>>State lawmakers could have compromise on “fix” to school resource officer law
(St. Paul, MN) — It looks like state lawmakers and law enforcement could have a compromise on clarifying a new state law governing use-of-force by resource officers who are on-site in Minnesota schools. A key change that helped the bill pass a key committee in the Senate, and now the House, gives law enforcement “comfort language” that school resource officers won’t have different restrictions on use-of-force than any other peace officer. New Hope Democrat Cedrick Frazier says it “creates a framework that we don’t have now. We’ve had… kind of a mismatch, hodge-podge… with different criteria in and around the state.” Lakeville Republican Jeff Witte helped broker the compromise and we asked if major law enforcement groups support it. He says, “We worked through it and we have come to language that we’re all gonna support and get our S-R-Os back in the schools.” A vote on the Minnesota House floor could come as soon as next week.
>>More nursing homes set deadline for strikes
(St. Paul, MN) — SEIU Minnesota and Iowa union President Jamie Gulley today (Thurs) announced five additional nursing homes are prepared to strike on March 5th, bringing the total to 12, “unless we get an answer to our demands,” he says. Twin Cities workers from various jobs spoke outside Saint Paul City Hall demanding action. St. Paul Educators Federation President Leah VanDassor says, “We are not a state that is lacking in resources. We are a state lacking in a fairness of the allocation of those resources.” Groups including nearly 15,000 union workers have authorized strikes in the coming weeks.
>>”Miracle on Ice” commemorative bobblehead released
(Undated) — Forty-three years ago today, the US Men’s National Hockey team pulled off the “Miracle on Ice,” upsetting the Soviet Union en-route to the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics. To commemorate, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame has released a limited-edition bobblehead of head coach and Minnesota native Herb Brooks. Spokesperson Phil Sklar says, “The 1980 team raised the profile of hockey in the country, but also brought a lot of people together and was a really special moment. Bobbleheads do a great job of helping those moments live on and get passed on to future generations.” Proceeds go to the Herb Brooks Foundation.
>>Austin Man Found Guilty of 2021 Murder
(Austin, MN) –An Austin man has been found guilty of murdering a 20-year-old woman in 2021. 29-year-old Me’Darian McGruder was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder and multiple lesser charges. Officials say McGruder shot and killed 20-year-old TyEsha Gills when the two were playing with a stun gun. McGruder is scheduled to be sentenced April 25th.
>A-G Ellison Secures Settlement to Stop Predatory Online Lending
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a settlement in a federal lawsuit that he says will stop three online lenders from targeting vulnerable consumers and charging exorbitant interest rates. In October 2023, Ellison sued Bright Lending, Green Trust Cash, and Target Cash Now for issuing thousands of loans to Minnesota consumers, charging anywhere from 400 to 800% annual interest. Ellison says the lenders collected at least $540,000 in illegal interest payments.
>>Backers of sulfide mining moratorium hold information session at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Backers say they can’t get a hearing at the Minnesota Legislature, so they held their own information session at the State Capitol today (Thurs) on a bill to ban any sulfide mines in Minnesota — unless there’s long-term proof from other places that it doesn’t hurt the environment. It’s dubbed “Prove it First” and Chris Knopf with Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness asks, “Has this ever been done safely elsewhere? And if not, why would we do it here in Minnesota…, the Land of 10-Thousand Lakes, the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the greatest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior? Why would we do it here, with all this water?” Supporters of Polymet say sulfide mining is proven safe and environmentalists blocking that and other projects are taking jobs away from northern Minnesota. Former Governor Arne Carlson has joined the fight against sulfide mining and is blasting the Walz administration’s stance, even as prolonged court battles leave projects in limbo.
>>Democratic leaders, community groups launch campaign for 2024 agenda at MN Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers and community members launched their “Building The Future” campaign at a State Capitol rally today (THURS), an effort to advance bills this legislative session focused on health, climate-based housing, zoning, and workforce policies. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says this legislature, although just in its second week, is “here to do the work of the people.” Murphy says, “While we together had a transformative session last year… and we put an important budget in place for the future of Minnesota, we know that there is more to do.” The efforts are backed by ISAIAH, a statewide coalition of faith communities fighting for racial and economic justice in Minnesota.
>>St. Cloud Mayor to Host 24 Hour Town Hall
(St. Cloud, MN) — Saint Cloud’s mayor will lose some sleep this weekend. Mayor Dave Kleis is holding a town hall meeting that will start at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and continue for 24 hours straight at Saint Cloud City Hall. It’s an opportunity for residents to meet the mayor, ask questions and learn about the city. It’s the second time Kleis has hosted a 24-hour town hall.
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