>>Governor Walz Announces Supplemental Budget Proposal Today
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz will announce his 2026 supplemental budget proposal today (Tues) during a news conference. The governor’s office says his budget will prioritize lowering costs for middle class families while making responsible cuts to keep the state on a fiscally sustainable path. The February Budget forecast showed the state with a $3.7 billion surplus for the years 2026-2027. Walz will be joined by commissioners from several state departments like Revenue and the Management and Budget Office.
>>Bill of Rights Introduced for Residents of Manufactured Home Parks
(St. Paul, MN) — Residents living in Minnesota manufactured home parks could soon have new protections. D-F-L senators will introduce their Manufactured Home Park Residents’ Bill of Rights today at the Capitol. If passed, it would create a right of first refusal for park residents when owners intend to sell the park, preventing large rent increases. Legislators say out-of-state consolidation of Minnesota home parks has resulted in rent increases that have outpaced incomes, forcing some residents out of their homes. The bill will receive a public hearing this afternoon in the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
>>Senator Smith Cheers Retirement of Border Patrol Official Bovino
(Washington, DC) — U-S Senator Tina Smith is among those applauding the retirement of Border Patrol official Greg Bovino. He led immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota but was relieved of his role following the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. Bovino publicly claimed the Pretti intended to massacre federal agents. Senator Smith said in a statement, “Minnesota once again ousting an architect of this Administration’s evil mass deportation campaign just by showing what it looks like to love your neighbors.”
>>Trump Blasts Minnesota in Fraud Task Force Announcement
(Washington, DC) — While announcing the new Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, President Donald Trump singled out Minnesota for what he described as systemic failures. The executive order directs federal agencies to tighten eligibility checks, share more data, and crack down on large scale schemes involving federal dollars. Trump says the “staggering fraud and waste in Minnesota alone is a case in point,” citing billions in estimated Medicaid fraud, food-stamp errors, and the 250 million dollar Feeding Our Future scandal. He also referenced allegations involving childcare and autism-services fraud, saying Minnesota officials “ignored or undetected” the problems.
>>Senator Klein Applauds Ruling Blocking Overhaul of Childhood Vaccines
(St. Paul, MN) — Senator Matt Klein of Mendota Heights is cheering a federal court for blocking Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy from overhauling childhood vaccine policy. Senator Klein, who is a doctor at Hennepin Healthcare, called the ruling,” a victory for science, public health, and parents across the country.” The preliminary injunction blocks the federal government from reducing the number of vaccines recommended for kids. Klein’s statement also says, “vaccine policy must be guided by science, not politics.”
>>OCM Re-Opens Application Window for Low-Dose Hemp Businesses
(St. Paul, MN) — The Office of Cannabis Management is re-opening the license application window for low-dose hemp businesses on April 1st. The O-C-M’s Josh Collins says many operations missed the first application period in October. He says, “Breweries that might not have applied yet because they’re hoping to carry a hemp-derived beverage, or for any of those businesses that might have those gummies. We need to make sure they apply for a license if they haven’t already.” Collins says businesses should apply for a license right away with a federal ban on most hemp products set to take effect in November.
>>Authorities ID Woman Killed in Breezy Point House Fire
‘(Breezy Point, MN) — Authorities in the Brainerd lakes area are identifying the woman who died in a weekend house fire in Breezy Point. Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point firefighters found a fire engulfing the home Saturday. Officers say crews located 81-year-old Nancy Zimmer dead inside during search operations. No word yet on the cause of the fire. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is helping local investigators.
>>Fire Damages Townhome Building on Lutsen Mountains
(Lutsen MN) — Cook County officials are still investigating a fire at Caribou Highlands Lodge at Lutsen Mountains. Crews were called to a report of smoke coming out of the back of a townhome around 2 p.m. Monday. Firefighters reported a building containing three townhomes was fully engulfed and authorities evacuated neighboring buildings. No one was hurt in the fire. Deputies are asking the public to stay away from the area.
>>Judge Denies Venue Change in Former State Trooper’s Homicide Case
(Rochester, MN) — A judge is denying a request to move the vehicular homicide trial of former Minnesota State Patrol trooper Shane Roper out of Rochester. Roper’s attorneys argued the case should be moved due to pretrial publicity in Olmsted County, but the judge ruled a fair and impartial jury can still be seated locally. Roper was on duty in 2024 when his patrol car collided with another vehicle in Rochester, killing 18-year-old Olivia Flores of Owatonna. Investigators say he was driving 83 in a 50 mile-per-hour zone without his emergency lights or siren activated.
>>United Airlines Adds Fifth Daily Flight from Duluth to Chicago
(Duluth, MN) — The Duluth Airport Authority says United Airlines is adding a fifth daily flight between Duluth and Chicago O’Hare. Beginning March 29th, United will introduce an early-morning departure, making same-day business trips to Chicago possible and giving travelers better connections to domestic and international destinations.
>>Wolves Edwards Ruled Out for Suns Game Due to Sore Knee
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves will be missing All-Star guard Anthony Edwards for tonight’s (Tues 7pm) home game against the Phoenix Suns. Edwards has been ruled out with a sore right knee. The 41-27 Wolves have lost four of their last five games to fall to sixth place in the Western Conference. The seventh place Suns fell at the Celtics 120-112 last night and trail Minnesota by two games in the standings. Phoenix has won both matchups with the Wolves this season.
