>>MN Senate Repubs request $120M for rural E-M-S, Dems refuse on procedural grounds
(St. Paul, MN) — Republicans during today’s (Tues) Minnesota Senate floor debate on a human services bill proposed 120 million dollars to address what they call a crisis in emergency medical services in Greater Minnesota, but Democrats said “no” on procedural grounds. Apple Valley Democrat Erin Maye Quade said the amendment “incredibly unfortunately” is not within budget targets. Anoka Republican Jim Abeler asked, if not in this bill, where does it fit in the responsibility of the Senate? “We had better solve this, because broken legs are inconvenient [but if] you have a heart attack out there, you’re gonna die,” Abeler said. “And I think that as a Senate, as a body, we’re against people dying in Greater Minnesota at their cabin.” Democrats put 16 million dollars in their budget, which Governor Tim Walz said is “triage” until next year’s budget session. Republican Senator Andrew Lang from Olivia said earlier it’s “offensive” to suggest that’s enough to address the E-M-S crisis in Greater Minnesota.
>>Repubs request MN Senate ask Mitchell to resign, Dems say no
(St. Paul, MN) — Republicans today (Tues) requested the Minnesota Senate formally ask Senator Nicole Mitchell to resign but Democrats — including Mitchell — refused on a party-line vote of 34-to-33. Saint Louis Park Democrat Ron Latz said requesting Mitchell’s resignation would be “symbolism, messaging and atmospherics,” while due process in her case is “already in the works.” Latz notes there’s been an ethics complaint and the ethics committee is already scheduled to consider the first step within that process. Stillwater Republican Karin Housley responded, “This may be symbolic, but the people of Minnesota want to know that we are doing something here, in this body, to uphold the integrity of the Senate.” Democrats say Republicans want the Senate to be “judge and jury” in Mitchell’s case before there’s any determination by the courts. Mitchell faces felony burglary charges for allegedly breaking into her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes.
>>Fellow DFL senator says if he were in Mitchell’s position, he would resign
(St. Paul, MN) — Freshman state Senator Rob Kupec from Moorhead says if he were in the position of fellow Democrat Nicole Mitchell — charged with felony burglary — he would probably resign. Kupec says he understands it’s the last three weeks of the legislative session, but Mitchell should have discussions with leaders and constituents in her district, because he says evidence does not play well for her. Kupec says, “She needs to have that serious conversation and seriously be thinking about that maybe I need to put this aside, focus on my family, focus on my legal issues, and not be also distracted by my Senate work.” If Mitchell did step down, control of the Minnesota Senate would be tied 33-33 and Republicans would be able to block the agenda of Governor Tim Walz and his fellow Democrats. A special election would be necessary to fill Mitchell’s seat.
>>Red Lake Woman Found Guilty of Child Neglect
(Duluth, MN) — A Red Lake woman has been found guilty of child neglect following the death of a child in her care. According to trial evidence, 63-year-old Sharon Rosebear intentionally deprived a child of necessary food and healthcare throughout 2022. Investigators say the child died from the combined effects of starvation and infection. Rosebear and her co-defendant, Julius Fineday Sr., were both federally charged: Rosebear with felony child neglect and Fineday with second-degree manslaughter. Fineday entered a guilty plea earlier. Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date.
>>Rep. Craig says she’ll vote to table motion to oust U-S House Speaker Johnson
(Washington, D.C.) — Representative Angie Craig says she will vote to table any motion to oust U.S House Speaker Mike Johnson if it comes to that. Craig says, “The Freedom Caucus has held the House hostage for this entire session of Congress – it’s time to move past extremist brinkmanship and actually work together to govern for the American people.”
>>Duluth Man Arrested for Felony Vandalism
(Duluth, MN) — A Duluth man has been arrested on pending charges of felony criminal damage to property. Duluth police say the 22-year-old spray-painted the word “plunger” at various locations throughout the city.
>>National Sarcoidosis Day spotlights rare disease
(Minneapolis, MN) — Today (TUES) is National Sarcoidosis Day, bringing attention to a rare disease that results in nearly 27,000 new cases annually in the U-S. University of Minnesota researcher Dr. Maneesh Bhargava explains it’s an inflammatory disease in which the immune system overreacts, causing groups of cells to form clusters of inflamed tissue on different organs. Bhargava says people at most risk for this disease include those of Scandinavian or African descent, those exposed to burn pits during military deployments, and those living or working near insecticides or in dusty or moldy environments.
>>Minnesota Wild’s Faber named a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber from Maple Grove is a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy which goes to the N-H-L’s most outstanding rookie. The 21-year-old former Golden Gopher appeared in all 82 games for Minnesota this season and had eight goals, 39 assists, and blocked 150 shots. Faber led all rookies with an average ‘time on ice’ (TOI) per game of just under 25 minutes. The other finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy are Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard and Devils defenseman Luke Hughes.
>>Ausiedoodle Named MERC’s Next Safe Digging Ambassadog
**KICKER**
(Undated) — An Albert Lea pup is Minnesota Energy Resources’ next safe digging “ambassadog.” Pepsi, an 11-month-old Aussiedoodle, will use “her bubbly personality to remind customers to call 8-1-1 at least two days before they dig.” Pepsi, nicknamed “the Excavator,” will spend the next year as the star of a social media campaign designed to remind Minnesotans to dig safely.
