>>Governor Walz Signs Final Legislative Bills
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz signed the final bills of the legislative session on Wednesday. They include the 1.2 billion-dollar bonding bill. The funding will be used to fix and maintain large infrastructure projects like wastewater treatment centers, roads and bridges, and university projects. The governor also signed the tax bill, which will bring tax relief to many Minnesotans along with a tax incentive for sustainable aviation fuel made here. The tax bill also applies a 100 percent tax on anyone convicted of committing fraud in the state of Minnesota.
>>State Returns Land to Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
(St. Paul, MN) — The University of Minnesota and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are moving ahead with the return of 3,400 acres of land at the Cloquet Forestry Center, located entirely within the Fond du Lac Reservation. The move was made possible through the state bonding bill signed Wednesday by Governor Tim Walz. U of M President Rebecca Cunningham and Tribal Chairman Bruce M. Savage called the agreement a major step toward reconciliation, Tribal sovereignty and shared stewardship of the land. The University will continue operating at the forestry center after the land transfer is completed.
>>Department of Veterans Affairs Exploring the Possibility of Fifth State Veterans Cemetery
(Undated) — The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is exploring the possibility of adding another State Veterans Cemetery. Director of memorial affairs David Swantek says northwest Minnesota is the last underserved region. Swantek says, “So, we’re kind of focused in on the Bemidji area. I’m not announcing that we’re building a fifth cemetery, but it is on our radar.” He says the location makes sense with a new State Veterans Home in Bemidji. The four State Veterans Cemeteries are in Little Falls, Preston, Duluth, and Redwood
Falls.
>>Department of Commerce Confirms $464 Million Grant to Upgrade Midwest Power Grid
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Commerce says the federal government is moving forward with a $464 million investment to strengthen the Midwest power grid. The funding will support five major transmission line projects across seven states, including Minnesota, with the goal of improving grid reliability during extreme weather and periods of high energy demand. State officials say the upgrades will strengthen the power system families and businesses depend on while helping keep long-term energy costs down for consumers. The projects are also expected to unlock more than one billion dollars in additional private investment across the Midwest.
>>Senator Smith Visits Dodge County Farm to Discuss Issues Facing Rural Minnesota
(Dodge County, MN) — U-S Senator Tina Smith visited a Dodge County farm Wednesday, spotlighting growing concerns from Midwest farmers. Smith says frustration is building over delays in passing a new farm bill, despite what she calls broad bipartisan agreement on ag issues. At the same time, farmers heading into planting season are facing rising costs and tighter margins, with some calling for federal bridge payments. Smith pointed to steep fertilizer price increases and questioned where profits are going. She also raised concerns about rural health care, citing hospital closures and limited access to services. Smith says expanding telehealth and reworking ambulance funding could help fill those gaps.
>>Flanagan Criticizes Craig for Bypassing this Weekend’s DFL Convention
(St. Paul, MN) — Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is criticizing U-S Representative Angie Craig for bypassing this weekend’s D-F-L State Convention in Rochester and focusing on the U-S Senate primary in August. Craig says the endorsement process no longer reflects the full diversity of the party or the state. Flanagan ripped the decision, arguing party leaders should “show up” and face delegates directly. Flanagan says the D-F-L endorsement process remains one of the few places where grassroots organizing matters more than money. Both candidates are running for the seat of retiring U-S Senator Tina Smith.
>>Victim Shot at Prayer Service in Shakopee Dies
(Shakopee, MN) — Police in Shakopee say the man shot during an Islamic prayer service Wednesday morning at the Canterbury Park Expo Center died. Officers responding to a weapons complaint found a 26-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center but did not survive. AFSCME Council 5 identified the victim as field representative Khalid Abdi. Officials said in a statement, “Our union has offered and pledges our unwavering support to Khalid’s family through this incredibly difficult and painful time.” Authorities have not released any other information but say they are actively working to identify the involved individuals. Anyone with information should contact the Shakopee P-D.
>>Minnesota Lynx Beat Atlanta Dream for Third Straight Victory
(Minneapolis, MN) — The 5-2 Minnesota Lynx are in first place in the Western Conference following a 96-81 win over the Atlanta Dream at Target Center. All five Minnesota starters scored at least 12 points last night. Courtney Williams had a game-high 25 points; Natasha Howard scored 22, and Olivia Miles finished with 16 points and eight assists. The Dream fall to 4-2. The Lynx ride a three-game win streak into Friday night’s game at Chicago.
