Good morning. It should be a gorgeous day to take in a ballgame, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Almost a week after Kevin McCarthy got pushed from House Republican leadership, the race to succeed him is reaching a decision point. House GOP members are sizing up two stalwarts — Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan — as potential speakers, a post near the top of the line of presidential succession. The AP reports on the hints of a McCarthy comeback amid the leadership void and murky race to replace him, but it would take a major about-face within his party and the House at large for him to regain the gavel.
If Scalise, the current House majority leader prevails, the race for his role would follow. Minnesota’s Tom Emmer has made clear he’d like that job. MPR’s Dana Ferguson has this look at Emmer’s route from local politics to the upper ranks in Washington. “You can't run the House of Representatives in this day and age and move up the ranks as quickly as Tom has if you're not willing to thrive in chaos,” one ally told her.
Israeli forces stepped up military operations in Gaza as retaliation for the deadly Hamas weekend terror attacks. The death toll from the sudden war has risen above 1,600, with many civilians among the dead and hostages in danger. President Joe Biden and five other world leaders issued a joint statement pledging support for Israel and warning adversaries not to try to take advantage of the situation. Around the globe, and in Minnesota, people are watching it all unfold and holding demonstrations, with more planned in coming days. Two people with deep ties to and relatives in the region shared their views with MPR’s Cathy Wurzer on Monday.
A climate-action lawsuit filed by Minnesota’s attorney general could make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The 2020 state lawsuit filed by Attorney General Keith Ellison aims to make oil companies pay for the effects of climate change. MinnPost’s Ana Radelat writes that the U.S. high court could weigh in this term on a jurisdictional appeal from the American Petroleum Institute and other petitioners who seek to move the case to federal court. A decision on whether justices will hear the case is expected soon.
Another Minnesota legislator has been involved in a suspected driving while intoxicated incident. MPR’s Matt Sepic reports that first-term DFL Rep. Brion Curran of Vadnais Heights was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence early Monday. Charges are pending. It’s the third instance this year of a state lawmaker arrested in a DWI stop. Republican Rep. Matt Grossell of Clearbrook and DFL Rep. Dan Wolgamott of St. Cloud both pleaded guilty to charges in plea deals that resulted in probation and fines.
Target Field is the place to be this afternoon. The Minnesota Twins look to get the edge in their American League Division League series against the Houston Astros after snagging a win on the road this weekend. The ballpark is sold out for Game 3 today and Game 4 on Thursday. And the Twins are pulling out all the stops, summoning former ace Johan Santana and hometown-boy-turned-franchise-hero Joe Mauer for first pitch ceremonies. The actual first pitch is at 3:07 p.m. | 