>>President Trump Fires U.S. Attorney General
(Washington, D.C.) — President Donald Trump has fired U-S Attorney General Pam Bondi, ending her roughly 14-month tenure at the Justice Department. The White House confirmed the move Thursday, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stepping in as acting A-G. This comes just days after the D-O-J filed a federal lawsuit challenging Minnesota’s policy allowing transgender students to participate in girls’ sports. Bondi had also overseen several high-profile federal prosecutions tied to Minnesota, including charges connected to the January protest at Cities Church in St. Paul.
>>State Patrol Urges Drivers to Slow Down Amid Busy Holiday Travel
(Undated) — Drivers heading out this holiday weekend are urged to pack their patience as traffic increases on Minnesota roads. State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow says troopers will be out in force and are asking motorists to slow down, buckle up, and avoid distractions behind the wheel. He says, “With holiday travel, we do see an increase in the amount of traffic out there. And that can potentially mean more crashes, breakdowns, and other issues.” Grabow is asking everyone to do their part to help ensure people get from point A to point B and back again safely. Drivers can check the latest road conditions online at 511mn.org or by dialing 5-1-1.
>>Allina Doctors Reach First Union Contract After Two Years of Talks
(Minneapolis, MN) — After more than two years of negotiations and 60 bargaining sessions, doctors at Allina Health have reached their first union contract. The three‑year agreement covers physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Supporters say the deal gives providers a stronger voice over their working conditions and patient care. Family physician Matt Hoffman says corporate control of medicine pushed doctors to organize. He says, medicine has really become run by large corporations, and it was time to take back some control. The agreement still must be ratified by union members. Voting is set to begin next week.
>>Cannabis Sales Strong
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s legal recreational cannabis market has crossed a major early milestone, with sales now exceeding $50 million, according to state officials. The growth follows the rollout of licensed retail operations that began last fall, marking the first time most adults could legally purchase marijuana outside of tribal dispensaries. Regulators say the industry is still taking shape and expect sales totals to climb quickly as more businesses open and product availability improves. State leaders anticipate monthly sales will rise significantly over the next year as licenses continue to be issued. Many of the approved businesses are small, locally owned operations, part of Minnesota’s strategy to build the market gradually.
>>Emmer Tours MSP Air Traffic Control
(Bloomington, MN) — Republican Congressman Tom Emmer toured air traffic control facilities at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Thursday, highlighting new federal investments aimed at modernizing the nation’s aviation infrastructure. The tour comes as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy advances a nationwide effort to upgrade air traffic control systems, backed by $12.5 billion that Congress approved through the Working Families Tax Cut Act. At MSP, that funding will help replace outdated radar, communications equipment, and tower controls, some of which date back to the 1960s. MSP is the 17th busiest airport in the country for passengers and a major economic engine for Minnesota, supporting more than 93,000 jobs and contributing over $21 billion to the state’s economy.
>>Study: More Donated Kidneys Could Save Lives and Money
(Minneapolis, MN) — About one in four donated kidneys goes unused for transplant, even though many are considered acceptable. A new study from the University of Minnesota suggests using more of those kidneys could significantly benefit patients and reduce costs. Researcher Matthew Kaufmann and his team simulated outcomes for adults 65 and older on the kidney transplant waiting list. They found that increasing transplants by 25 percent, by using kidneys that are often declined, improved both life expectancy and quality of life. The study also points to financial savings. Patients who receive transplants sooner spend less time on dialysis and require less long‑term care. “It can actually be cost‑saving to society,” Kaufmann said. Despite concerns about hospital performance metrics, the research shows that using these kidneys could save about $10,200 per patient and help more people get off dialysis faster.
>>MSP Opens Remote Workspace for Travelers
(Bloomington, MN) — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has opened a new remote workspace for travelers. The Red Bull Work Wiiing is a dedicated, energy-boosting work and meeting space, designed for travelers who want to get things done before takeoff. Located in Terminal One’s Airport Mall, the space is open 24 hours a day, giving passengers around-the-clock access to a comfortable, functional place to work. The workspace features solo workstations and group meeting booths. The Red Bull Work Wiiing is located near shopping, dining, and other airport amenities, making it a convenient spot for travelers to stay productive while on the go.
>>Minnesota Twins Home Opener Today
(Minneapolis) – Weather permitting, the Minnesota Twins host the Tampa Bay Rays this afternoon for the home opener at Target Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. Gates will open for fans attending the game at 1 p.m. Bailey Ober is today’s starting pitcher for Minnesota. The Twins are 2-4 after opening the season on the road. The Twins have 17 home games in April.
