>>Minnesota Assessment Data Shows Stable K-12 Academic Performance
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Education released statewide assessment results today, showing steady performance in reading and math—and a continued rise in student attendance. Statewide, 75.5% of students attended school at least 90% of the time last year, up from 74.5% the year before. The improvement continues a positive trend that began in 2022, as schools focus on targeted supports for students. Commissioner Willie Jett says the data offers a snapshot of student progress and helps guide support strategies. He praised educators for their ongoing commitment to student success. Science scores will be released later this fall, following the rollout of new academic standards.
>>AmeriCorps Funding Preserved in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) – Funding for the AmeriCorps programs in the state of Minnesota has been preserved, according to the attorney general’s office. Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a coalition of states last month, filing a lawsuit against the White House Office of Management and Budget for withholding the money. The OMB had threatened to cut the agency’s funding. Ellison says the $184 million in national funding will be released, allowing AmeriCorps to continue its work in national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps has more than 14,000 members and volunteers in Minnesota. They work with food banks, homeless shelters, and other non-profit organizations.
>>MNA Duluth, Superior Members Ratify TA with Essentia Health
(Duluth, MN) — Over two hundred Duluth and Superior members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) are voting to ratify tentative agreements (TA) on their first contracts with Essentia Health. This comes after fourteen months of negotiations. Key contract points include workplace safety, wage increases, and job security and protections. The agreements will remain in effect through March 31, 2027. Nurses at Solvay Hospice House and the Essentia Health Surgery Center-Miller Hill in Duluth continue to negotiate.
>>Teen Arrested with BB Gun at Stillwater High School Football Game
(Stillwater, MN) — Stillwater Area Public Schools says a teen was arrested for bringing a BB gun to Thursday night’s football game against Maple Grove. He was reportedly threatening others with it. Officials say they are grateful for the prompt reporting by students and the swift response of police officers. The suspect taken into custody is not a Stillwater student.
>>St. Cloud YMCA Closing In On Water Park Fundraising Goal
(St. Cloud, MN) — The St. Cloud YMCA is closing in on its fundraising goal for a new outdoor water park. The city hasn’t had a public pool since 2002. To date, nearly $11 million has been raised, with approximately $5 million still required before construction can commence. The proposed design features a large pool, a lazy river, and multiple slides. The local CEO hopes to break ground later this year.
>>Powerball Jackpot Jumps to One Billion Dollars
(Roseville, MN) – The Powerball jackpot has jumped to one billion dollars for Saturday night’s drawing. That’s a $50 million jump in just one day, based on national ticket sales. This marks the sixth time in the game’s 33-year history that the jackpot has hit a billion dollars. If you win and choose the cash option, the winner will take home just over $453 million. Saturday’s drawing will be the 39th since the last time a winning ticket was sold.
>>Twins and Padres Open Weekend Series at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins are back home tonight (Fri 7pm) to open a weekend series against the San Diego Padres. The 60-and-73 Twins dropped two of three games in Toronto and were off Thursday. Right-hander Zebby Matthews is scheduled to start the opener. The 75-and-59 Padres are coming off a 4-3 loss at Seattle on Wednesday. Lefty Nestor Cortes is on the mound tonight for San Diego.
