Minnesotans Reminded Of New Child Tax Credit; Dad Guilty Of Murdering Daughter’s Boyfriend; Farmers Hoping For Income Rebound
(St. Paul) Gov. Tim Walz used the impending tax filing deadline to remind Minnesotans on Wednesday about the state’s new child tax credit, which could mean thousands of dollars in refunds for some lower-income families.
The Star Tribune reports the $1,750 credit is the highest child tax credit in the country. It applies to all children 17 years old and younger for eligible families, with no cap on the number of children.
Democrats included the credit in a $3 billion tax package passed last session. DFL leaders say the credit could cut childhood poverty in Minnesota by a third.
Monday is the deadline to file taxes, but there are extensions available for some residents if they miss that date. Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan was in Bemidji today to help get the word out for eligible families.
>>Man Found Guilty Of Murdering Daughter’s Boyfriend
(Crow Wing County, MN) — A 51-year-old man has been found guilty of murder. Michael Lee Laflex, was found guilty by a Crow Wing County jury of both first- and second-degree murder in the killing of his daughter’s boyfriend. Bryce Brogle was reported missing in October 2022 after visiting Laflex at his storage unit. According to court documents, Laflex shot Brogle, suspecting him of abusing his daughter. Law enforcement discovered traces of blood in the storage unit, and Brogle’s body was later recovered, indicating death by a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. Laflex is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10th.
>>Man Busted After High Speed Motorcycle Pursuit
(Willmar, MN) — A man is in custody after allegedly leading authorities on a high speed chase on a motorcycle. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office says the 19-mile pursuit began when a deputy tried to pull over a 25-year-old man on Highway 23 near Spicer. The biker refused to stop, and led officers in a chase to Willmar with speeds reaching 123-miles-an-hour. The unidentified suspect eventually stopped and was arrested without incident on numerous charges.
>>Minnesota To Receive $15M For PFAS Detection, Treatment
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota will be getting federal funding to help detect and treat so-called “forever chemicals” in the water supply. The Biden Administration announced yesterday that it will distribute a billion dollars to every U.S. state and territory to help reduce the hazards caused by chemicals known as PFAS. The Environmental Protection Agency also announced new standards limiting the amount of PFAS that will be allowed in drinking water. Minnesota will get about 15-million dollars to buy equipment to help meet the new water quality standards.
>>School Bus Crashes Into Culvert In Morrison County
(Morrison County, MN) — Authorities are investigating a school bus crash in Morrill Township in Morrison County on Tuesday afternoon. The incident involved a bus from the Foley School District, which veered off the road and collided with a drainage culvert. According to the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, the bus traveled south when it left the roadway. A 10-year-old girl from Hillman sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital by family members for evaluation. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.
>>Minnesota Farm Income Dropped 76% Last Year
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota farmers are hoping their income will rebound after a huge drop last year. An analysis by the University of Minnesota Extension department shows average net income for state farmers dropped by more than 75-percent in 2023. Analysts say higher production expenses and lower market prices for farm goods and some types of livestock led to the decline. Many Minnesota farmers are reportedly expecting even worse results when they go to market later this year.
