>>Governor Walz Announces DHS Leadership Changes
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is making changes at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Moving forward, the governor says John Connolly will serve as the temporary commissioner of D-H-S with Shireen Ghandi now moving to deputy commissioner. This is a reversal of positions, and it happened on the day before Ghandi was to have confirmation hearings. Walz says the changes will ensure stability and continue to strengthen oversight. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth responded by saying, “Governor Walz proves once again that fraud is free to continue under his leadership. Recycling the same failed staff will not root out fraud – only wholesale change will.”
>>Parent of Annunciation Shooting Victim Celebrates Senate Passage of Gun Violence Prevention Package
(St. Paul, MN) — The father of Annunciation school shooting victim Harper Moyski is celebrating Senate passage of a comprehensive gun violence prevention package. Mike Moyski joined Democratic lawmakers after the vote Monday. He said, “I’m really optimistic for what’s to come next…More importantly, I think all of our kids should be very proud of what we did today.” Moyski’s 10-year-old daughter and eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel were killed in the Annunciation school shooting last August. The legislation faces a tougher battle in the Minnesota House.
>>Itasca County Sheriff’s Deputy Injured in Shooting
(Max Township, MN) — Authorities in northern Minnesota are investigating a shooting that injured an Itasca County sheriff’s deputy. The sheriff’s office says deputies were responding to a call in Max Township Monday when there was a shooting. The deputy shot was taken to the hospital, but there’s no word on the extent of the injuries. The report says a suspect was taken into custody. The Minnesota B-C-A is assisting local investigators with the case.
>>BCA Identifies Man, Officers Involved in Richfield Force Incident
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is identifying a man killed in a police shooting in Richfield as 27-year-old Desaver Brian Hollis of Plymouth. Authorities say Richfield officers were investigating a vehicle theft early on April 29th when they found Hollis nearby and he ran. During a foot chase, officers say Hollis fired a handgun, striking one officer in the hand. Two Police Sergeants, Mario Leon and Kristian Schultz, returned fire and Hollis died at the scene. Both officers are on critical incident leave as the investigation continues.
>>Dog Attacks Two Brooklyn Center Police Officers
(Brooklyn Center, MN) — A man is in custody after his dog attacked two police officers in Brooklyn Center. Officers were called to a convenience store Sunday for a man with an unleashed dog inside. Police learned the suspect had two arrest warrants, and he resisted, using his dog and a skateboard to block the officers. Investigators say the dog attacked the officers and one of them shot the dog. Emergency veterinarians were not able to save the dog. The two officers are expected to return to duty. The suspect was treated at the hospital and booked in jail.
>>Animal Humane Society Rescuing 50 Beagles from Wisconsin Breeding Facility
(Golden Valley, MN) — The Animal Humane Society is bringing beagles from a controversial breeding facility in south central Wisconsin to Minnesota. A-H-S spokeswoman Sarah Bhimani says the remaining dogs are being released next week by Ridglan Farms. She says they are going to be receiving 50 beagles and 15 will be transferred to partners at Tri County Humane Society and Ruff Start Rescue. She says the dogs are expected to arrive next Thursday in Golden Valley. A total of 15 hundred beagles used in biomedical research and testing are being released from the facility.
>>Coaster Injury Lawsuit Could Cost Spirit Mountain Over $900K
(Duluth, MN) — A roller coaster injury case could cost Spirit Mountain in Duluth nearly one-million dollars. A jury awarded roughly 908-thoudand dollars in damages stemming from a 2018 incident on the Timber Twister alpine coaster at Spirit Mountain Recreation Area in Duluth. The case involves two riders who were injured. Evidence presented at trial indicated that staff failed to follow basic safety procedures, which contributed to the accident. One rider was knocked unconscious and suffered a serious leg injury after being impaled by a stick, while the second rider was also injured. The ride’s manufacturer previously reached a settlement with the victims without admitting liability. The jury later determined that Spirit Mountain must reimburse those costs, along with additional damages. Spirit Mountain is expected to appeal the verdict.
>>Stillwater Host City to Governor’s Fishing Opener
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s fishing opener this Saturday is shaping up with near, ideal conditions, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Fisheries Section Manager Brad Parsons says a typical ice-out and still-chilly water temperatures should favor anglers who target shallow, darker, or moving waters early in the season. He notes deeper lakes may be more challenging until conditions warm up. This year’s Governor’s Fishing Opener is being hosted in Stillwater, marking the 78th annual celebration. Parsons calls the opener a “Minnesota tradition,” signaling the unofficial start of summer and a chance for anglers to get their gear ready and enjoy the outdoors.
>>Timberwolves Beat Spurs in Game 1 of West Semifinals
(San Antonio, TX) — The Minnesota Timberwolves topped the Spurs 104-102 in San Antonio last night to steal Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Anthony Edwards returned from a knee injury and scored 18 points in 25 minutes. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 21 points, and Jaden McDaniels and Terrance Shannon both scored 16. The Wolves trailed by three points after three quarters but outscored the Spurs 35-30 in the fourth. Game 2 is tomorrow night (Wed 8:30pm) in Texas.
