>>Working Groups Trying to Finalize State Budget at Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers keep trying to find common ground on the state budget. One working group struggling to finalize details is in Jobs, Labor, and Economic Development where the sticking point is over the non-compete law for businesses. Republican Representative Dave Baker from Willmar says, “If we don’t do something to help our partnership, our large companies with non-competes, it hurts Minnesota companies. This will hurt jobs, future growth in Minnesota.” The group once again went into recess Tuesday without coming up with an agreement. Governor Walz says he will not call a special session until all the working groups have finalized their work.
>>Head of Second Harvest Heartland Warns of SNAP Cuts in Minnesota
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — The head of Second Harvest Heartland is warning that changes to the federal Farm Bill and SNAP cuts will drive more Minnesotans into hunger. Chief operating officer Sara Moberg says SNAP supports around 450 thousand people in our state, and the majority are kids, seniors, and people with disabilities. She says SNAP is one of the most powerful and effective anti-hunger tools available. Moberg says the 290 billion dollars in cuts over the next decade represents 9.5 billion meals each year for neighbors who are in need.
>>OCM Re-Opening Registration for Businesses Selling Hemp-Derived Products
(St. Paul, MN) — The Office of Cannabis Management is reminding Minnesota retailers selling hemp-derived products that they must register with the state. The O-C-M’s Jim Walker says they are re-opening registration on June 2nd and that’s going to make it possible for businesses who may be unregistered to become illegible to sell hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including hemp-derived T-H-C beverages, gummies, and things of that nature. Walker says unregistered businesses caught selling products could face a 10-thousand-dollar penalty and destruction of all their products. The registration process for hemp-derived hemp products will move to a business licensing system in October.
>>Sentencing Day for Men Convicted in Freezing Deaths of Family from India
(Fergus Falls, MN) — Two men are being sentenced in federal court in Fergus Falls today (Wed 1pm) for their roles in the deaths of a family from India along the Canadian border. Harshkumar Patel from India and Steve Shand of Florida were convicted on human smuggling charges after the family of four froze to death in January 2022 trying to cross the U-S border in a blizzard. Prosecutors said Patel was the leader of the human smuggling conspiracy and Shand was the driver who was supposed to pick the family up. The bodies of the four victims were found by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
>>Jury Selection Continues for Driver Charged in Deaths of 5 Women in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — Jury selection continues today (Wed) for the man accused of causing a high-speed crash in June of 2023 that killed five young women in south Minneapolis. Derrick Thompson is facing 15 felony charges including third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide. Prosecutors say Thompson was fleeing a state trooper at 95 miles per hour when he ran a red light and his S-U-V struck the car occupied by the five victims. Officers found two thousand fentanyl pills, cocaine, and a loaded gun in Thompson’s vehicle. Opening arguments are expected to begin Thursday in his trial.
>>Minnesota Lynx Beat Seattle Storm to Remain Undefeated
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Lynx improved to 5-and-0 with an 82-77 win over the Seattle Storm last night at Target Center. Courtney Williams led Minnesota with 23 points, Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith each had 16, and Kayla McBride scored 15 points in her first game of the season. Gabby Williams had a team-high 20 points as Seattle falls to 3-and-2. The Lynx next game is Friday night in Phoenix.
>>Wolves and Thunder Play Game 5 of Westrern Conference Finals in OKC
(Oklahoma City, OK) — The Timberwolves are in a must-win situation tonight (Wed 7:30pm) when they play Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Oklahoma City. Minnesota trails the best-of-seven series 3-1 and needs a road win tonight to keep its postseason going. Coach Chris Finch says forward Jaden McDaniels has quietly been their most consistent player and is putting together a complete game offensively and defensively. McDaniels had 22 points in Monday’s night’s 128-126 loss in Game 4 at Target Center.
