>>It’s The Minnesota Legislature’s Final Day
(St. Paul, MN) — The clock is ticking for the Minnesota Legislature. Lawmakers have until the end of the day to finalize a streamlined budget before convening. Party leaders and Governor Tim Walz overcame an initial stalemate to agree on a nearly $66 billion two-year budget deal in the final days of the session. This budget agreement includes over a dozen bills, but only a few passed through both chambers over the weekend. A special session must be called if legislators do not meet today’s deadline.
>>St Louis County Board of Commissioners to Hold Emergency Meeting
(Duluth, MN) — The St. Louis County Board of Commissioners will hold an emergency meeting in Duluth tomorrow morning(9 a.m.). The board will consider a resolution to declare a State of Local Emergency due to damage caused by the Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw wildfires.
>>TCC4J Protest Against Possible Chauvin Presidential Pardon
(Minneapolis, MN) — Twin Cities community members will rally outside the Hennepin County Government Center plaza tonight (MON, 5:30 p.m.) to protest “against Trump’s attacks.” This comes as rumors say Trump plans to give former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin a presidential pardon for his federal murder charges in the 2020 killing of George Floyd. If Chauvin were pardoned, he would still have to serve his state sentence of 22 and a half years in prison. The group says rallying today is symbolic, as it’s less than a week before the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s death.
>>Moorhead Man Accused of Escaping Riot Sentence Early
(Fargo, ND) — A Moorhead man arrested for participating in the 2020 George Floyd-related riots in downtown Fargo, North Dakota, is accused of escaping his sentence early. Officials say Jonathan Montanez left his halfway house, Centre, Inc., on January 13th, just weeks before he was released on February 7th. He was arrested last Thursday and is in the Cass County Jail. Montanez was initially sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to jumping on top of a police car, slamming his fists, and causing extensive damage. He was released in June 2022, but served more time for previous release violations.
>>Walz Reacts To Biden Cancer Announcement
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Governor and one-time vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is reacting to the announcement that former President Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Walz said in a post on X that both he and his wife, Gwen, are praying for Joe Biden and his family. He went on to add that Biden is a “truly decent man and a friend.” A spokesman for the former president says the diagnosis came after doctors found a nodule on his prostate on Friday that required further evaluation. The cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management.
>>State Pensions Bill Headed to Governor for Signature
(St. Paul, MN) – On the final day of the legislative session, the House passed the Pensions Budget bill by a vote of 133-1. The budget splits a $160 million global budget target between pensions for the Teachers Retirement Association, the Police and Fire Plan, and the State Patrol Retirement Fund. As for teachers, this plan lowers the age at which a member becomes eligible from 62 to 60. The bill has already passed the Senate and is headed to the governor’s desk for his signature.
>>Columbia Heights Teen is Missing
(Columbia Heights, MN) — Columbia Heights police are searching for a missing 16-year-old boy. Jordan Collins Jr. is described as Black, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen on May 8th in the 4900 block of University Ave NE in Columbia Heights.
>>Twins and Guardians Meet in Series Opener at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Twins look to start a new winning streak tonight (Mon 6:40pm) in the series opener against Cleveland at Target Field. Minnesota’s 13-game unbeaten streak came to an end Sunday with a 5-2 loss in Milwaukee. The 26-and-21 Twins are now a half game ahead of the 25-and-21 Guardians for second place in the American League Central. Bailey Ober starts for the home team against Cleveland left-hander Logan Allen.
