>>State Budget Top Priority for Lawmakers
(St. Paul, MN) — If state lawmakers are going to pass a balanced budget on time, the deadline is seven weeks from today (Monday). Senate Democrats released their budget targets Friday and said they will prepare Minnesota for cuts coming from the federal government. DFL Senator Ron Latz from St. Louis Park says compromise will be the key. Senate Republicans responded and said the Democrats’ targets will eventually result in health and human services and education cuts.
>>Raw Milk Concerns
(St. Paul, MN) — Officials with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health are reminding people not to consume raw milk after bird flu was recently detected in a sample. State Veterinarian Brian Hoefs (HAYFS) says you should also avoid feeding it to your pets.
Hoefs (HAYFS) says farm cats love to drink raw milk, which creates a “perfect storm” for infection. Retail milk is believed to be safe because it has been pasteurized to kill bacteria and viruses like avian influenza.
>>Fourth Victim Accuses Eagan Massage Therapist of Sexual Assault
(Hastings, MN) — A massage therapist in Eagan is facing another fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. Dakota County prosecutors say a new victim came forward and accused 32-year-old Johnny Le from Richfield of sexual assault. This is the fourth criminal complaint filed against Le. The latest victim told police that Le assaulted her in his Eagan massage studio in November of 2023. Investigators are urging any other victims to come forward. Le remains in the Dakota County jail and has his next court hearing on Tuesday at 1:30 pm in Hastings.
>>Man Arrested in Duluth Home Burglaries
(Duluth, MN) — A man is in custody for home burglaries in Duluth. Around 4 p.m. Sunday, police responded to a burglary report and found fresh footprints in the snow of another home in the area. A perimeter was set up, and the suspect was found inside the residence. Officers had to breach the door and deploy a taser as the 37-year-old man would not comply. K9 Vili was eventually deployed, and the suspect was arrested. Stolen property from the home and another in the area was found on his person. Burglary and felony obstruction charges are pending.
>>RPD Search for Strong-Arm Robbery Suspects
(Robbinsdale, MN) — Robbinsdale Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men who were wanted in a strong-arm robbery. Around 12:35 p.m. on February 26th, police responded to an assault. A man reported two other men assaulted him and stole his recently purchased shotgun. No arrests have been made, but two good photographs of the suspects on the day of the robbery were obtained. The photos can be viewed on the RPD website, and any tips leading to arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward.
>>Minnesota Twins Open 3-Game Series at White Sox
(Chicago, IL) — The Minnesota Twins will try again for their first win today (Mon 1:10 pm) in the series opener against the White Sox in Chicago. The Twins were swept in the season’s first three games in St. Louis. Chris Paddack makes his first start for Minnesota against Chicago lefthander Martín (MAR’-teen) Pérez. The White Sox are off to a 1-and-2 start this season.
