary’s family and friends.
>>Ex Pastor Headed to Prison for Life
(Superior, WI) — A former Minnesota pastor convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting a child has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in Douglas County, Wisconsin. Prosecutors say 65-year-old Jeffrey Charles abused the victim over several years, beginning when the child was just three years old. Charles was formerly the pastor at Neighbors to Nations Church in Princeton, Minnesota. Court records also show Charles had a prior conviction for third-degree sexual abuse in Iowa in 1997. The case was prosecuted in Wisconsin after the abuse was reported to authorities there
>>Increase in Water Rescues
(Undated) — Minnesota first responders are reporting a rise in water rescue calls across the state as warmer weather and fishing opener season bring more people onto lakes and rivers. Recent incidents have included canoe capsizes, boating emergencies, and cold-water rescues. The Minnesota DNR’s Lisa Dugan says boaters should make safety part of every outing and always wear life jackets. Dugan says many rescue victims were not wearing one when they ended up in the water. Officials are also reminding Minnesotans that water temperatures remain dangerously cold this time of year, increasing the risk of cold-water shock.
>>Klobuchar’s Rural Broadband Bill Signed Into Law
(Washington, D.C.) — A bipartisan bill led by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar aimed at improving rural broadband service has officially been signed into law. The Rural Broadband Protection Act requires the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen its vetting process for companies seeking federal broadband funding. Supporters say the goal is to ensure providers can reliably deliver high-speed internet to underserved rural communities. Klobuchar says the new law will help connect families to work, school, health care, and business opportunities while helping close the digital divide in Minnesota and across the country.
>>MDA Awards Grants to Combat Noxious Weeds
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is investing nearly 500-thousand dollars to help counties combat noxious weeds across the state. The MDA announced 47 counties will each receive just over 10-thousand dollars through the County Agricultural Inspector Grant program. The funding supports county agricultural inspectors who handle weed detection, management, and enforcement under Minnesota’s Noxious Weed Law. State officials say the grants will help ease financial pressure on counties and strengthen local efforts to control invasive weeds that can threaten crops, natural resources, and the environment. The funding was made possible through an appropriation approved by the Minnesota Legislature.
The following counties are receiving funding this year:
· Aitkin
· Becker
· Beltrami
· Benton
· Brown
· Carver
· Cass
· Clay
· Cook
· Cottonwood
· Dakota
· Dodge
· Douglas
· Grant
· Houston
· Kandiyohi
· Koochiching
· Le Sueur
· Lincoln
· Lyon
· Martin
· Mille Lacs
· Morrison
· Mower
· Murray
· Nicollet
· Norman
· Otter Tail
· Pennington
· Pipestone
· Pope
· Ramsey
· Renville
· Rice
· Rock
· Roseau
· Scott
· Sherburne
· Sibley
· Louis
· Steele
· Swift
· Todd
· Wadena
· Waseca
· Wright
· Yellow Medicine
