>>OIG Bill’s Next House Hearing is Monday Morning
(St, Paul, MN) — Minnesota House lawmakers get another crack at advancing the Office of Inspector General bill Monday morning in the Ways and Means Committee. Legislation to create an independent watchdog for fraud has stumbled several times in the House. D-F-L Representative Matt Norris of Blaine says “I think there are some really good conversations that are happening on this bill. A few remaining sticking points. I am optimistic that we can resolve those remaining sticking points.” Norris says he doesn’t think the bill will pass Monday’s committee hearing because it still needs a cost attached to it. The O-I-G bill cleared the Senate last year by a 60-7 vote.
>>Four Tornadoes Reported During Severe Storms in Southeastern Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) — Parts of southeastern Minnesota are cleaning up after severe thunderstorms Friday afternoon brought tornadoes, strong winds, and hail. Tyler Hasenstein with the National Weather Service says they received at least four tornado reports from the Rochester area and various locations in Olmsted County. He says two tornadoes are confirmed and two are still pending. The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office reports dozens of homes were damaged by the tornadoes. Rochester and Hayfield had 1.75-inch hail and one-inch hail fell in Red Wing, Faribault, and Cannon Falls. There was also one-inch hail up in Hermantown and strong winds took down trees in Duluth.
>>Body Found in Mississippi River Identified as Missing Winona Woman
(Winona, MN) — The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office is confirming a body found in the Mississippi River is that of a missing Winona woman. Authorities have been searching for 72-year-old Patricia Sweningson since March 26th. Sweningson’s body was found in the water Wednesday at Lock and Dam 6 and Winona firefighters rappelled down to recover it. Police say they have not identified circumstances of foul play, but her death remains under investigation.
>>Battle Lake Man Arrested for Reckless Discharge of Firearm
(Battle Lake, MN) — A man from Battle Lake is in jail after shots were fired Friday in a trailer park. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office says multiple agencies responded to the call. Deputies say a 67-year-old man had discharged a firearm recklessly and was arrested at the scene. The Otter Tail County SWAT team helped take the suspect into custody.
>>Earth Day March, Rally Planned in Downtown Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — Community groups are marching and rallying this afternoon (Sat 1pm ) in Minneapolis to mark Earth Day. Organizers with the Climate Justice Committee say the event will focus on environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and broader social justice concerns. Drivers should expect increased pedestrian activity near the Government Center and North Commons Park in downtown Minneapolis.
>>Minneapolis Kicks Off Busy 2026 Construction Season
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis officials say a major construction season is ahead, with more than 323 million dollars in infrastructure projects planned for 2026. Thirty-seven capital projects are starting or continuing this year, including street repairs, utility upgrades, bridge work, and flood-mitigation projects across all parts of the city. Residents are encouraged to check the city’s construction dashboard for updates on timelines, detours, and road closures.
>>Minnesota Wild Open Stanley Cup Playoffs at Dallas Stars
(Dallas, TX) — The Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars open the Stanley Cup Playoffs at 4:30 this afternoon (Sat) inside American Airlines Arena. The Stars beat the Wild 5-4 on April 9th at Dallas in a physical game with 12 roughing penalties. The teams split the four regular season matchups. Goaltender Jesper Wallstedt is scheduled to start Game 1 for Minnesota. Defenseman Quinn Hughes is battling illness but is expected to play today. The 2015 season is the last time the Wild made it out of the first round of the playoffs. The team is hosting a free watch party today at Grand Casino Arena.
>>Wolves and Nuggets Tip Off NBA Playoffs in Denver
(Denver, CO) — The Minnesota Timberwolves start the N-B-A playoffs today (Sat 2:30pm) at the Denver Nuggets. Minnesota went 49-33 and is the sixth seed in the West. Third-seeded Denver finished the season on a 12-game win streak and has a 54-28 record. The Wolves were 1-3 against the Nuggets this year. This will be the third time in four years that Minnesota and Denver play each other in the postseason. Each team has won a playoff series. The Wolves will look contain M-V-P candidate Nikola Jokic, who is averaging a triple double with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. Anthony Edwards leads Minnesota in scoring with 28.9 points, five rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
