>>Walz proposing $982M infrastructure package
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is asking the legislature to approve just under one billion dollars (982 million) for infrastructure projects in 2024. 880 million dollars would be in state borrowing and about 100 million dollars from other sources. Walz proposes about one-fourth of the money go for water and transportation infrastructure, including lead pipe replacement and PFAS removal. There’s funding to improve facilities for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, planning for a State Patrol headquarters, and more programs in Minnesota prisons. There’s money to develop multifamily housing for those who are struggling, and over 16 million dollars to update the Minneapolis Veterans Home. And nearly half the money Walz is requesting would be to maintain and renew public buildings — including over 200 million for the U-of-M and the Minnesota State system.
>>Top Repubs and Dems agree with Walz infrastructure dollar number, but not mix of projects
(St. Paul, MN) — Top Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota Senate seem to agree that the 982 million dollars in Governor Tim Walz’s infrastructure plan is about what the state can afford, but differ with him on the mix of projects. Saint Paul Democrat Sandy Pappas says although she and Walz agree that preserving state buildings is really important, “These local communities just can’t afford to replace their water and sewer systems and fix roads so they’re safe. They just can’t afford to do it on their own.” The lead Republican on the Capital Investment Committee, Stillwater Senator Karin Housley agrees — and so, what about a larger bonding bill than Walz proposes? Housley points out the last one was 2.6 billion dollars. “Did you see how much we gave last year?” she says. “I think everybody who came to the state got something, or more than what they asked for.”
>>Willie Nelson to Perform in Moorhead and Duluth in May
(Moorhead, MN) — Country music legend Willie Nelson is playing three shows in Minnesota this spring. Willie Nelson and Family are scheduled to perform May 20th and 21st at the Bluestem Amphitheater in Moorhead and on May 23rd at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Tickets go on sale this Friday. Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday last summer with a two-day concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Willie also had two shows in Moorhead last May.
>>Janet Jackson “Together Again 2024 Tour” Coming to St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — Five-time Grammy award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Janet Jackson is coming to St. Paul this summer. Jackson’s “Together Again 2024 Tour” added 35 dates, including June 18th at Xcel Energy Center. Presale tickets are available tomorrow (WED) at 10 a.m. with general ticket sales beginning Friday at 10 a.m., both on LiveNation. This tour marks Jackson’s 50th year in entertainment.
>>Trump wants North Dakota Gov. Burgum in his administration
(Des Moines, IA) — Former President Donald Trump in his Iowa caucus victory speech last night (Mon) in Des Moines said he’d like North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to be part of the next Trump administration. Trump said, “He’s one of the best governors in our country and I hope that I’m gonna be able to call on him to be a piece of the administration — a very important piece of the administration.” The governor and first lady were on stage with Trump when the former president said Burgum is “very impressive and… so solid and so good that he didn’t catch on”, but “you need controversy for traction sometimes.” Burgum dropped out of the race for the G-O-P nomination in early December and on Sunday endorsed Trump’s re-election bid. Burgum hasn’t been available for comment.
>>One Dead in Head-On Collision in Douglas County
(Douglas County, MN) — A woman is dead after a head-on collision this morning (TUES) in Douglas County. Deputies report a car driven by a 54-year-old woman from Alexandria crossed the center line, colliding with a southbound truck. The driver of the truck, also from Alexandria, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
>>Two More MN House Representatives Announce Retirement
(St. Paul) — Two state representatives, Democrat Laurie Pryor of Minnetonka and Republican Pat Garofalo of Farmington, both announced today (TUES) they will not run for re-election this November. In separate statements, both expressed their gratitude and how honored they were to serve their communities, and say they’re looking forward to retirement. Pryor has served as the representative for District 48A since 2017, while Garofalo has represented District 58B since 2004.
>>Minneapolis Mill City Museum Nominated for Nation’s Best History Museum
(Minneapolis, MN) — Mill City Museum in Minneapolis has once again been nominated for the title of the Nation’s Best History Museum, and they are seeking the public’s support in on-line balloting. After securing fourth place in the same contest last year (2023), Mill City Museum says they’re “doubly honored to receive this nomination” as they celebrate 20 years since opening to the public. To cast your vote for Mill City Museum as the Best History Museum, you can visit 10 Best USA Today’s website: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-history-museum-2024/mill-city-museum-minneapolis-minnesota/. Participants are allowed one vote per day, with voting open until the contest ends at 11 a.m. February 12th.
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