>>Estimated 200K Attend No Kings Rally at Minnesota State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Organizers say an estimated 200 thousand people attended the flagship No Kings rally Saturday at the State Capitol. They’re calling it the largest single-day protest in Minnesota history. Governor Tim Walz introduced Bruce Springsteen before he played the song “Streets of Minneapolis” about the federal agent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, and Tom Morello performed the Bob Dylan tune, “They Times They’re A- Changin’.” U-S Senator Bernie Sanders and activist/actress Jane Fonda were among those to speak out against the Trump administration’s policies. There were no reports of counter protests in St. Paul.
>>State Capitol Closed for Easter/Passover Break, Fraud Still Top Concern for Lawmakers
(St. Paul, MN) — The State Capitol is closed for the next week because of Easter/Passover break. Fixing Minnesota’s fraud problem is still front and center when state lawmakers return to work. Both parties agree an independent fraud watchdog called the Office of Inspector General is needed. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says progress is being made in the House and they’re determined to get the bill onto the governor’s desk. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson said, “I would wager that we will see a bill get wrapped up in the House at some point this year.” The O-I-G bill easily passed the Senate last year but has stumbled through House committees this session.
>>E-Moto Classification Bill Cruising Through Minnesota House
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill cruising through the Minnesota House would officially classify E-motos or electric motorcycles in the state. Representative Tom Dippel (DUH’-pell ) of Cottage Grove says they are much different than electric bicycles. He told members, “They have speed capability, weight and power capabilities far beyond what’s classified already as an e-bike. And ultimately defines those to a certain extent to become regulated in the same way as a gasoline or internal combustion-powered motorcycle.” Cycles with over 15-hundred watts of electric motor power would be categorized as an E-moto. The bill was sent from House Transportation to the Ways and Means committee.
>>Representative Omar Holds Town Hall Meeting Tonight
(Minneapolis, MN) — Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is hosting a town hall meeting tonight (Mon 6pm) in Spring Lake Park. The 5th District Democrat will be joined by state and local lawmakers to talk about what’s being done at the different legislative levels and President Trump’s actions in Minnesota. There will also be a question and answer session. Omar was one of the speakers at the No Kings rally at the State Capitol.
>>Tax Filing Season Running Smoothly in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — State officials say the tax filing season is running smoothly for many Minnesotans. State Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart says they’re seeing fewer delays and faster refunds. He says,” we’ve had 1.6 million returns filed, and that’s about half of what we’re going to expect. We’ll wind up with about 3.1 million. So that’s right on track with other years.” According to Marquart, filing electronically is both the most secure way to file and the quickest way to get your refund. The deadline is April 15th to file your state and federal returns.
>>Large Fire on Grounds of Camp Ripley
(Camp Ripley, MN) — Authorities in central Minnesota say crews battled a large fire Sunday on the grounds of Camp Ripley. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office says firefighters worked throughout the day to contain the fire within Camp Ripley. Officials say annual controlled burns were scheduled to manage habitat, remove fire hazards, and facilitate training for military personnel.
>>Burning Restrictions Begin Monday for Parts of Central, Northwest, and Northeastern Minnesota
(Undated) — Burning restrictions go into effect today (Mon) for more than 30 counties Minnesota. The D-N-R is not issuing permits for open burning of brush or yard waste due to dry conditions in parts of central, northwest, and northeastern Minnesota. Wildfire prevention specialist Karen Harrison says wildfire risk increases each year after the snow melts and before vegetation greens up. She says spring restrictions help reduce the number of fires.
>>Minnesota’s Spring Tourism Season is Almost Here
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s spring tourism season is getting underway, and outdoor recreation is once again a major draw. Explore Minnesota spokesperson Jake Juliot says waterfalls, gardens, and scenic landmarks are popular spring destinations. From Gooseberry Falls along the North Shore to the Mississippi River headwaters in Itasca, there’s no shortage of spots to explore. Gardens like the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Duluth Rose Garden, and family-friendly attractions such as Niagara Cave, Mystery Cave, and the National Eagle Center are also top picks. More ideas and travel resources can be found at the Explore Minnesota website.
>>Longtime Minnesota Vikings Siemon and Browner Die
(Eagan, MN) — The Minnesota Vikings are mourning the loss of two legendary players. The team says middle linebacker Jeff Siemon (SEE’-min) died Friday at age 75 and safety Joey Browner passed away Saturday at age 65. Siemon was the number ten overall pick in 1972 and made four Pro Bowls during his 11 seasons in Minnesota. Browner was the first-ever defensive back taken by the Purple in the first round in 1983 and a six-time Pro Bowl selection. They were both named to the 50 Greatest Vikings team.
>>Minnesota-Duluth Men’s Hockey Falls to Michigan in Elite Eight
(Albany, NY) — The University of Minnesota-Duluth men’s hockey team fell to top-seed Michigan 4-3 Sunday in the Elite Eight of the N-C-A-A Tournament in Albany, New York. The Bulldogs trailed 3-0 before rallying for three goals in the third period. Harper Bentz, Ty Hanson and Scout Truman lit the lamp for U-M-D. The team beat Penn State 3-1 in the regional semifinal Friday. Minnesota-Duluth made the N-C-A-A tourney for the first time since 2022 and finished with a 24-15-and-1 record.
