Here are the latest news updates from Minnesota for Wednesday, March 19, 2025:

State Politics

Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested in Bloomington on suspicion of soliciting sex from a minor. Eichorn allegedly communicated with an undercover detective posing as a 16-year-old girl. Following his arrest, Senate Republicans have called for his immediate resignation. Eichorn, 40, is married with four children and has served as a state senator since 2017. ​

Weather

A winter storm is bringing heavy snow and blizzard conditions to southern Minnesota today. A blizzard warning is in effect for areas along Interstate 90, including cities like Owatonna and Rochester, with snowfall accumulations expected to reach 5 inches or more. The Twin Cities metro area may experience flurries, but significant accumulation is unlikely.

Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have signed cornerback Jeff Okudah to a one-year contract. Okudah, the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, has struggled with injuries throughout his career. At 26, he joins the Vikings’ defense, aiming to revitalize his career and strengthen the team’s secondary.

Education

Homeschooling rates in Minnesota have risen significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to climb. This trend reflects a growing number of families opting for home-based education over traditional schooling methods.

Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is advocating for long-term investments in tools to detect drivers impaired by substances other than alcohol. This initiative aims to enhance road safety by effectively identifying and addressing drug-impaired driving.