(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is scheduled to give his final State of the State Address on Tuesday, April 28th. The governor was officially granted his request by House members during Thursday’s floor session. The Minnesota House chamber will host the governor and the Senate for the address. Walz announced in January that he was no longer seeking a third term in office.
>>Bill to Block Federal Agents from Minnesota Schools Fails in House
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill to require federal agents have a judicial warrant before entering any Minnesota school was blocked by Republicans on the House floor Thursday. D-F-L Representative Sydney Jordan of Minneapolis told members,“”It says these ICE agents are not allowed to conduct illegal immigration raids in our schools. They have to present a warrant. Everyone in this country deserves that due process and every children have a right to education.” Not one Republican lawmaker spoke during the motion to bring the bill to a full House debate and vote. The motion failed along party lines on a 67-67 vote.
>>Huge Turnout Expected for No Kings Rally at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Organizers and St. Paul police are preparing for more than 100 thousand people at the No Kings Rally at the State Capitol. Ann Treacy (TRAY’-see) of Women’s March Minnesota says they were planning a big event – but didn’t anticipate this response. Treacy says, “We are the flagship for the U-S for what’s happening on Saturday which indicated immediately to us that this was going to be a bigger event that ever in the past which is super exciting.” Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Maggie Rogers are among the musicians performing at the rally. The list of speakers includes U-S Senator Bernie Sanders, actress/activist Jane Fonda, Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her.
>>Minnesota Secretary of State Subpoenaed in Federal Voter Rolls Investigation
(Washington, DC) — The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office is being subpoenaed to turn in certain individual voter records. The move is part of a federal investigation into whether non-citizens are registered or have illegally cast ballots in the state. C-B-S News reports the Justice Department is in search of records pertaining to more than 125 individuals in Minnesota. The records do not include the ballots. The Secretary of State’s Office said in a statement, “Election security is a top priority.”
>>Representative Igo Touts Nuclear Energy Options Legislation
(St. Paul, MN) — Republican State Representative Spencer Igo (EYE’-go) of Itasca County is touting his bill that would evaluate nuclear energy options in Minnesota. It was laid over in the House Energy committee Thursday afternoon. Igo says Minnesota’s carbon-free energy goals make it critical to explore all viable sources including nuclear to achieve these targets. He says, “the goal is reliable, affordable, and clean energy, ensuring decisions are guided by data, expertise, and the needs of Minnesota families and businesses.”
>>High Schools Encouraged to Enroll in OHE’s Direct Admissions Minnesota program
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota high schools are being encouraged to take part in Direct Admissions Minnesota, a program run by the Office of Higher Education. It allows colleges to review students’ academic records and proactively offer admission, removing the stress of traditional applications. Since launching in 2022, participation has grown from fewer than 40 high schools to nearly 250, reaching more than 40-thousand students last year. State officials say the program helps students see college as a real option. More information is available on the Office of Higher Education’s website.
>>Gustavus College Professor Charged With Stealing Gun Parts
(Eden Prairie, MN) — A Gustavus Adolphus College professor is charged with stealing more than a thousand dollars’ worth of ammunition and AR-15 parts from the Scheels in Eden Prairie. Prosecutors say 52-year-old Aaron Banks was caught on March 14th hiding an A-R trigger, charging handle, and ammunition in his pockets after cutting open the packaging. Security told police he’d stolen similar items on five previous occasions dating back to February. Banks is charged with theft and possessing burglary tools. He is due back in court May 6th.
>>Crookston Man Indicted for Filing False Tax Returns
(Minneapolis, MN) – A Crookston man is facing federal charges after allegedly filing multiple false tax returns. An unsealed indictment shows Philip Green submitted false income tax returns for 2019, 2020, and 2021. He reported fabricated wage information,tax withholdings, and dependent-care expenses and sought over 500,000 dollars. Prosecutors say he also filed a false amended 2021 return and a 2022 return, each claiming more than 250,000 dollars in refunds.
>>Twins Lose Pitcher’s Duel to Orioles in Season Opener
(Baltimore, MD) — The Minnesota Twins dropped the season opener to the Orioles 2-1 Thursday afternoon in Baltimore. Twins starter Joe Ryan pitched five-and-a-third scoreless innings and struck out seven batters. Reliever Kody Funderburk allowed the go-ahead run to take the loss. Byron Buxton tripled in the eighth inning and scored Minnesota’s lone run on a Luke Keaschall sac fly. Twins right-hander Taj Bradley gets the start in game two Saturday at Camden Yards.
>>Minesota Wild, Eriksson Ek Beat Panthers on LateThird Period Goal
(Sunrise, FL) –- The Minnesota Wild beat the Florida Panthers 3-2 last night on a Joel Eriksson Ek goal with less than four seconds remaining. Florida tied the game 2-2 with just 1:13 left in regulation, but Eriksson Ek answered with his 18th of the season to save the win. Marcus Foligno scored in his first game back after missing 12 with injury and Ryan Hartman also lit the lamp. Jesper Wallstedt made 18 saves in the victory. Minnesota will skate in Boston on Saturday afternoon to close out the three-game road trip.
