Good morning. It’s playoff time, so feel free to duck out early.
The fix-up at the Minnesota governor’s residence is turning out to be more complicated and expensive than initially contemplated. I checked in on the exhaustive rehabilitation project here . Key components — from the plumbing to the wiring to the heating — are all due for replacement and bids are coming in high. Added security features are also adding to the tab — now on course to approach $13 million, which is 80 percent more than initially planned for. The mansion was built in 1912 and donated to the state in the 1960s. Gov. Tim Walz and his family are the 10th first family to live there, but the Walz clan moved out a few months ago so the construction crews could move in. The Department of Administration informed lawmakers of the cost spike last week and is asking for feedback before giving a green light to the added expense. DFL leaders say they’re willing to move ahead while top Republicans say the overruns are too steep.
Minnesota’s legislative auditor will review the vetting, hire and quick departure of the state marijuana oversight office’s first director. Ryan Faircloth of the Star Tribune reports that Auditor Judy Randall has opened a preliminary inquiry into the situation surrounding Erin DuPree’s selection and abrupt resignation to lead the Office of Cannabis Management. Randall tells Faircloth that she has “some questions about the process.” DuPree left amid scrutiny, including from MPR News, over products offered at her hemp products store as well as financial issues related to prior businesses she ran.
The state tax rebate checks and direct deposits have been delivered. The Minnesota Department of Revenue says it has processed nearly $1 billion in rebates, which went to nearly 2.1 million eligible taxpayers. MPR’s Lisa Ryan has details about what to do if you thought you had money coming but didn’t get it.
Your grand idea about what Minnesota’s next flag and official state seal should look like can now be submitted to the task force that will choose both. The State Emblems Redesign Commission, established by the Legislature, is taking submissions through the end of the month. Enter them here. It’s not a contest, so the winning renderings won’t make you rich. And the panel could refine entries. Children are permitted to put their ideas into the mix, but a parent or legal guardian must enter designs on their behalf. Up to three concepts per person will be accepted. The plan is to settle on a new flag and seal by the end of 2023 and make them official starting in May.
Air quality regulators are being instructed to follow their nose. MinnPost’s Walker Orenstein reports on a new law that didn’t get much attention, but could come into play if community members grow tired of foul industrial scents. Walker writes: “the Legislature approved an 'odor management' policy this year that gives state regulators the power to intervene when enough people complain about offensive aromas, though it only applies in the Twin Cities metro area. Supporters say it can help improve the quality of life for thousands who live near odorous businesses. But critics at the Capitol this year questioned how the state can fairly regulate a sense that is inherently subjective.”
Back to that permission for an early exit today. The Twins have a set of day games in the wild card round. Today’s 3:38 p.m. first pitch at Target Field features ace Pablo López on the mound opposite Kevin Gausman for the Toronto Blue Jays. The first team to two wins moves on to face Houston. Twins fans might be happy with any win after watching their squad drop all postseason games since 2004. The team’s last series victory was in 2002. | 
