>>British Prosecutors Announce No Charges in Hibbing Native Adam Johnson’s Death
(Duluth, MN) — The British Crown Prosecution Service announced today that Matthew Petgrave, who fatally cut a former University of Minnesota Duluth hockey player’s neck during a 2023 game in England, will not face charges. Johnson, a 29-year-old Hibbing native, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers when Sheffield’s skate blade connected with Johnson’s neck just below his helmet. After his death, the National Federation of High Schools mandated neck guards for high school hockey players. They are not often used at the pro level.
>>Craig Announces Run for US Senate in 2026
(Eagan, MN) — Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig is running for the U-S Senate in 2026. The 2nd District Democrat announced her campaign today (Tues) for the seat of retiring Senator Tina Smith. In her announcement, Craig vows to stand up to the Trump administration’s policies hurting the middle class and fight to give working families a fair shot. Craig is the ranking Democrat on the U-S House Agriculture Committee. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and former state Senator Melissa Lopez Franzen also run for the DFL nomination for U-S Senate.
>>Senate Passes Omnibus Liquor Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Senate passed an omnibus liquor policy package Monday. It includes allowing more cities to add social districts and handle liquor licensing in some specific situations. One thing the bill does not include is easing up on the state’s 3.2 beer requirement. Republican Senator Karin (CAR-in) Housley of Stillwater is disappointed that was left out. Housley says some of the major breweries are no longer producing 3.2 beer. The Senate passed the liquor bill by a 53 to 12 vote. It now heads to the House.
>>DNR to invest $150 million in upgrading outdoor recreation
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is investing $150 million into modernizing the state’s outdoor recreation. Fish and Wildlife Division Director Kelly Straka says key investments include enhancements for access to public lands, modernizing boating access, and improving fisheries and fishing infrastructure. Wildlife program coordinator Dion Turgeon thinks they’ll use funding to make wildlife management areas more accessible. You can also find more investment details on the DNR website and see what improvements are heading your way.
>>Mankato Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal 2024 Shooting
(Mankato, MN) — A Mankato man has pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Darius Johnson on December 21st, 2024. 18-year-old Guenther Boone Jr. took a plea deal, relieving him of four other charges, including first-degree murder. His next court appearance is on May 7th.
>>Weekly Crop Report
(Undated) — Planting is ahead of normal in Minnesota. USDA’s latest weekly crop progress report shows corn at 26 percent planted, on pace with last year and two days ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans are 13 percent planted, compared to 13 percent a year ago and six percent typically. Spring wheat is 14 percent planted for small grains, barley is 9 percent, and oat planting is 33 percent complete. Sugarbeets are 44 percent planted, and potatoes are at 17 percent.
