>>Senator Mitchell Does Not Intend to Resign after Detroit Lakes Burglary Arrest

(St. Paul, MN) — Senator Nicole Mitchell says, “I do not intend to resign,” in a statement released by her attorneys Thursday afternoon. The Woodbury Democrat faces burglary charges for allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes. Republicans are calling for an immediate ethics investigation with the apparent goal of expelling Mitchell from the Senate — and some speculate Republicans could hold up or even block key votes if she’s out of the mix. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said, “I am hoping that Senator Johnson and his caucus decide that the work of the people of Minnesota is paramount, and we should focus on that.” Mitchell says she’s confident “a much different picture will emerge when all of the facts are known” and “some people are attempting to use a tragic family situation to score political points.”

>>Federal Jury Selected for First Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme Trial

(Minneapolis, MN) — Jurors are now chosen, and opening arguments are set for Monday in federal court in Minneapolis for the first criminal trial in the massive Feeding our Future fraud case. Prosecutors say the seven defendants stole millions of dollars in federal reimbursements for programs that were supposed to feed low-income children during the COVID pandemic. More than 60 other people are charged in the over 250-million-dollar scheme that officials say is one of the largest fraud cases in the country related to the pandemic. The Star Tribune reports a federal judge spent more than 22 hours this week questioning over 70 potential jurors and that it was difficult to find an impartial panel because of the wide publicity the case has received.

>>Man Shot by Wright County Deputies Remains Hospitalized in Stable Condition

(Montrose, MN) — The man shot by Wright County sheriff’s deputies in an exchange of gunfire in Montrose last week remains hospitalized in stable condition. The Minnesota B-C-A says 38-year-old Matthew Lyrek was shot multiple times outside a Dollar General Store on April 15th. Agents say seven officers were involved in the shooting and Deputy Andrew Lundeen fired his department rifle. Investigators say Lyrek pulled out a gun when deputies went to arrest him on multiple felony warrants. They say Lyrek had two handguns and more firearms were found in his vehicle.

>>Mayor Frey Expected to Sign $15 Per Pack Tobacco Ordinance in Minneapolis

(Minneapolis, MN) — Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to sign an amendment passed by the Minneapolis City Council increasing the minimum price of cigarettes and other tobacco products to 15 dollars a pack. The measure also eliminates price discounts and coupons for tobacco products, increases penalties for selling to minors, and ends the sampling loophole for new smoke shops. Council members say tobacco is still the leading cause of death and this is an important public health step. Tobacco prices in Minneapolis will be among the highest in the nation.

>>ND Secretary of State Approves Petition for Recreational Marijuana Ballot Measure

(Bismarck, ND) — Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in North Dakota have the green light to begin gathering signatures for a proposed ballot measure. The Secretary of State’s Office approved the petition Thursday to put the measure before voters. Backers have until July 8th to collect more than 15 thousand signatures. A recreational cannabis ballot measure failed in North Dakota two years ago. Minnesota legalized adult-use cannabis last year.

>>MOA, Make-A-Wish MN Recognize World Wish Month

(Bloomington, MN) — The Mall of America and Make-A-Wish Minnesota are recognizing World Wish Month today (FRI) by creating a memorable day for a nine-year-old girl. Willow, born with cystic fibrosis and undergoing twice daily treatment to clear her airways since she was three months old, has always wished to have a special day at M-O-A. Now that her condition has improved to only having treatment when she feels it’s needed, she gets to experience her wish. A limousine will bring Willow and her family to Mall of American for a grand welcome from supporters and a shopping spree.

>>Vikings Select Michigan QB McCarthy, Alabama Rusher Turner in NFL Draft Round 1

(Detroit, MI) — The Minnesota Vikings landed their quarterback of the future and the S-E-C Defensive Player of the Year in the first round of the 2024 N-F-L Draft. The Vikes traded up one pick with the Jets to select Michigan quarterback J-J McCarthy at number ten overall Thursday night in Detroit. McCarthy went 27-and-1 as a starter in Ann Arbor and led the Wolverines to the 2024 national championship. The Purple later exchanged their number 23 pick with Jacksonville and moved up to 17 and take Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. The Crimson Tide linebacker had 11 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles last season. Minnesota doesn’t have any picks today (Fri) in rounds two and three of the draft.