4/21/2025 -- Wolves Dominate Game 1

🚨 PSA: If you still need to get a Real ID, be prepared for long lines at the DMV. Starting May 7th, you will need a Real ID or passport for domestic air travel.

Government

Minneapolis Man Charged with Threatening to Kill U.S. Congress Member

The Summary: Michael Paul Lewis, a 52-year-old Minneapolis resident, has been federally charged after allegedly threatening to murder a member of the United States Congress.

What Happened: According to court documents, on March 26, Lewis called the office of a congresswoman and left a voicemail in which he threatened to kill her. The identity of the targeted congress member has not been disclosed by authorities.

The Charges: Lewis faces one count of threatening to murder a United States official and one count of interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person. These charges stem from the content of the voicemail, which was considered serious enough to prompt immediate federal investigation and action.

Legal Proceedings: Lewis made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on April 18. He will remain in custody at least until his arraignment and detention hearing, scheduled for April 23.

Business

Minnesota Adds Record Number Of Jobs In March 📈

The Summary: Minnesota added 10,700 new jobs in March, marking a 0.4 percent increase from the previous month. This is the state’s largest monthly gain in a year and is four times faster than the national job growth rate for the same period. The private sector contributed 9,200 of these jobs.

Sector Highlights: Construction and government employment saw the highest growth rates in March. All government job gains came from state and local levels, with local and state governments adding 1,500 jobs. Other sectors with notable gains included manufacturing, trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality.

Unemployment Rate and Labor Force: Despite the strong hiring numbers, Minnesota’s unemployment rate edged up to 3.1 percent in March. This uptick is attributed to more Minnesotans entering the labor force, bringing the participation rate to 68.2 percent.

Economic Outlook and Uncertainty: State officials are cautioning that recent federal layoffs and increased tariffs could impact future jobs data. Layoffs among federal employees are not yet reflected in the current numbers due to reporting lags.

What Else We’re Reading…

Suspected Lightning Strike Sets Church Steeple Ablaze In St. Paul

A suspected lightning strike ignited a fire that severely damaged the steeple of the historic Trinity Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood on Thursday evening, though firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading inside the building and no injuries were reported. The steeple is now structurally unstable, leading to street and sidewalk closures while officials assess the damage, and the cause remains under investigation amid similar lightning-related damage elsewhere in Minnesota.

GAME: Guess The House Price 🏠 💲

The game is simple — we show you one photo of a Twin Cities house that is currently for sale and you guess the listing price.

• Location: Bryant Neighborhood

• 1,404 sq ft

• Constructed in 2018

• 3 bed, 2 bath

View the full listing on Zillow

Sports 🏀

Timberwolves Dominate Lakers In Game 1 🐺

The Summary: The Timberwolves opened their first-round playoff series with a commanding 117-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Wolves overcame a strong start from Luka Doncic, who scored 16 of his game-high 37 points in the first quarter, but Minnesota seized control in the second quarter and never looked back.

Role Players Shine: Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds, while Naz Reid added 23 points off the bench, hitting six three-pointers.

Up Next: Game 2 will be played on Tuesday in LA with a tip-off time set for 9pm CST.

Other Sports

🏒 The Minnesota Wild were defeated in game 1 of their first round playoff series against the Las Vegas Knights. Game 2 is on Tuesday evening.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins returned to their losing ways over the weekend when they were swept at the hands of the Atlanta Braves. They are now 7-15 on the season.

⚽ The Minnesota United Loons played to a draw against FC Dallas on Saturday evening.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ The Mayo Clinic has renamed their DEI office (MPR)

❯ Delta will begin flying non-stop from Minneapolis to the Bahamas later this year (Bring Me The News)

❯ Two Minneapolis violence prevention groups have been accused of double billing (Fox9)

❯ A Mankato international student is sueing the feds after surprise ICE arrest (MPR)

The Final Word: Farmers Market Season 💐

One of the sure signs of spring in the Twin Cities are the many outdoor farmers markets returning with all sorts of local produce and food. Take a look at this list so you know when various markets are opening.

-Patrick