>>Minnesota Lawmakers Return to State Capitol Tuesday
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers have one more day of Passover/Easter break before they return to the State Capitol. They will have six weeks remaining in the session to complete their work. A bonding bill for infrastructure projects is a top priority for the governor and legislative leaders. The Minnesota House is expected to pass legislation creating an independent Office of Inspector General. The Senate already approved the bipartisan bill aimed at preventing fraud in state government. Most gun control bills have stalled in the evenly divided House this session.
>>Push Continues for Passenger Rail Service from Twin Cities to Kansas City and Fargo
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill to study passenger rail service between the Twin Cities and Kansas City is expected to get a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee. Brian Nelson of All Board Minnesota says it was not well understood in a House committee. He says, “The bill, as amended, does not require any cash outlay from the state. So, the bill directs MnDOT to apply for two corridors: daytime passenger service between the Twin Cities and Fargo, and this new route, the Twin Cities to Kansas City.” He says they are re-visiting the bill with state lawmakers, and he believes they are gaining momentum.
>>Minnesota Gas Prices Rise to $3.57 a Gallon, $4.11 Nationwide
(St. Louis Park, MN) — Gas prices continue to rise in Minnesota and across the U-S due to the ongoing war with Iran. Triple-A Minnesota says today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.57. That’s up from $3.41 one week ago. We were paying $3.18 a month ago. The national average is up to $4.11 per gallon. Iran said Sunday that it won’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz for a temporary ceasefire.
>>Minnesota Invests $1.16 Million to Expand Housing Access
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Housing is investing $1.16 million to help more people find stable rental housing by reducing risk for landlords. The money expands the Property Owner Risk Mitigation Program, which reimburses landlords for certain losses beyond a security deposit. Program Manager Kristen Mortenson says it gives property owners added confidence to rent to households with barriers, like low credit scores or past evictions. HousingLink and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation will administer the funds, expected to help about 370 households statewide over the next four years, including Native families, young people, and those returning from incarceration or treatment.
>>U of M Launches Alex Pretti Nursing Scholarship
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota Nursing School is raising funds for a new scholarship in the name of graduate Alex Pretti of Minneapolis. Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents on January 24th during Operation Metro Surge. Officials say the Alex Pretti Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to a prelicensure nursing student with financial needs, and a preference will be given to students with an interest in supporting America’s veterans. Pretti was an I-C-U nurse at the Minneapolis V-A. The initial goal was to raise 50 thousand dollars, but it has been increased to 100 thousand due to the overwhelming support and generosity from so many donors.
>>Authorities Search Mississippi River for Missing Winona Woman
(Winona, MN) — The search continues in southeastern Minnesota for a missing Winona woman. The Winona County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies conducted an extensive search on the Mississippi River Saturday for 72-year-old Patricia Sweningson. Authorities used sonar, remote underwater vehicles, and K-9 teams, but deputies say nothing of significance has been found. Sweningson was reported missing on March 27th and was last seen March 15th at her apartment building.
>>Boy Playing with Lighter Blamed for Iron Range House Fire
(Mountain Iron, MN) — Authorities on the Iron Range say a young boy playing with a lighter caused a weekend house fire in Mountain Iron. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire late Friday night and learned all the occupants were accounted for. Deputies spoke with the homeowners and determined the fire was started by a 10-year-old boy with a lighter and an aerosol can. One of the homeowners was treated for smoke inhalation. Officials say the house is believed to be a total loss.
>>Kaprizov’s Hat Trick Leads Wild Over Red Wings in Detroit
(Detroit, MI) — The Minnesota Wild skated past the Red Wings 5-4 Sunday in Detroit on Kirill Kaprizov’s third goal of the game. Kaprizov completed the hat trick with less than two minutes left in regulation. The Wild had a 4-1 lead in the third period before the Red Wings rallied for three goals to tie it. Matt Boldy lit the lamp on his 25th birthday, and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for Minnesota. The Wild will be back on home ice Tuesday against the Seattle Kraken.
