ST. PAUL, Minn. (GRAY) – On Sunday night, the 93rd Minnesota Legislature adjourned for the final time. The legislature ended in chaotic fashion, as DFLers brought the gavel down to pass bills before adjourning Sunday.

Several bills did not make it across the desk before the midnight deadline, including a bonding bill, a sports betting bill, and a bill to put an Equal Rights Amendment on the State Constitution.

Bonding discussions fell apart due to partisan tension on the final day of the session. While a fully funded infrastructure package was unlikely to pass, a smaller cash bill had the votes needed to get through both the house and senate. The bill did not pass the senate in time for the midnight deadline, missing it by a matter of seconds. Republicans pinned the lack of a deal on poor time management from the DFL.

“There was a provision in the cash bonding bill that failed by 30 seconds in the Democrat majority senate,” said House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring).

DFLers, however, said the deal fell apart due to Republican filibustering.

“If you follow the rules, that can’t pass midnight, there was one member who was loud and interruptive. And so, we lost a bonding bill for the people of Minnesota as a result,” said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul).

Reportedly, a sports betting deal was in the works just hours before midnight, but House author Zach Stephenson said in a post online that they ran out of time.

An Equal Rights Amendment was also just a few hours of debate away from potential passage in the Senate. For months, the House and Senate had been working to come to an agreement on language in the bill, and by the final weekend, there was optimism the two caucuses were on the same page.

“I believe that the Senate did have the votes. That was my condition for taking up on the [House] floor and spending the 15 hours that we did, was I had to have a pretty good sense that the senate would be able to take it up and pass it,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park).

Hortman believes that the bill simply ran out of time, again blaming the Republican filibuster.

“Part of what happened this week, it deprived the senate of the opportunity, the time to have that conversation,” she said.

Republicans said too much time was lost in the final weekend negotiating a rideshare deal, one which was sent off to the governor’s desk in time for the end of the session.

Governor Walz said on Monday that he’s happy with the work that came out of the 2024 session and does not plan on calling a special session this year.

Copyright 2024 KTTC. All rights reserved.

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – This week, the Minnesota Twins return to Target Field for their fifth homestand of the season.

This seven-game, Memorial Day weekend, stay will face off against the reigning World Series champion, the Texas Rangers and the American League Central division foe, the Kansas City Royals.

Friday, May 24 vs. Texas Rangers (6:10 p.m.; gates open at 4:30 p.m.)

Star Wars Night: Join your favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away on Star Wars Night! This theme night package will receive tickets to the game and an exclusive co-branded Star Wars/Twins Dark side vs. Light side button-up shirt.

Gate Giveaway: The first 5,000 fans through the gates on Friday will receive a Star Wars Reversible Bucket Hat.

American Legion Day: This Memorial Day Weekend, the Twins will honor those who have served and will welcome members of the American Legion to Target Field on Friday night. The night includes first pitches from Pam Krill (Membership Director of the American Legion Department of Minnesota) and Paul Hassing (Commander of the American Legion Department of Minnesota). “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” will be led by George Hunt, commander of the American Legion Post 630 in Brooklyn Center, MN.

Saturday, May 25 vs. Texas Rangers (1:10 p.m.; gates open at 11:00 a.m.)

Be the Change Ceremonial First Pitch: In response to the events that followed the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, John Baker founded Be the Change to support youth-oriented nonprofits and foster connections between corporations and communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. He will throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to Saturday’s game against the Rangers.

612 Saturday presented by Carbliss and Bally Sports North: From 11:00 a.m. until first pitch, fans can enjoy $6 drink specials, $1 snacks and $2 food specials, while receiving the Twins’ best gate giveaways.

Gate Giveaway: The first 10,000 fans through the gates on Saturday will receive an exclusive, unique light-up Jhoan Duran Bobblehead that is based on the flamethrowing closer’s iconic entrance.

Bowlers’ Day: Fans who purchase this group event package will receive a ticket to the game and a Twins Bowling Shirt. The day will also include a ceremonial first pitch thrown out by a member of the Minnesota bowling community.

Twins Camps Champions Day Recognition: Last year marked the seventh year of Minnesota Twins Camps. Over 1,300 young athletes attended the weeklong camps held throughout Minnesota, including a skills competition with the finals at Target Field. The 2023 skills competition top three finishers in baseball and softball will be recognized on the field prior to the game.

Sunday, May 26 vs. Texas Rangers (1:10 p.m.; gates open at 11:00 a.m.)

Pablo Day: Fans who purchase this special theme ticket package – available for all of Pablo’s Target Field starts from May through September – will receive a ticket to the game and a special Pablo-themed jersey. A portion of the proceeds from each package sold will benefit local nonprofits Children’s Minnesota, Project Success and Ruff Start Rescue. Pablo Day ticket package purchasers will all be seated in the same area on Pablo Day (section 101).

USTA Day: The Twins will welcome a group from the United States Tennis Association on Sunday, including a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Jon Rydberg, an accomplished international wheelchair tennis player from Pine City, MN.

Kids Day: Every Sunday home game at Target Field is Kids Day! Kids meals are half priced at select concession stands, a member of the T.C. Sluggers Kids Club will throw the ceremonial first pitch, nine lucky kids will take the field with the Twins before the top of the first inning as part of a special Kids Starting Lineup. Families can enjoy all the fun of Bullseye’s Backyard that features interactive activities including Big Catch, Run the Bases, and a coloring mural to let kids of all ages leave their mark on Target Field. Kids can print their own baseball cards, win ticket upgrades, get a custom screen-printed bag or bandanna and even the chance to be selected as the Target Ball Kid for a game.

Monday, May 27 vs. Kansas City Royals (1:10 p.m.; gates open at 11:00 a.m.)

Memorial Day: The Twins join the rest of Major League Baseball in observance of Memorial Day and in honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Play of Monday’s game will pause for a moment of silence at approximately 3:00 p.m. CT, to mark the National Moment of Remembrance.

Ceremonial First Pitch: A ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by Logan Stroeing on behalf of NubAbility Athletics, an organization whose mission is to encourage, inspire and instruct limb different youth by getting them out of the stands and into mainstream sports. Logan was born with multiple congenital limb differences and often participates in NubAbility-led activities, including working with the Twins on a baseball/softball camp for youth with limb differences.

Welcome back, Tyler Duffey!: The Twins will pay tribute to current Royals reliever and former Twin Tyler Duffey before the game. A fifth-round selection by Minnesota in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, Duffey made his major league debut for the Twins in 2015 and spent the first eight seasons of his career with the club.

Tuesday, May 28 vs. Kansas City Royals (6:40 p.m.; gates open at 5:30 p.m.)

Cirque du Soleil Ceremonial First Pitch: For the first time in more than a decade, Cirque du Soleil has returned to the Twin Cities under its renowned Big Top with BAZZAR, an eclectic homage to the origins and ongoing legacy of the world-famous circus company. Prior to Tuesday’s game, performers from BAZZAR will throw out a ceremonial first pitch in a uniquely Cirque du Soleil way!

Wednesday, May 29 vs. Kansas City Royals (6:40 p.m.; gates open at 5:30 p.m.)

Daily Ticket Specials: Fans can take advantage of the All You Can Eat Legends Landing, Military Discount and TickPick Family Section.

Thursday, May 30 vs. Kansas City Royals (12:10 p.m.; gates open at 10:30 a.m.)

Postgame – High School Dreams: After the conclusion of the Twins-Royals game, Target Field will host the sixth and final regular season high school baseball game, this time featuring an all-Iowa matchup of Kee (Lansing, IA) vs. South Winneshiek (Calmar, IA).

• TickPick Family Sections – Tickets in the alcohol-free family section include a FREE hot dog and Pepsi (available at the Mill City Grill near section 311).
• All You Can Eat Legends Landing – Get access to bottomless food and drinks plus a great view of the diamond and Minneapolis skyline with a ticket in sections S-V.
• Student Discount (Monday-Thursday) – Ballpark Access tickets are just $5 for students. Tickets are available via mobile delivery; plus, students can download a free Metro Transit ride pass.
• Military Discount (Monday-Thursday) – Active military members or veterans with a valid ID, up to three additional guests can receive half-price Diamond Box High or Home Plate View tickets.
• Treasure Island Resort & Casino Senior Days (Weekday games) – Fans 55-and-older can receive a $5 discount on Field Box, Treasure Island Cove, and Left Field Bleacher tickets.
• Dollar Dog (Tuesdays) – Every Tuesday, hot dogs are just $1 at the Hennepin Grille and Taste of Twins Territory concession stand.
• Kids Day (Sundays) – U.S. Bank kids’ meals are 50% off. Postgame, kids are welcome to live out some big-league dreams by running the bases.

Season, group, and single-game tickets for the Twins’ 2024 regular season home schedule at Target Field are available online, by calling (612) 33-TWINS or 1-800-33-TWINS, or in-person at the Target Field Ticket Office.

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Copyright 2024 KTTC. All rights reserved.

UNDATED (WJON News) — The individual currently in charge of operations at St. Cloud State University is departing the institution to pursue another job.

Acting President Larry Lee revealed this week that he has agreed to serve as president at Blackburn College in Illinois. Lee said he will stay with St. Cloud State until mid-July to assist with the upcoming leadership transition.

Larry Dietz will assume the role of interim president at the university starting on July 1st.

Dietz, and whoever is named to fill the position on a more permanent basis, will be asked to turn around years of declining enrollment and budget deficits which have resulted in cuts to staff, programs, and sports.

Former President Robbyn Wacker announced back in November that she was leaving the university.

Here’s a breakdown of how St. Cloud State University’s 10-year enrollment decline compares to each of the other universities in the Minnesota State system.

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
In fiscal year 2014 SCSU had 19,623 students compared to 12,713 students in fiscal year 2023.  That’s a decline in students of 6,910 or a 35 percent reduction. It has had the biggest percent decline of all the universities.

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
In fiscal year 2014 Winona State had 9,848 students compared to 7,030 students in fiscal year 2023.  That’s a decline in students of 2,818 or a 28 percent reduction.

METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY
In fiscal year 2014 Metropolitan State had 11,497 students compared to 8,510 students in fiscal year 2023.  That’s a decline in students of 2,969 or a 25 percent reduction.

MOORHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY
In fiscal year 2014 Moorhead State had 7,820 students compared to 6,072 students in fiscal year 2023.  That’s a decline in students of 1,748 or a 22 percent reduction.

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY
In fiscal year 2014 Bemidji State had 6,170 students compared to 5,062 students in fiscal year 2023.  That’s a decline of 1,108 students or a 17 percent reduction.

MANKATO STATE UNIVERSITY
In fiscal year 2014 Mankato State had 18,229 students compared to 18,040 students in fiscal year 2023.  That’s a decline of 189 students or less than one percent.

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
In fiscal year 2014 SW MN State had 8,192 students compared to 8,521 students in fiscal year 2023.  This is the only four-year university in the system that actually saw an increase in enrollment.

The total enrollment of all the universities combined went from 81,379 students in fiscal year 2014 to 65,948 students in fiscal year 2023.  That’s a decline of 15,431 students or an 18 percent reduction.

A report completed in 2022 by Minnesota State Universities said St. Cloud State University generates nearly $600 million in economic impact annually.  SCSU also supports and sustains over 4,300 jobs in the early.  The combined tax impact of SCSU, its suppliers, students and visitors is nearly $43 million.

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