>>Klobuchar, Smith Support Failed War Powers Resolution in Senate
(Washington, DC) — Republicans in the U-S Senate won’t stop President Trump’s war against Iran. The Senate rejected a war powers resolution Wednesday to halt military hostilities in the region. Senator Amy Klobuchar voted to rein in the president. The Minnesota Democrat said, “He unilaterally launched a war in the Middle East with no imminent harm to the U.S. when he did it. Iran should never have a nuclear weapon, but the Administration has no strategic path forward.” Senator Tina Smith also supported the resolution.
>>Omar Supports Iran War Powers Resolution in US House
(Washington, DC) — Congresswoman llhan Omar is supporting the Iran War Powers Resolution, which would require President Trump to be authorized by Congress before using any further military force on Iran. On the U-S House Floor, Omar said Congress needs to reassert its constitutional authority. The Minnesota Democrat told members, “Every time we abandon diplomacy, we choose destruction. We know who will bear the cost of this decision: innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and our young service members sent into harm’s way.” The measure is not expected to pass the Republican-controlled U-S House.
>>Iron Range Surgeon Smith Challenging 8th District Congressman Stauber
(Virginia, MN) — An Iron Range surgeon plans to challenge Republican Congressman Pete Stauber this fall. Doctor Wendell Smith announced he’s seeking the Democratic nomination in Minnesota’s 8th District. Sixty-five-year-old Smith said in his campaign announcement that healthcare in Minnesota and our country is in danger, and Republicans including Stauber, continually cut Medicare and Medicaid funding. He also wants to reduce the influence of corporate money in politics. Smith is a surgeon at Essentia Health and Fairview Range.
>>Bill Renames Community Solar Garden Program in Honor of Hortman
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill approved by the Minnesota House Energy and Finance committee honors fallen Speaker Melissa Hortman’s advocacy for solar energy. Representative Patty Acomb of Minnetonka got emotional talking about it. She said, “Melissa should still be here. Her service to our state wasn’t done. Renaming the community solar garden program in her name is one way to make sure she isn’t forgotten.” Hortman led passage of the 2013 bill that created the Minnesota Community Solar Garden program.
>>U of M Expert Talks New Tax Rules Minnesotans Should be Aware of
(Minneapolis, MN) — There are several new tax changes Minnesotans should know about this year. U of M Business Taxation program director David Horn says the new “No Tax on Tips or Overtime” deductions come with limits. Minnesotans can deduct up to $25,000 in tipped income, and for overtime, only the extra pay above your normal rate-up to $12,500-qualifies. Minnesotans 65 and older can deduct an additional $6,000, on top of an already higher standard deduction for seniors. One of the biggest shifts: the cap on state and local tax deductions has jumped from $10,000 to $40,000, meaning more people may benefit from itemizing. Horn recommends getting your documents organized now to make filing smoother.
>>Victim Identified in Fatal Snow Groomer Incident in St. Louis County
(Grand Lake Township, MN) — Authorities are identifying the man killed Tuesday after being trapped under a tracked snow groomer northwest of Duluth. St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies say 67-year-old Timothy Peterson died at the scene. First responders found Peterson pinned beneath the equipment in a driveway. The sheriff’s office and medical examiner are reviewing the case.
>>Man Who Died After Pulled From Red River Identified
(Fargo, ND) — Police in Fargo are naming the man who died after being rescued from the Red River on Monday as 39-year-old Trevor Stephens of Fargo. Witnesses say Stephens was seen walking on the ice near a bridge around 2:30 p.m. when he fell through and into the river. Moorhead and Fargo fire crews responded and recovered him just after 3:30 p.m. Stephens was taken to a Fargo hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
>>Rochester Man Charged in Aitkin County Child Sexual Assault Case
(Aitkin, MN) — A 77-year-old Rochester man is facing two felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two children in Aitkin County and Rochester. The criminal complaint says the investigation into Roy Radke began last June. A Rochester detective alerted Aitkin County authorities to a report received by Shakopee police. The children’s parents told investigators Radke was considered a grandfather figure to their daughters. The most recent alleged incidents occurred in mid-June, when the girls were staying with Radke at a campground in Aitkin County. Their parents said Radke had picked them up from daycare and taken them to the campsite without his wife’s knowledge. Radke denied the allegations when interviewed by investigators. He is due back in court in June.
>>Gopher Men’s Basketball Suffers Blowout Loss at Indiana
(Bloomington, IN) — Indiana snapped a four-game skid with a 77-47 blowout win over Minnesota last night in Bloomington. Cade Tyson led the Golden Gophers with 21 points and Isaac Asuma added 13 in the loss. The Hoosiers made ten three-pointers and shot 57 percent from the floor. Minnesota falls to 14-16 overall and 7-12 in Big Ten play. The Gophers wrap up the regular season Saturday night at home against Northwestern.
>>Class 2 A Quarterfinals Begin at Boys State High School Hockey Tournament
(St. Paul, MN) — The Boys State High School Hockey Tournament continues today (Thurs) with the Class 2-A quarterfinals at Grand Casino Arena. In the Class A quarterfinals, Hibbing-Chisholm beat Dodge County 8-1, Mahtomedi topped St. Cloud Cathedral 2-1, Delano skated past Mankato West 6-2, and Warroad shut out Northern Lakes 5-0. Minnetonka faces Gentry Academy in the first 2-A game today (11am), Rosemount takes on Grand Rapids (1pm), Moorhead skates against Lakeville South this evening (6 pm), and Edina and Andover play the late game.
