>>Minneapolis Leaders Vow To Reform Police Department Despite Feds Dismissing Consent Decree

(Minneapolis, MN) — Leaders in Minneapolis are vowing to reform the city’s police department despite the Trump Administration dismissing a consent decree calling for sweeping reforms. The Department of Justice does not believe the 2023 decree would be in the public’s interest. A two-year investigation by the DOJ of the MPD launched after the murder of George Floyd found the police department took part in a pattern of racism and abusive behavior that violated residents’ civil rights. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the city will continue to reform the police department because accountability isn’t optional. The DOJ’s dismissal is now in the hands of U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson. Frey says the city’s consent decree will remain in place, even if the federal consent decree doesn’t.

>>Craig Disappointed in GOP Driven Food Program Cuts

(Washington D.C.) — Congresswoman Angie Craig criticizes House Republicans for their plan to cut $300 billion from food assistance programs. The Minnesota Democrat addressed the House Rules Committee this morning, saying they should focus on passing a new five-year farm bill. Craig stated, “Instead, we’re here discussing the Agriculture Committee’s contribution to a partisan bill that destroys the most successful anti-hunger program in our nation and undermines the coalition that has historically managed to pass farm bills.” She believes the bill is doomed in the U.S. Senate, noting that Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa has indicated the same. Craig serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee.

>>Northeastern Minnesota Wildfires Latest

(Duluth, MN) — Two wildfires are currently burning in northeastern Minnesota. Officials report that the Camp House fire is now 73% contained, although the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Jenkins Creek Fire is 13% contained and is believed to have been started due to human activity. On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and directed state agencies to assist in responding to and recovering from the wildfires. Under this declaration, the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will continue offering on-site support and assistance in the affected areas.

>>Olmsted County Passes Ordinance For Recreational Marijuana Sales

(Rochester, MN) — Olmsted County commissioners are preparing for recreational marijuana sales to get underway in Minnesota. The panel passed an ordinance that paves the way for retail sales of weed. Meanwhile, the state lottery for recreational businesses is set for June 5th. Fourteen businesses will be able to set up in Olmsted County after two county lotteries. The county will start taking applications for the local lottery in late June and another in late July. Business owners will need to win both the state lottery and the local government’s lottery to sell recreational cannabis.

>>Twins Walk-Off Guardians in First Game at Target Field

(Minneapolis, MN) — The Twins walked off the Guardians 6-5 this afternoon (Wed) in the first of two games at Target Field. Kody Clemens hit the game-winning R-B-I double in the ninth inning. The game was suspended by rain on Monday night and resumed today with Minnesota leading 2-1 in the fourth inning. The Twins and Cleveland are now playing the regularly scheduled matinee in downtown Minneapolis.