>>Senate Republicans Announce Senator Eichorn’s Resignation
(St. Paul, MN) – Republican Senator Justin Eichorn of Grand Rapids has signed a resignation letter effective today. This is according to Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson of East Grand Forks. In a phone call with Governor Walz, Johnson confirmed the resignation letter had been received and accepted. Eichorn is facing federal charges for solicitation of a minor for sex. Minority Leader Johnson said Eichorn’s resignation was “the right thing to do for his family and the Senate.” Senate Republicans had planned to bring an expulsion motion to the Senate floor today.
>>Bill Looks to Expand State’s College Grant Program
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill moving through the Minnesota House wants to create a new scholarship program to help make higher education more accessible. New Hope DFL Representative Cedrick Frazier authors it and would increase the expense allowance for the State Grant Program from 115% to 121% of federal poverty guidelines. That’s a move Republican Rep. Marion Rarick says would add another $36 million to the Office of Higher Education’s already existing $232 million deficit.
>>House Bill Looks to Expand Access to Trades Training
(St. Paul, MN) – A Minnesota House bill would expand access to critical training needed for skilled trades. The legislation, sponsored by Burnsville DFL Rep. Kaela Berg, would fund the Building Strong Communities program, which delivers online and hands-on training, connects students with advocates, and provides OSHA-10 training alongside a construction curriculum. Under the bill, $400,000 from the Workforce Development Fund would go toward the program in 2026 and 2027.
>>No Major Changes in Drought Conditions for Minnesota
(Lincoln, NE) — There are no major changes in this week’s U-S Drought Monitor map for Minnesota. Sixty-seven percent of the state remains in a moderate drought, and about eight percent is experiencing severe drought conditions. Both those numbers are down nearly two percent from last week. More than 94 percent of Minnesota is still abnormally dry. These statistics do not include the heavy snow that fell Wednesday in far southern and southeastern Minnesota.
>>Dakota County Highway Re-Opens Following Gas Leak
(Rosemount, MN) — A stretch of Highway 52 in Dakota County is back open following a propane leak Wednesday. According to the Rosemount Fire Department, the source of the leak was a propane line owned by Flint Hills Resources. As a precaution, two families who lived in the area were evacuated from their homes. Rosemount Fire Chief Kip Springe says, “The safety and well-being of our residents remains our foremost concern and top priority.”
>>Spring has Sprung
(Undated) — Today marks the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, also known as the vernal equinox. On this day, the sun is positioned directly over the equator, resulting in an equal amount of daylight and darkness throughout the 24-hour period. Following this date, daylight hours will gradually increase until they peak on June 20th, the summer solstice, the year’s longest day.
>>Boys State Basketball Tournament Continues in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Boys State High School Basketball Tournament continues today (Thurs) in Minneapolis with the Class A quarterfinals at Target Center. Defending state champion Cherry is playing BOLD in the first game (11 am), Henning takes on Nevis (NEE’-viss) in the second matchup at 1 p.m., Heritage Christian Academy faces Dawson-Boyd at 3 o’clock this afternoon, and Goodhue and Red Lake County play the last Class A quarterfinal at 5 p-m. The Class 3-A and 4-A semifinals are at Williams Arena. In Class 3-A, Mankato East meets Orono at noon, and defending champs Totino-Grace go against Alexandria at 2 p.m. It’s Cretin-Derham Hall vs. Maple Grove in the 4-A semifinals at 6 p.m., and Wayzata and Shakopee in the late game around 8 p.m.
