>>Lawmakers Agree on Property Tax Relief and a Bonding Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders have reached a late-session budget agreement that includes property tax relief and a major bonding package for infrastructure projects across Minnesota. DFL Senator Grant Hauschild says the deal includes $125 million in property tax relief aimed at helping homeowners offset rising costs. Hauschild says the average taxpayer could see close to 200 dollars back through increased refunds, with payments expected this fall. The agreement also includes a $1.2 billion bonding bill for statewide infrastructure improvements. Hauschild says the package is especially important for northern and rural Minnesota communities that lack the tax base of larger metro areas. Lawmakers are working to finalize details before the legislative session adjourns.
>>Red Flag Warning
(St. Paul, MN) — A Red Flag Warning is in effect today(Thurs) for 37 counties across western and northern Minnesota as dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds create an extreme risk for wildfires. The National Weather Service says any fire that starts could spread rapidly and become difficult to control. The DNR is urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with anything that could create sparks near dry vegetation. A Fire Weather Watch is also in effect for Friday across much of central and northern Minnesota as dangerous fire conditions are expected to continue.
>>5,426 Hands-Free Cellphone Use Citations During April Campaign
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reporting more than 54 hundred hands-free cellphone use citations during a statewide enforcement effort. Nearly 300 law enforcement agencies participated in the distracted driving campaign in April. St. Paul led the metro area with 912 citations, while Mankato led greater Minnesota with 383. Police in St. Cloud stopped a driver for typing on a laptop while holding a cellphone in heavy traffic, and a driver in Elk River was holding two phones behind the wheel.
>>Minnesota Farmer Bureau Federation Applauds House Passage of Year-Round E15
(Eagan, MN) — Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Dan Glessing is praising the U.S. House passage of legislation allowing year-round sales of E15 fuel. Glessing says the measure is a win for both Minnesota farmers and consumers, adding that a consistent ethanol policy helps strengthen rural economies while providing a lower-cost, homegrown fuel option. The bipartisan bill would permanently allow nationwide sales of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
>> “Rally for the Raffle”
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers and charitable gambling groups are rallying at the Capitol today(Thursday, 11:30 am) in support of the proposed Meat Raffle Modernization Act. Supporters say the bipartisan bill would update outdated charitable gaming limits and help nonprofits, veterans groups, youth sports teams, and community organizations raise more money through meat raffles and other local fundraising events. The event features a mock meat raffle setup as organizers push for a vote on the bill before the legislative session adjourns. Organizers say despite bipartisan support and multiple requests, the bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote in the Minnesota House.
>>Resort Owner Killed in Boating Crash
(Cook, MN) — A northern Minnesota resort owner was killed, and three others were hurt after two boats crashed on Lake Vermilion Tuesday evening. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says 53-year-old Jeremy Johnson of Eveleth died following the collision near Manbeck Island in Beatty Township. Johnson, who was helping lead a fishing trip for veterans, was associated with Whispering Winds Resort near Cook. Emergency crews say two people were taken by ambulance to a hospital, while another was flown to Duluth for treatment. Investigators are still working to determine what caused the crash.
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>>Fresh Eggs to Benefit Minnesota Families
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers are moving forward with a bipartisan bill to get more fresh eggs to families in need rather than throwing them away. The Senate voted unanimously to allow retailers to donate eggs to food shelves after their quality assurance date, as long as they are still safe to eat. Erin Maye Quade says eggs are among the most requested items at food shelves, while Republican Senator Torrey Westrom says the measure would help reduce food waste and feed more Minnesotans facing hunger. The bill now heads to the Minnesota House.
>>Minnesota State Fair Releases Free Entertainment Stage Lineup
(Falcon Heights, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair will have more than 100 acts on its free entertainment stages this year. The Bandshell lineup features hip-hop legends Sugarhill Gang, Melle Mell & Scorpio of the Furious Five; folk country singer Margo Price; and alternative band Vertical Horizon. Local acts performing include The Honeydogs, The Fabulous Armadillos, Nur-D, Salsa del Soul, and REVELATION: A Retrospective of the Minneapolis Sound. The State Fair runs August 27th through Labor Day, September 7th.
