>>Governor Walz Holding Ceremony to Sign Bonding Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is hosting a signing ceremony today (Fri) for the 1.2-billion-dollar bonding bill. The infrastructure package will support projects around the Minnesota for public safety, clean water, transportation, state buildings, and housing. The governor will be joined by St. Paul Mayor Kaoly Her along with transportation, labor, and budget state officials. Walz originally proposed a 907- million-dollar bonding bill at the beginning of the legislative session but compromised with legislative leaders and lawmakers on this larger infrastructure package.
>>DFL House Leader Stephenson Faces GOP Challenger Jungling Again
(Anoka, MN) — Minnesota House D-F-L Leader Zach Stephenson of Coon Rapids has a re-match with his 2024 G-O-P opponent in the November election. Republican Josh Jungling is challenging Stephenson again for the House District 54-A seat in Anoka County. Stephenson topped Jungling 52 to 48 percent two years ago, but the margin of victory was only 872 votes. Jungling officially filed to run on Thursday.
>>Burnsville Woman with Ovarian Cyst Released from ICE Custody
(Washington, DC) — U-S Senator Tina Smith and Congresswoman Angie Craig are celebrating the release of an ICE detainee from Burnsville with a life-threatening ovarian cyst. Guatemala native Andrea Pedro-Francisco was released Thursday from ICE custody in Texas. The Minnesota lawmakers say Pedro-Francisco was picked up by federal agents on her way to work in February, six days before surgery, and did not receive proper medical treatment in El Paso. Her request for a humanitarian parole was denied last month. Smith says, “now she will be able to get the life-saving medical care she should have been able to receive back in February.” Smith and Craig both worked for Pedro-Francisco’s release.
>>Minnesota Board of Animal Health Monitoring US Case of New World Screwworm
>>Dakota County Drug Task Force Warns of Spike in Overdoses
(Hastings, MN) — Authorities in Dakota County are warning about a recent increase in drug overdoses. The Dakota County Drug Task Force says the spike in fatal and non-fatal O-Ds over the last week may signal an increased presence of fentanyl in the drug supply. Officers are reminding residents to know the signs of an opioid overdose. They include loss of consciousness, slow or stopped breathing, discolored skin tone, choking or gurgling sounds, or limp body. Officials say naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose.
>>University of Minnesota Professor Concerned About Star Tribune Staffing Cuts
(Minneapolis, MN) — A University of Minnesota journalism professor says she’s disappointed but not surprised by the Star Tribune’s decision to reduce its workforce by about 15 percent. Professor Emerita Jane Kirtley says the cuts reflect challenges facing news organizations across the country as audiences increasingly consume news online and through social media. Kirtley says reducing newsroom staff could make it more difficult to maintain the level of reporting readers expect, including coverage in greater Minnesota. The Star Tribune says the workforce reductions are part of a broader effort to adapt to changes in the media industry and position the company for long-term sustainability.
>>Prince Celebration of Life 10th Anniversary Concert Friday Night
(Minneapolis, MN) — Prince Celebration Week continues in Minneapolis tonight (Fri) with the Celebration of Life 10th Anniversary concert at the Armory. Kevin Kurtt of Meet Minneapolis says Morris Day and members of Prince’s bands, The Revolution and New Power Generation, are among the performers. He says,”People truly enjoy that music, that Minneapolis Sound that Prince helped put on the map. Some of those were there before him, but he really established that and spread it far and wide.” Prince’s friends, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, are taking part in panel discussions this afternoon at the Hyatt Regency hotel, and Paisley Park is hosting an open house all day in Chanhassen.
>>Lynx, Miles Top Valkyries at Target Center for 6th Straight Win
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Lynx topped the Golden State Valkyries 87-84 at Target Center last night for their sixth straight win. Olivia Miles scored a career-high 28 points, dished out seven assists, and set a W-N-B-A rookie record with eight three-pointers. Courtney Williams hit three late baskets for Minnesota and finished with 17 points. The 8-2 Lynx play the Seattle Storm Saturday afternoon in downtown Minneapolis.
