“Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is proposing a new budget package that includes $700 million worth of direct payments to Minnesotans called “Walz Checks.”  But Minnesota Republicans are blasting the checks as a distraction, an “election-year gimmick,” and something that’s no longer good policy.”

“In light of a recent FBI raid on a Minnesota nonprofit over alleged fraudulent spending, one Minnesota state senator is calling for an audit on all COVID-related funds and spending.  Sen. Roger Chamberlain, a Republican from Lino Lakes, serves as chair of the chamber’s education committee. He called for the audits in a statement released Friday afternoon.”

“In September, 26 residents of north Minneapolis signed a letter that asked the governor to use state police or the National Guard to assist the Minneapolis Police Department in fighting a persistent crime epidemic.  The letter described north Minneapolis as a “war zone” and blasted Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis City Council for failing to properly address it, hence the appeal to Gov. Walz.”

“The Minneapolis neighborhood where the University of Minnesota is located has seen a notable crime drop after increasing its police presence.”

“State Sen. Michelle Benson is speaking out against the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) approval of a new smartphone app, warning that it basically acts as a de facto vaccine passport.  Benson also criticized the MDH for approving and rolling out the Docket app without “full vetting” in the Legislature and public feedback.”

Thanks, Alpha News.