>>Governor Walz Touts Legislative Accomplishments from 2024 Session
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz says what he’s most excited about, coming out of the just-ended 2024 legislative session is Uber/Lyft, money for emergency medical services, increased penalties for firearms straw purchases and a binary trigger ban, permitting reform and summer meals for children. And among the biggest letdowns: no bonding bill for state public works projects. Walz said, “I do think it’s important for us to come back next year. I think what legislators can expect, they’re gonna see a very robust proposal from us. I think we’ve got things, especially for the University of Minnesota.” Walz also mentions the E-R-A and abortion rights constitutional amendment, which passed the Minnesota House but not the Senate.
>>Klobuchar, Finstad, Craig Sponsor Act to Cover Medical Costs for Military Applicants
(Washington, DC) — U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representatives Brad Finstad and Angie Craig are sponsoring legislation to reduce medical costs for those applying to join the U-S armed services. The Applicant Medical Reimbursement Act would authorize the Department of Defense to reimburse applicants for co-pays up to $100 for visits to civilian medical providers seen as part of the military application process. During 2023, the military collectively missed recruiting goals by nearly 41,000 recruits. Klobuchar says the act will minimize cost barriers for eligible and interested applicants.
>>BWCA Response to Trump’s Comments at Lincoln-Reagan Dinner
(Ely, MN) — The Boundary Waters Action Fund is speaking out against ex-President Donald Trump’s comment a the Lincoln-Reagan dinner about rescinding the federal mining ban in the Superior National Forest. Director Alex Falconer says Trump does not speak on behalf of Minnesotans, stating more than 70% of the state’s residents support protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) from sulfide-ore copper mining. Falconer adds since Trump’s departure from office, President Biden has prioritized protecting the Boundary Waters and reinitiating a critical study documenting the risks of mining in the headwaters.
>>Free Palestine Coalition Demands Divestment at MN SBI Meeting
(St. Paul, MN) — The Free Palestine Coalition plan to address members of the Minnesota State Board of Investment after this morning’s meeting (Tues) in St. Paul. The group says it will demand divestment of state-managed pension funds and other public monies from Israeli weapons manufacturers, banks and bonds, and other entities supporting Israel. As of March 31st, 2024, coalition members say they’ve identified $157.4 million in Minnesota investments towards Israel.
>>Tornado Touchdown, Large Hail Reported in Southeastern Minnesota
(Hayfield, MN) — No damage is being reported after a tornado touchdown Monday evening in southeastern Minnesota’s Dodge County. Trained spotters confirmed a small twister near Hayfield around 6:30 pm. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Dodge County around that time. One to one-and-a-quarter inch hail was also reported in the Hayfield area, Rock Dell in Olmsted County, and Zumbrota in Goodhue County. Forecasters are expecting widespread rainfall and more severe weather today (Tues) across Minnesota.
>>Pierz Man Suffers Severe Burns in Morrison County Camper Explosion
(Pierz, MN) — A central Minnesota man is being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center for severe burns suffered in a camper explosion in Pierz. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office says 57-year-old Paul Hoheisel was alone in his camper at the Pierz Park Campground Sunday when the explosion occurred. Deputies say they noticed his gas oven was turned on and there was a cigarette lying on the floor. Hoeheisel was badly burned and airlifted to Minneapolis.
>>3-Year-Old Dies in Fall from 8th Story of Brooklyn Center Apartment
(Brooklyn Center, MN) — A three-year-old is dead after falling from the eighth story of a Brooklyn Center apartment building Saturday. Police were called to the Lux Apartments for a report of a fall. Officers found the child had fallen out of an eighth-floor window. Despite life-saving measures, the toddler died at the scene. The incident is still under investigation.
>>Target Slashing Prices on 5K Items this Summer
(Minneapolis, MN) — Target Corporation plans to reduce prices on up to five thousand popular items this summer to ease the pain of inflation. The Minnesota-based retailer says it is lowering prices to “collectively save consumers millions of dollars” on household items like milk, diapers, and more. The deals will include national brands and Target’s house brands.
>>Service Begins on Amtrak Borealis Line from St. Paul to Chicago
(St. Paul, MN) — Service begins today (Tues) on Amtrak’s new Borealis line between the Twin Cities and Chicago. This is the second daily passenger train from St. Paul to the Windy City. Amtrak officials say the train offer views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse and makes the current Empire Builder stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee and the Hiawatha stops to Chicago. Coach fares on the Borealis start at 41 dollars each way for adults.
>>Planting Pace Slightly Ahead of Schedule in Minnesota
(Undated) — The planting pace in Minnesota is slightly ahead of normal despite recent wet conditions. U-S-D-A’s latest weekly crop report says corn planting is four days ahead of the five-year average at 81 percent. Thirty-eight percent of the crop has emerged. Soybean planting is just past the hallway point at 51 percent, one day faster than a year ago. Sugar beet planting is virtually complete, small grain planting is nearing the end, and the first cutting of alfalfa is just underway.
