>>Minnesota House Passes Bill to Establish Office of the Inspector General
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill establishing an independent Office of the Inspector General to fight fraud is one step closer to the governor’s desk. The Minnesota House finally joined the Senate Thursday in passing the legislation. D-F-L Representative Matt Norris of Blaine said, “When it comes to fighting fraud, there are no silver bullets. But this bill is a substantial step forward. It’s a step toward preventing fraud in the first place rather than just investigating it after the fact.” G-O-P Representative Patti Anderson of Dellwood told members, “The outside world thinks we’re nuts. They think Minnesota is full of fraud and that we’re crazy. I can tell you at some point and hopefully it will be in the next couple of years, you’re going to look back and you’re going to just go “wow those were dark, dark days.” The O-I-G bill now goes back to the Senate to act on changes made in the House.
>>Governor Walz Signs Nudification Technology Ban into Law
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill signed into law by Governor Walz bans consumer access to A-I nudification technology. It requires that all companies turn off this feature that allows users to create deepfake pornographic images of innocent victims. D-F-L Senator Erin Maye Quade of Apple Valley led the fight for this law after meeting with several women, part of a group of 80, that were abused by one man using this technology. Quade said,” Women, children and everyone in public life will be safer without predators having easy access to A-I nudification technology.” The bill passed both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support.
>>Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Spraying Liquid on Omar
(Minneapolis, MN) — The man who sprayed Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with apple cider vinegar at a town hall meeting in Minneapolis is pleading guilty to federal charges. Prosecutors say 55-year-old Anthony Kazmierczak pleaded guilty Thursday to assaulting and interfering with an officer. He initially pleaded not guilty. Video of the January incident shows Kazmierczak spraying a syringe toward Omar before rushing her. He was quickly tackled by security. Kazmierczak is also expected to face state in Hennepin County.
>>BCA Identifies Man Killed, Officer in Virginia Police Shooting
(Virginia, MN) — The Minnesota B-C-A is identifying the man who died in a police shooting last Thursday on the Iron Range as 31-year-old Ethan Basche of Chisholm. Authorities say Virginia Police Lieutenant Henry Trunk fired his department-issued weapon after Basche allegedly approached him while appearing to raise what officers believed was a handgun. Investigators later determined the object was a torch lighter designed to resemble a firearm. The incident happened May 1st after reports of a masked man waving what appeared to be a gun along the street. Basche was taken to a local hospital where he died. The investigation remains ongoing.
>>Three People Shot by 16-Year-Old Boy in Bemidji
(Bemidji, MN) – Police in Bemidji are investigating a shooting Thursday afternoon that left three people wounded. Officers and Beltrami County sheriff’s deputies found three adult victims with critical injuries in an apartment, and they were taken to the hospital. Investigators learned a 16-year-old boy was the alleged shooter, and he fled the scene with a handgun. The hospital was placed on lockdown while authorities searched for the suspect. The teen ended up surrendering without incident about two hours later.
>>Goodhue County Man Accused of Illegally Killing Bobcat and Deer Hunting Violations
(Welch, MN) — A from southeastern Minnesota is accused of illegally killing a bobcat and other hunting violations. Goodhue County officials say Leslie Grinsteinner of Welch is charged with shooting the bobcat out of season, failing to register and tag a deer he shot, and deer hunting without a license. Authorities say Grinsteinner claims he shot the bobcat because it was eating his cats. He made the kill three weeks before the hunting season opened for bobcats. He was charged by summons and is due in Goodhue County Court on June 11th.
>>Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener Underway in Stillwater
(Stillwater, MN) — The 78th annual Governor’s Fishing Opener is underway in Stillwater, shining a spotlight on the St. Croix River and Minnesota’s river fishing opportunities. Brian Nerbonne (NUR’-bin) of the D-N-R says it’s exciting to showcase one of the state’s premier river fisheries. Nerbonne says anglers visiting the St. Croix will find more than just walleye and sauger. The river is home to about 60 different fish species, giving anglers a chance to reel in a wide variety of catches throughout the opener weekend. Around 500-thousand anglers are expected to take part in Minnesota’s fishing opener festivities statewide on Saturday morning.
>>Stillwater Breweries Release “First Cast Kölsch” for Governor’s Fishing Opener
(Stillwater, MN) – Two Stillwater breweries are releasing a new collaboration beer for the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener this weekend. River Siren and Lift Bridge Brewery will debut the “First Catch Kölsch” at today’s (Fri) community celebration. Discover Stillwater president Kelly Nygaard said, “This is exactly what makes Stillwater special. Local businesses coming together to create something unique, welcoming visitors, and the St. Croix River with fun.” First Catch Kölsch will be on tap for the event in Lowell Park.
>>Timberwolves Host Spurs in Game 3 of West Semifinals
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Timberwolves are back at Target Center tonight (Fri ) for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Spurs. San Antonio routed Minnesota 133-95 Wednesday night in Texas to even the series at a game apiece. Anthony Edwards came off the bench and had 12 points in 24 minutes of action. The Wolves look to rebound tonight and gain home court advantage.
