>> Non-Public School Funding at Risk
(St. Paul, MN) — Nonpublic schools in Minnesota may lose state funding due to Governor Tim Walz’s proposed budget. The governor intends to cut $109 million over the next two years to prioritize public schools. This reduction could eliminate essential services at nonpublic schools, including busing, textbooks, nursing support for immunizations, and basic guidance counseling. Governor Walz’s proposal is supported by Senate Democrats and the state’s major teachers’ union, Education Minnesota. The legislature’s deadline is May 19 to pass a budget during the regular session.
>>Deadly Jordan Mobile Home Fire Still Under Investigation
(Jordan, MN) — The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and local officials continue to investigate the mobile home fire that occurred Wednesday morning in Jordan, where two people died. The victims are women, but their names haven’t been released. Firefighters found a man outside the burning mobile home, and he was hospitalized in serious condition. No word yet on what caused the fire.
>>Minnesota Records Another Strong Month of Job Growth
(St. Paul, MN) — Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Minnesota employers added 10,700 jobs in March. Eight out of the 11 supersectors experienced job growth, with particularly strong advancements in the construction sector. Over the past year, Minnesota has added a total of 37,581 jobs, surpassing the national growth rate. It’s important to note that recent federal announcements regarding mass layoffs have not yet been reflected in this data. Currently, the state’s unemployment rate is 3.1%, compared to the national rate of 4.2%.
>>Target CEO Cornell to Meet with Reverend Sharpton in New York
(New York, NY) — Target C-E-O Brian Cornell is reportedly meeting with civil rights leader the Reverend Al Sharpton this week in New York City. The Minnesota-based retailer faces a customer boycott and criticism for rolling back some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Sharpton has not called for a boycott of Target but has supported customers who stopped shopping at other retailers that scaled back D-E-I initiatives.
>>$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Minnetonka
(Roseville, MN) — A Powerball ticket purchased in Minnetonka is the winner of a one-million-dollar prize. The ticket sold at the Holiday Station store matched the first five numbers in Wednesday night’s drawing. The retailer will get a five-thousand-dollar bonus for selling the winning ticket. The Minnesota Lottery is celebrating its 35th anniversary today.
>>T-Wolves Prepare for First-Round Playoff Series
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are preparing for their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Center Rudy Gobert (GO’-bare) says they’re aware the Wolves are labeled as the underdogs versus LeBron James and his team. “I think we have a lot of guys in this locker room who have been underdogs their whole life. It’s a position that we embrace. I think we embrace it individually and collectively. So we have the opportunity to show who we are over and over.” Minnesota and L-A split four games during the regular season, and the Lakers finished with one more win than the Wolves. Game 1 is Saturday at Crypto.com Arena.
