>>House Sit-In Continues Over Gun Violence Prevention Package
(St. Paul, MN) — About two dozen House Democrats are continuing a sit-in inside the Minnesota House Chamber, demanding a vote on a Senate-passed gun violence prevention package, including an assault weapons ban. The protest began Thursday night and is expected to continue through at least Saturday’s noon session. DFL Representative Emma Greenman says lawmakers are responding to thousands of Minnesotans who’ve spoken out, urging action on gun violence. She also points to strong public support for an assault weapons ban in several GOP-held districts. House Speaker Lisa Demuth has declined to bring the bill forward, saying it previously failed in committee.
>>Final Push for Meat Raffle Legislation at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — There’s a final push at the State Capitol to pass the Meat Raffle Modernization Act. Supporters say current limits—70-dollar prizes and two-dollar tickets—haven’t changed in more than 30 years, even as costs for meat and operations have risen. The bill would raise the top prize to 200 dollars and allow tickets up to five dollars, while still keeping lower-priced options. Backers say it would also boost funding for charities, youth sports, and local nonprofits. However, the measure is stalled in the House after being tied to a separate proposal banning online sweepstakes, something supporters say is holding up an otherwise bipartisan bill.
>>Minnesota Moves Closer to Social Media Protections for Children
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers are moving forward with a bill aimed at giving parents more control over their children’s social media use. The measure would require parental consent for minors to create accounts, limit addictive features, strengthen data privacy protections, and ban targeted advertising to kids under 15. DFL Senator Erin Maye Quade says the bill puts Big Tech on notice over practices that harm children and collect user data. Republican Senator Michael Kreun also supports the plan, saying it helps ensure platforms are less addictive and less harmful. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now heads back to the House after amendments.
>>Minnesota State Trooper Pleads Guilty To Sexual Assault At Camp Ripley
(Little Falls, MN) — A Minnesota state trooper is pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a fellow trooper during training at Camp Ripley last summer. Jacob Christopherson faces one count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The defendant and the female victim were attending an annual use-of-force instructor recertification at Camp Riley on August 6. Prosecutors say Christopherson groped the woman several times before a third trooper separated the two. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17.
>>Transgender Security Guard Sues Minneapolis Police Department Over Girls Dressing Room Confrontation
(Minneapolis, MN) — A transgender security guard is suing the Minneapolis Police Department following an alleged dressing room confrontation. Catherine Doe claims an off-duty officer went on a vicious rant of cursing and intimidating her. The plaintiff says the incident took place while she was doing a routine check of a girl’s dressing room at the Minneapolis Convention Center during a 2024 dance competition. The suit says Officer Ryan Calhoun began yelling and screaming at Doe and threatened to put her in handcuffs and take her to jail if she approached the dressing room again. The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and damages against the city and its police department for gender discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Minneapolis Civil Rights Ordinance.
>>Rochester-Based State Senator Carla Nelson Announces Retirement
(Rochester, MN) — Minnesota State Senator Carla Nelson is stepping down. The Republican legislator from Rochester announced yesterday that she is retiring and won’t seek re-election this year. Nelson was first elected to the state Senate in 2010. She is credited with co-authoring the legislation that created Destination Medical Center and spearheading a K-thru-12 education budget bill that invested more than a billion dollars into Minnesota public schools. Before Nelson’s political career she taught in Rochester and Iowa elementary and grade schools.
>>Firefighters on Scene of Wildfire in Gilbert
(Grand Rapids, MN) – Firefighters and multiple aircraft are responding to a wildfire located in Gilbert in St. Louis County. The fire is estimated to be about 25 acres. Agencies responding include the Minnesota DNR, U.S. Forest Service and four local fire departments. State highway 135 in Gilbert is impacted by this, so authorities are asking the public to avoid the area for their safety and the safety of firefighters. Also they want to remind you drones are not permitted anywhere near the fire area.
>>Senate Passes Pensions and Retirement Policy Package
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Senate passed the omnibus Pensions and Retirement Policy package that will help many Minnesotans with their later years. The bill includes $3.4 million dollars to the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association to reduce employee contributions. It also adds $8 million dollars to the state’s police and fire retirement plan and includes funding for probation officers and 9-1-1 operators. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
