>>Democrats Win Special Election in House District 40B
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota House is again evenly split, with 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans. DFL candidate David Gottfried won the Special Election in District 40B, securing 70 percent of the vote and defeating Republican Paul Wikstrom. With this tie, a power-sharing agreement between the two parties will take effect. House Speaker Lisa Demuth will continue in her role, while committee chairs will be divided between both parties. DFL leader Melissa Hortman anticipates that Gottfried will be sworn in on Monday. This special election was necessary due to the disqualification of the November election winner based on residency requirements.
>>Governor Visits Fridley School to Talk Education
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz will visit an elementary school this morning (WED – 10:15 am) to discuss the impact if President Trump were to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. A spokesperson for the governor says Minnesota relies on federal funding to provide resources for students with disabilities, early learning programs, transportation, and teacher training. The governor is expected to outline the impact the closing of the Department of Education would have on Minnesota families. Walz will be joined by Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett and Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brenda Lewis.
>>Lawmakers debate how to address MN’s truck driver shortage
(St. Paul, MN)—House lawmakers are considering addressing a shortage of commercial truck drivers in Minnesota. Hawley Republican Representative Jim Joy sponsors legislation that would create a grant program to train drivers. The bill would also make third parties eligible to administer road tests, which supporters say would make the tests easier to get. Opponents of the legislation voiced concerns about the possible private-public partnership regarding testing. The bill was laid over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.
>>Chair of House Ag Finance and Police committee unveils budget bill seeking increased funding
(St. Paul, MN) – The House Ag Finance and Policy committee chair unveils a budget bill that proposes a $17 million boost in funding to the Department of Ag. Starbuck Republican Representative Paul Anderson says the bill supports all kinds of agriculture in Minnesota. South St. Paul DFL Representative Rick Hansen says it was reckless for Anderson to push a bill through that was so strongly partisan. The funding request is $17.1 million above the current amount budgeted in 2024-25. The bill was laid over, and a vote could be held today.(WED)
>>2 Ice Fishermen Rescued from Madison Lake near Mankato
(Madison Lake, MN) — Two ice fishermen from the Mankato area are expected to be okay after one of them fell through the ice Tuesday on Madison Lake. The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says Frank Cesario was found in the water holding onto the ice’s edge, and Joseph Postels was on the ice in the same area. They were both loaded into inflatable rafts and brought to shore. Deputies say Cesario and Postels were taken to the hospital for treatment of possible hypothermia.
>>Apple Valley Stabbing Survivors Sue Miu
(St. Croix County, WI) — The four surviving victims of the Apple River stabbing are suing suspect Nicolae Miu and his insurance company. Miu was convicted of the first-degree murder of 17-year-old Isaac Schuman and the reckless endangerment of Ryhley Mattison, Alexander Martin, Dante Carlson, and Anthony Carlson on April 11th, 202. The victims seek damages for “physical injuries, conscious pain and suffering, and psychological injuries,” demanding a jury trial.
>>Girl’s State High School Basketball Tournament Kicks Off
(Minneapolis, MN) — The 2025 Minnesota Girl’s State High School Basketball Tournament begins today (Wed) on the U of M campus. (The Class 2-A, 3-A, and 4-A quarterfinals tip off today at Williams Arena and Maturi Pavillion. Maddyn Greenway and Providence Academy are shooting for their fourth straight 2-A state title. Benilde-St. Margaret’s is hoping to win its third consecutive Class 3-A championship. There will be a new 4-A champion, with Minnetonka not making it to this year’s state tournament. Goodhue looks to defend its state title when the Class A quarterfinals start Thursday.
>>$137K Lottery Win in Maple Grove
(Roseville, MN) — A lucky ticket purchased at Maple Grove Speedway for North 5’s jackpot March 10th drawing won nearly $138,000. The winning numbers were 6, 7, 8, 12, 14. The business earned a $1,000 bonus for selling the ticket. All lottery prizes over $50,000 must be claimed at Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville. North 5 is an MN-only game drawn every day of the week.
