>>Whistleblower Alleges Retaliation by Duluth Officials After Reporting Police Conduct
(Duluth, MN) — The City of Duluth is facing another whistleblower lawsuit, filed by former employee Jessica McCarthy-Nickila, who alleges retaliation after raising concerns about police conduct. The lawsuit claims she reported discriminatory behavior, a hostile work environment, and unethical policing practices involving people with substance-use disorders, then faced discipline and loss of job duties before resigning. Storms Dworak LLC also represents retired Lt. David Drozdowski in a separate retaliation lawsuit against the city.
>>Full House Passes Dairy Assistance Bill
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota House has passed the DAIRI (Dairy Assistance, Investment Relief Initiative) bill. The proposal allows the state government to help fund dairy farms that are eligible to apply and receive federal money. The bill will help 30 to 40 new Minnesota dairy farms in the state. The bill passed the House by a vote of 129-4. The Senate had already passed it earlier in the session by a 66-0 vote. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
>>Unemployment Benefits Bill for Laid‑Off Miners Advances
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill extending unemployment benefits for laid‑off miners in northern Minnesota is heading to the House floor, mirroring legislation that passed last year. Nearly 700 mining families are impacted by temporary mine closures. DFL Representative Ginny Klevorn of Plymouth voted for the bill but said lawmakers must examine mining companies’ business models, calling the aid “an interest‑free loan” that fails to provide long‑term stability for workers. Representative Spencer Igo noted potential relief ahead, saying the Mesabi Metallics mine is expected to open within the next few months.
>>Blue Earth County Deputies Search for Missing Juvenile
(Mankato, MN) — Authorities are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing child in southern Minnesota.
The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office says 12-year-old Sayvon Brown, described as a runaway, was last seen Sunday evening leaving his home near Eagle Lake, east of Mankato. Investigators say Brown was walking toward Mankato around 8:30 p.m. and was wearing dark-colored clothing. Deputies conducted multiple searches of the surrounding rural area, including the use of drones. Officials later learned Brown may have been picked up Sunday night by a light-colored, four-door pickup truck near the intersection of Highway 22 and Adams Street shortly before 10 p.m. Anyone with information about Brown’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office.
>>Minnesotans Urged to Plan Sober Rides on 4/20
(Undated) — Minnesotans celebrating the 4/20 cannabis holiday are being reminded to find a sober ride and avoid driving under the influence. The Minnesota State Patrol says law enforcement is keeping a close watch for impaired drivers as usage increases on April 20th. State Patrol Lt. Mike Lee says troopers working across the state are alert for signs of impairment as traffic picks up with warmer weather. He says while impaired driving numbers have been trending downward, there are still too many drivers on Minnesota roads who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Law enforcement is encouraging people to plan by using a designated driver, rideshare service, or public transportation to help keep roadways safe.
>>Klobuchar/Smith Push for Release of LIHEAP Funding
(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are urging the Department of Health and Human Services to release remaining funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In a letter to the department, the senators said LIHEAP is a critical federal program that helps low-income households and seniors pay their energy bills. They noted that in Minnesota, LIHEAP has assisted more than 100,000 households this winter and prevented over 17,000 service disruptions. “With parts of Minnesota still experiencing freezing temperatures, timely funding is critical,” the senators wrote, warning that families should not be forced to choose between paying energy bills and covering basic needs like food or medicine.” LIHEAP assists with home energy costs and can also be used to improve energy efficiency and respond to energy emergencies, such as replacing a furnace.
>>Work Zone Awareness
(Minneapolis, MN) — As spring temperatures warm up, road construction season is underway, and Xcel Energy is reminding drivers to watch for crews. During National Work Zone Awareness Week, the utility is highlighting Minnesota’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and change lanes away from emergency, construction, and maintenance vehicles stopped on the roadside when it’s safe to do so. Drivers should follow signs and flaggers, give workers space, slow down if they can’t move over, and put phones away while behind the wheel.
