>>More Progress in Containing Jenkins Creek Fire
(Undated) — The Jenkins Creek Fire is 47% contained as of today, compared to only 32% yesterday. The Eastern Area Incident Management Team reports crews are making good progress with the nearly 16,800-acre fire, so much so that Skibo residents can now return to their homes. One of three main wildfires affecting the northern part of the state this month, the Jenkins Creek fire began in Faribault 11 days ago on May 12th. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
>>MN Turkey Grower Concerns Over Avian Virus
(Undated) – A new study details the economic impact of avian metapneumovirus on Minnesota’s turkey industry. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Executive Director Ashley Kohls says the virus killed over 2.2 million turkeys last spring to this spring, translating to an estimated $112 million in lost sales. Kohls says the state-specific study shows the number of turkeys lost is also double the number of birds lost to highly pathogenic avian flu.
>>State Working Groups Hope to Finalize Bills by Holiday Weekend
(St. Paul, MN) – Legislative leaders hope the work to finalize the budget bills can get done today before the holiday weekend. With most working groups operating behind closed doors, DFL Senator Steve Cwodzinski of Eden Prairie says it is and isn’t like sausage making, “You shouldn’t watch it being made. (But) It’s like a wedding cake, or a skyscraper, or a symphony, and every step of the way it’s a thing to behold.” If lawmakers do not finalize the budget bills by the end of today, leaders say they’ll be working this weekend. There’s hope a special session can be called sometime next week.
>>GOP Sen. Blames Walz, Dems for Amazon Suspending Data Center
(St. Paul, MN) — A Republican legislator is blaming Governor Walz and DFL lawmakers for Amazon’s decision to suspend development of a data center project in Becker. Senator Andrew Matthews of Princeton states, “Governor Walz rolled out the red carpet for Amazon and pledged to support their investment in Minnesota. But when it came time to act, the Governor and legislative Democrats repeatedly stonewalled the project.” Matthews claims the governor’s proposal to repeal the data center’s sales tax exemption on electricity appears to be the “final straw.” A spokesperson for Xcel Energy said Amazon is pausing its plans, “because of factors independent of our readiness to serve the site’s electricity needs.”
>>Undefeated Minnesota Lynx Hosting the Winless Connecticut Sun
(Minneapolis, MN) — The 3-0 Minnesota Lynx play the 0-2 Connecticut Sun tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Target Center. The Lynx are coming off an 85-81 win over the Dallas Wings and Paige Bueckers in the home opener Wednesday night. Napheesa Collier finished with 28 points for Minnesota. Veteran Tina Charles leads Connecticut in scoring at 21.5 points per game this season.
>>Minnesota Twins Reinstate Correa from 7-Day Concussion Injured List
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins could have shortstop Carlos Correa back in the lineup tonight against the Royals at Target Field. The club reinstated Correa today from the 7-day Concussion Injured List. Correa was hurt in a collision with center fielder Byron Buxton on May 15th in Baltimore. He’s missed the last five games. The 27-and-22 Twins and 28-and-23 Royals are in a virtual tie for second place in the American League Central.
