>>All Signs Pointing to a Special Legislative Session
(St. Paul, MN) — Budget talks continue behind closed doors between Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders. When asked about the progress, DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says a special session will be needed at this point. Lawmakers have until Monday midnight to meet the deadline. Murphy says they plan to work through the weekend on the budget. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth would only say, “They’re talking, and that’s good”.
>>House Passes Telecommunications Bill
(St. Paul, MN) – More Minnesotans will soon have more reliable internet coverage across the state. A bill to improve broadband infrastructure projects in the state has passed the House by a vote of 134 to zero. The bill also provides improvements to the state’s Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program, which caused delays and disruptions to these projects under the old law. The state is using $652 million in federal broadband funding. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
>>Woman Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs With Child in Car
(Fergus Falls, MN) — A woman has been charged with driving while under the influence of drugs with her adolescent son in the car. After exhibiting erratic driving, 30-year-old Megan Thorsen of Grand Forks was pulled over on I-94 near Fergus Falls. Signs of drug intoxication were observed, and a search of her vehicle revealed 4 grams of fentanyl and a hypodermic needle. Thorsen faces charges of 5th-degree drug possession and 3rd-degree DWI.
>>Wildfires Continue To Spread
(St. Louis County, MN) — Wildfires continue to spread across northern Minnesota. Officials say the Camp House Fire near Brimson, the Jenkins Creek Fire near Fairbanks, and the Munger Shaw Fire near Cotton have destroyed over 50,000 acres and more than 140 buildings. Officials say rain on Thursday may ease red flag conditions, and residents are reminded to stay away from all areas impacted by the wildfires so firefighters can effectively do their jobs.
>>Two Killed In Likely Murder-Suicide
(Mounds View, MN) — New details are being released after a suspected murder-suicide, which left two people dead inside a Mounds View home. On Sunday evening, the bodies of 48-year-old Aaron Johnson and 50-year-old Robert Bostic were found inside the home. Police believe Johnson was shot several times by Bostic before he turned the gun on himself.
>>Governor Walz Addresses Chauvin Rumors
(Minneapolis, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is responding to rumors that Derek Chauvin may receive a presidential pardon. Walz told reporters there’s “no indication whether they’re going to do it or not,” referring to the Trump administration. Walz added, “I think it behooves us to be prepared,” and “With this presidency, it seems like that might be something they would do.” The governor said he’s against Chauvin receiving a federal pardon, but acknowledged that President Trump has a “constitutional right” to do so.
>>AG: Federal Pardon Won’t Affect Chauvin’s State Conviction
(Minneapolis, MN) — The State Attorney General’s office says Derek Chauvin(Sho-vin) would continue serving his state sentence, even if a federal pardon existed. Attorney General Keith Ellison emphasized that President Trump does not have the authority to pardon Chauvin’s state conviction. Ellison affirmed that Chauvin would be returned to Minnesota to complete his sentence in state prison. He added, “The only conceivable purpose would be to show even more disrespect for George Floyd and to undermine the rule of law.” Chauvin has received sentences from both federal and state courts totaling over 20 years after being convicted of the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.
>>Twins Beat Orioles in First Game of Doubleheader for 9th Straight Win
(Baltimore, MD) — The Twins topped the Orioles 6-3 in the first game of a doubleheader today (Wed) for their ninth straight victory. Catcher Christian Vasquez (VOSS’-kez) hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning, and Brooks Lee had a solo home run. Minnesota starter Bailey Ober allowed all three Baltimore runs over four and two-thirds innings. Brock Stewart pitched a scoreless sixth for the win. The second game of the doubleheader is underway this afternoon at Camden Yards.
