>>Minnesota Task Force on Taxes Could be Created
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans could soon have their own task force when it comes to their questions about taxes. A House bill would create an eight-member property tax group entrusted with investigating causes of tax increases across counties, school districts, cities and towns. The task force would present options that could increase transparency around local government budgets. If it passes, the bill calls for it to start by next January. The House Taxes Committee laid the bill over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.
>>Secretary of State Simon Works to Ensure Elections are Safe
(St. Paul, MN) — There’s a lot of talk about election security in the state eight months before the November election. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says the state is ready to make sure the process stays safe. Simon said, “Minnesotans should know that our system is resilient and that Minnesota’s laws ensure that Minnesota voters will be able to cast their ballot freely and their vote will be counted accurately.” The Senate Elections Committee has been discussing a bill that would toughen the penalties for voter intimidation and election interference.
>>Fischbach Urges Patience on Market Turmoil from War in Iran
(Willmar, MN) — Stock prices have plunged and gas prices have surged following the U.S. and Israeli bombing campaign in Iran, prompting fresh concerns from consumers and businesses already navigating an unpredictable economic landscape. Republican Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach says she expects the volatility to be short-lived, noting that market forces often correct themselves. Fischbach says federal officials are prepared to intervene if conditions worsen. Today marks one week since the United States and Israel carried out the airstrikes, a move that continues to send ripples through global markets and energy sectors.
>>Dropkick Murphys Praise Minnesota at ‘Abolish Ice’ Benefit Show
(Minneapolis, MN) — Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys performed a free show in Minneapolis Friday and praised Minnesota for pushing back against ICE. Frontman Ken Casey told the crowd, “We cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done on behalf of freedom and democracy in America. You’ve shown us, you’re giving us all a lot of hope and spirit.” Casey led the crowd in an anti-ICE chant at the end of the last song. The show was free, but they were taking donations for families, small businesses, and immigrant communities impacted by ICE operations. The concert was also livestreamed.
>>Fire Officials Urge Battery Checks as Clocks Spring Forward
(St. Paul, MN) — As you turn your clocks forward for daylight saving time, fire officials are urging Minnesotans to also replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. State Fire Marshal Dan Krier(CRY-ur) says too many smoke alarms never sound during a fire because their batteries are missing or disconnected. Krier says when a smoke alarm is working correctly, it alerts people about 96% of the time — which is why this weekend’s clock change is a good reminder to test your alarms, replace batteries, and check their expiration dates.
>>23rd Annual Rescue Training Exercise on Cass Lake
(Walker, MN) — Authorities in northern Minnesota are doing a multi-agency rescue training exercise today (Sat) on Cass Lake. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says the goal is to develop good working relationships and share resources to help save lives in a real emergency. This is the 23rd year of the training exercise in Cass County.
>>Man Arrested For Allegedly Pointing Gun at School Bus in Faribault
(Faribault, MN) — A man is in custody after he was accused of pointing a gun at a school bus in Faribault (FAIR’-uh-boh) Thursday. Police say the suspect reportedly walked up to the bus and pointed the weapon at several students, a bus aide and the bus driver. The man was arrested and may face charges of felony terroristic threats. The Faribault School District and Discovery School were placed on a soft lockdown during the incident.
>>Boys State High School Hockey Championships in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — Two new champions will be crowned today (Sat) at the Boys State High School Hockey Tournament at Grand Casino Arena. In the Class-A semifinals Friday, Hibbing-Chisholm (CHIZ’-um) topped Mahtomedi (MAH-duh-mee-die) 4-2, and Warroad skated past Delano 6-3. Hibbing-Chisholm and Warroad face off in the 1-A championship game at noon. Minnetonka beat Rosemount 4-3 in overtime in the first Class 2-A semifinal, and Moorhead knocked off Edina 3-1 last night. Minnetonka and Moorhead will play for the 2-A title at 8 o’clock tonight.
