>>House Democrats Threaten Not to Show Up First Two Weeks of Session
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota state legislature is set to convene in just over a week, but the question is, will Democrats even be there? DFL House Speaker-Designate Melissa Hortman says without a power-sharing agreement in place, Democrats will be absent from the capitol. In contrast, Republican leader Lisa Demuth says the GOP will show up for work regardless. She predicts they will have a power-sharing agreement before January 14th. Demuth says because Republicans have the majority right now, they will open the session for business and hold committee hearings. She says they are also looking into possibly filing for a recall election for any elected member who does not show up. Hortman says she has the support of Governor Walz for holding out without a power-sharing agreement in place.
>>Officials: PAC Spending Down Significantly Last Year Compared To 2022
(Undated) — Political action committee spending on Minnesota congressional races is down compared to 2022. According to the Federal Election Commission, spending on Minnesota congressional races declined to three-point-four million, plummeting from $24 million in the 2022 midterms. Spending reportedly peaked in 2018 at $45 million. Analysts credit the recent decline to the relative scarcity of incumbent candidates seeking re-election.
>>Investigation Underway After Dogs Fatally Shot Last Month In Woods County
(Baudette, MN) — A heartbroken owner is starting the New Year on a somber note after two of her dogs were found shot dead in Lake of the Woods County. Investigators report that Ramona Rowett told them her two huskies got loose and ran off on Christmas Eve from her home in Baudette, located just south of the Minnesota-Canada border. The dogs, named Tucker and Maple, were discovered, shot, and killed on December 29th. Rowett has filed a police report amid suspicions that some hunters may have been responsible for the deaths of her two dogs.
>>Health Officials: Vaccination Rates For School-Aged Kids Declined Again Last Year In MN
(St. Paul, MN) — Vaccination rates for school-aged children in Minnesota continue to decline, raising concerns among state healthcare professionals. In 2024, cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, reached an eight-year high. Authorities warn that if a sufficient percentage of children are not immunized, students and those in daycare facilities will be more vulnerable to pertussis and other highly contagious but preventable diseases, such as measles and chickenpox.
>>OCM Interim Director Stepping Down
(St. Paul, MN) — Charlene Briner,(Bri-Ner) Minnesota’s interim cannabis director, is stepping down. Governor Tim Walz credited Briner with creating the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and laying the groundwork for the state’s soon-to-come recreational marijuana industry. Eric Taubel, OCM’s general counsel, will take Briner’s place as interim director after her departure on January 17th. Briner said she is “incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the milestones met.: She adds she’s “confident the talented public servants continuing their important work will do so in a way that exemplifies OCM’s commitment to launch a safe, accessible, and equitable cannabis industry.”
>>Two Arrested for Alleged Involvement in September Shooting
(Outing, MN) — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two individuals in connection with a shooting that occurred on September 1st in the Outing area. Sheriff Bryan Welk has announced the arrest of 26-year-old Robert Bagan from Brainerd, who is facing charges of Drive-By Shooting toward a Person and Second Degree Assault. 54-year-old Trig Bagan from Outing has also been arrested and is facing a charge of Second Degree Assault. A 35-year-old man from Isanti had been shot, possibly while riding an ATV. The investigation revealed a series of incidents, including an assault, a road rage event, and property damage, all of which took place at a business in the Outing area with several people involved.
>>Community Baby Shower in St. Cloud
(St. Cloud, MN) — New and expectant mothers are invited to a complimentary Community Baby Shower on Tuesday evening in St. Cloud. The event is sponsored by CentraCare, Everyday Miracles, BlueCross/BlueShield, and Stearns County Public Health. Mothers can meet doulas from Everyday Miracles and receive valuable emotional and physical resources related to pregnancy, childbirth, and care for new moms and babies. The event will feature games, prizes, and light refreshments. The free Community Baby Shower will occur at the St. Cloud Public Library from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
>>Timberwolves Host Pride Night
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves invite you for a fun night of basketball and community. Tonight(Monday) is Pride Night. The celebratory evening will include in-game entertainment and recognition of organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community. The T-Wolves host the LA Clippers at Target Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
