>>Governor Walz, Legislative Leaders Reach New Agreement
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders have a bipartisan budget agreement following weeks of negotiations on sticking points. The deal includes an investment to help save Hennepin County Medical Center and hospitals around the state. Leaders say the agreement also includes a bonding bill, property tax relief, and lower vehicle tab fees for Minnesotans. Governor Walz said in a statement, “We are keeping a balanced budget, making targeted reductions and focusing every dollar on core priorities.” Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth says the agreement also includes “meaningful anti-fraud measures.” More details are expected to be released later today at the State Capitol.
>>House Democrats Threaten Sit-In Over Gun Violence Prevention Package
(St. Paul, MN) — House Democrats are giving Republican Speaker Lisa Demuth 24 hours to bring the Senate gun violence prevention package to the floor for a vote. D-F-L Representative Samantha Sencer-Mura of Minneapolis made the announcement. She told members, “If Speaker Demuth does not report this bill by 5 pm tomorrow on Thursday May 14th, I along with other members of this body will engage in an overnight sit-in here in the House chamber. ” Sencer-Mura says they will be doing it for the community of Annunciation, the parents and families of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, and for everyone across Minnesota who has lost someone to gun violence. The Senate passed the bill along party lines with all Republicans voting “no.”
>>Gun Violence Prevention Petition Heading to Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — A petition with more than 7,000 signatures demanding the House take up the gun violence prevention package is heading to the office of House Speaker Lisa Demuth today. The petitions call on the Speaker to take action on the package passed last week by the Senate. It includes a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, funding for school safety, and mental health. Minnesota students will deliver the petition following a news conference. They will also attempt to hand out copies of the petition to all members of the House and leadership.
>>Minnesota Lawmakers Approves Stiffer Penalties for Impersonating an Officer
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers are giving final approval to stiffer penalties for anyone who impersonates a peace officer. The bill was passed in response to the killings of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Senator Hoffman led the fight to get this bill passed. He said, “When I answered the door on June 14th, I did so because of the trust. I never want another person in this state to have that trust shattered. And with today’s bill Mr. President, we’re making sure it never happens again.” The man charged in the political shootings was disguised as a police officer. The increased penalties include felony charges in some cases. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
>>Vice President Vance Updates White House Crackdown On Fraud
(Washington, DC) — Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration plans to withhold funding from states that fail to crack down on fraud in public assistance programs. Vance called fraud a violation of taxpayer trust and warned more federal funding could be delayed as investigations continue. Minnesota has faced increased federal scrutiny in recent years over programs tied to the Feeding Our Future scandal, Medicaid-funded autism services, and other taxpayer-funded assistance programs. Meanwhile, Minnesota lawmakers this week approved legislation creating a new state Office of Inspector General aimed at strengthening oversight and preventing fraud in state-funded programs.
>>Allegiant Air Acquires Sun Country Airlines
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines is now officially part of Allegiant Air following the completion of a $1.5 billion merger finalized Wednesday. The deal closes the chapter on Sun Country’s more than four decades as an independent hometown carrier. Company leaders say the airlines will continue operating separately in the short term while awaiting final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Long term, the combined company plans to operate solely under the Allegiant brand, retiring the Sun Country name.
>>Minnesota Celebrates Salvation Army Week
(Roseville, MN) — National Salvation Army Week is recognizing the volunteers and donors who help the organization serve communities across the state and the nation. Minnesota spokesman Paul Deakins says about 20-thousand volunteers support everything from bell ringing to meal service and packing projects each year, adding the organization could not operate without them. At the same time, the Salvation Army says it is seeing record demand for help with food, housing, and basic needs. Deakins says more first-time visitors are turning to food shelves as inflation and rising food and energy costs continue to strain household budgets.
>>Minnesota Wild Blow Three-Goal in Lead in Game 5 Playoff Loss at Colorado
(Denver, CO) — The Minnesota Wild’s season is over following a 4-3 overtime loss at Colorado in Game 5 of the second-round playoff series. Nathan McKinnon of the Avalanche scored the tying goal with 1:23 left in regulation and Brett Kulak netted the game-winner in O-T. Nick Foligno scored twice in the first period and Marcus Johansson netted the first goal of the game to give Minnesota a 3-0 lead. Jesper Wallstedt suffered the loss on 30 saves. The Wild advanced out of the first round for the first time since 2015 but dropped the series 4-1 to Colorado.
