>>Governor Walz to Sign Service Dogs Training Law
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is signing a bill into law this morning that expands the support and protections for service dogs in training. The new law will protect service dog trainers working with an accredited organization. They will be given the same housing rights as people with fully-trained service dogs. Currently, some homeowner’s associations do not allow service dog trainers in their areas. Two dogs from the organization “Can Do Canines” will join the governor for the signing ceremony.
>>Minnesota House Passes Bipartisan Energy Budget Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — The $51 million energy budget bill passed in the Minnesota House Wednesday does not increase spending. Chair Patty Acomb of Minnetonka says it continues to provide clean energy sources, lower costs for families, supports high-paying jobs and transitions away from fossil fuels, and addresses our changing climate. Republican Representative Chris Swedzinski of Ghent said the bill missed the mark in some areas, like exploring more nuclear energy and other sources. This bill keeps the budget numbers flat at just over $51 million. The Minnesota Senate is still waiting to take up its proposal.
>>Minnesota’s High School Graduation Rates Continue to Increase
(St.Paul, MN) — More Minnesota high school seniors than ever before graduated in 2024, with 59,720 students earning their diploma. The 84.2% graduation rate is the highest graduation rate Minnesota has ever recorded. Graduation rates also increased among American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic, or Latino, and white student groups last year. Education Commissioner Willie Jett says the students who graduated started 9th grade in the 2020-21 school year, the year most affected by COVID, and they overcame plenty of challenges. Graduation rates also increased for English learners, students from low-income families, and students receiving special education services.
>>Minnesota Housing Partnership Releases Congressional District Report
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Housing Partnership is out with a new report looking at housing affordability in each of the state’s eight congressional districts. Deputy executive director Elizabeth Glidden says the 1st, 5th, and 7th districts are the three where we are seeing the largest gap between what people earn and what they actually can afford. She says the 2nd District is the lone district in in Minnesota where we were able to see that a typical renter was affording the rent by a pretty significant amount. District 3 in the west metro has the highest median rent and home value – plus the highest renter and homeowner income.
>>Minnesota GOP Members Tout Rosen’s Nomination for US Attorney
(Washington, DC) — The state’s Republican members of Congress are urging the U-S Senate to confirm Daniel Rosen as the new U-S Attorney for Minnesota. They said in a statement, “Dan Rosen is one of the sharpest legal minds in the entire country, and we are thrilled that President Trump has nominated him to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota.” G-O-P Representatives Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, Brad Finstad and Pete Stauber say Rosen will uphold the rule of law and keep criminal off our streets. Former U-S Attorney for Minnesota Andrew Luger stepped down in late January following President Trump’s inauguration.
>>MPCA Releases Summer Forecast, Predicts Increased Wildfire Risk
(St. Paul, MN) — Officials at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are predicting the state is likely to see an active summer for air quality, with recurring wildfire smoke events. Meteorologist Matt Taraldsen says they’re predicting above average temps and below average precipitation over the next several months, which means increased risk for wildfires. Taraldsen says Minnesota will see twelve to sixteen days affected by wildfire smoke, and drought and sunshine will drive much of the summer’s air quality concerns. You can stay up to date on air quality levels by visiting the M-P-C-A website.
>>Woman Fatally Stabbed in Burnsville, Suspect Later Arrested
(Burnsville, MN) — Police in Burnsville are investigating a fatal stabbing. Officers called to a domestic disturbance Wednesday morning found a 32-year-old woman dead of multiple stab wounds. Investigators say a suspect was later arrested in Lakeville. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to identify the victim. No other information is being released.
>>2 Teens Charged in Fatal St. Paul Stabbing
(St. Paul, MN) — Two boys, ages 14 and 17, are charged with the murder of 19-year-old Jay’Mier Keymari in St. Paul. Officers found Keymari in a front yard March 28th and later learned that he’d been stabbed 22 times. Through text messages on his phone, investigators discovered the pair had lured Keymari out of the house under the guise of hanging out. The 14-year-old allegedly confessed that he and the other teen had stabbed Keymari because he had threatened the suspect’s girlfriend’s child. Home surveillance video showed the suspects’ clothes, which were later found in the home where the suspects lived.
>>Motorcyclist Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries in Itasca County School Bus Crash
(Coleraine, MN) — A motorcyclist is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a crash involving a school bus Wednesday afternoon in Itasca County. The Minnesota State Patrol says the school bus was turning off Highway 169 in Coleraine when it collided with a cycle driven by 44-year-old Damian Heinkel of Bovey. Troopers say Heinkel was taken to a Duluth hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. There were no students on the bus and the driver wasn’t hurt.
>>Wolves and Warriors Play Game 2 of West Semifinals at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Timberwolves and Warriors meet in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals tonight (Thurs 7:30pm) at Target Center. Minnesota looks to rebound from a 99-88 loss in the series opener. Golden State All-Star guard Steph Curry has been ruled out and could miss a week with a hamstring strain suffered in Tuesday night’s win. Wolves point guard Mike Conley expects his team to bounce back on their home court this evening.
>>Twins Beat Orioles at Target Field for 4th Straight Victory
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins go for a series sweep of the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon (Thurs 12:10pm) at Target Field. The Twins topped the O’s 5-2 Wednesday night in the second game for their fourth straight victory. Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer in the third inning and Harrison Bader had a two-run shot in the seventh. Bailey Ober starts the series finale for Minnesota against Baltimore righthander Dean Kremer.
