>>Senate Passes Housing Package
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Senate has passed a housing package intended to help more Minnesotans find affordable housing. The bill passed 35-31 and includes a $50 million investment in the creation of affordable rental housing through bonds, limits private equity ownership of single-family homes, and creates new transparency procedures for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The author, DFL Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville, says, “This legislation will help build and maintain affordable housing for Minnesotans in every ZIP code.”
>>Little Falls Man Sentenced to Prison in Child’s Death
(Little Falls, MN) — A Morrison County judge has sentenced 42-year-old Erik Blanco to 39 years in prison for the death of a 14-month-old child in Little Falls. A jury convicted Blanco in March of second-degree felony murder and first-degree manslaughter. Investigators say the toddler suffered blunt force trauma, asphyxial injuries, and a skull fracture while in Blanco’s care in July 2023. The child later died in a hospital. Jurors also found Blanco abused a position of authority and targeted a particularly vulnerable victim because of the child’s young age. Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office prosecuted the case at the request of the Morrison County Attorney.
>>University Food Service Workers Being Laid Off in St. Cloud and Marshall
(St. Paul, MN) — More than 200 Minnesota workers are expected to be laid off after a campus food service provider lost agreements with two state universities. Compass Group USA says its Chartwells division will eliminate 153 jobs in St. Cloud and 64 more in Marshall starting July 1st. The layoffs follow decisions by St. Cloud State University and Southwest Minnesota State University to switch dining service providers. A variety of positions are being cut, including chefs, cooks, food service employees, supervisors, and administrative staff.
>>Former Vikings Tight End Joe Senser Dies at Age 69
(Eagan, MN) — The Minnesota Vikings and football community are mourning the loss of former tight end Joe Senser. The team says Senser died this morning (Thurs) at age 69. The Purple selected him in the sixth round of the 1979 draft out of West Chester. Two years later, Senser had 79 catches for 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns, and made the Pro Bowl. He’s the only Vikings tight end in history with more than a thousand yards in a season. He played in Minnesota for four years and missed one season with a knee injury. Senser also worked as an analyst for the Vikings Radio Network in 1993 and 1994 and from 2001 to 2006.
>>Mankato Gym Teacher Facing Assault Charge
(Mankato, MN) — A physical education teacher in Mankato is accused of assaulting a sixth-grade student during a basketball game at Prairie Winds Middle School. Authorities say 31-year-old Chandler Gooding was playing with students on April 10th when an interaction during the game escalated. According to the criminal complaint, Gooding allegedly threw a basketball at a student’s face twice after being fouled, leaving the child with a bloody nose. Gooding has been charged with assault and was issued a summons to appear in court.
>>Put Safety First this Fishing Opener Weekend
(St. Paul, MN) — Thousands of anglers are expected to head to Minnesota lakes for this weekend’s fishing opener, and the DNR is urging everyone to put safety first. Officials say water temperatures remain dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold shock if someone falls overboard. DNR spokeswoman Lisa Dugan says wearing a life jacket is one of the easiest and most important ways to stay safe on the water. She also recommends letting someone know where you plan to fish, when you expect to return, and using an engine cutoff switch while boating. Around 500-thousand anglers are expected to take part in this year’s opener.
>>Walz Signs Bill into Law Expanding Crossbow Hunting
(Undated) – A new law signed by Governor Tim Walz will expand crossbow use for hunters in Minnesota. Under the change, all archers can now use a crossbow during the archery season. State wildlife officials say the move could help bring more people into hunting, especially younger hunters, women, and older adults. The D-N-R reports recent increases in youth license sales, including a sharp rise among girls. But not everyone supports the change. Some traditional bowhunters worry it could lead to fewer people using conventional bows and impact archery programs and events.
>>Best Buy Tightening Office Policy
(Richfield, MN) — Best Buy is tightening its return-to-office policy for hybrid workers this fall. Beginning September 14th, employees at the company’s Richfield headquarters will be expected to work on-site four days each week instead of three. Mondays will be added to the current in-office schedule of Tuesday through Thursday. Company leaders say the updated policy is intended to strengthen teamwork and communication after a stretch of uneven sales performance. Staff members classified as fully remote will continue working from home.
>>Mystic Lake Amphitheater Hosting Special Opening Night on June 20th
(Shakopee, MN) — The new Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee is hosting a special opening night called “Setting the Stage” on June 20th. Live Nation says Saturday Night Live cast member Tommy Brennan of St. Paul is hosting the event. The music lineup includes local bands Motion City Soundtrack, Ber, and Rocket Club, plus students from the School of Rock. Another headliner is expected to be announced soon. Tickets are 20 dollars with proceeds going to the Salt Cure Restaurant Recovery Fund, which helps restaurants hurt by Operation Metro Surge.
