It’s expected the Minnesota House will vote this afternoon (330pm start) whether to ban cell phone use while driving except in hands-free mode. It’s been one of the most high-profile bills of the legislative session and we can expect spirited debate. The same will likely be the case when the full House later today votes […]
Bill in MN House would restrict drone use by law enforcement agencies
Influential Democrats in the Minnesota House want to restrict use of drones by law enforcement agencies, generally requiring search warrants before they’re deployed. Baxter Police Sergeant David Timm objects, saying drones are very helpful at events like Brainerd’s Ice-Fishing Extravaganza. Timm says, “Literally thousands and thousands of people get on a lake with thousands of […]
With spring floods looming, Walz asks legislature to replenish Disaster Contingency Fund
With serious spring flooding possible, Governor Tim Walz is urging the legislature to quickly replenish the state’s Disaster Assistance Fund — currently depleted. The governor says, “That’s the money that we use to pre-position the sandbags and some of the different things, so it just would be prudent for us. It’s 10 million dollars that […]
Top forecaster says MN will see significant flooding by late March
National Weather Service Chief Meteorologist Dan Luna told top state officials Friday that Minnesota will experience major flooding on rivers statewide if there’s a fast snow melt — with temps in the 50s during the day, and 40s or 30s at night. And Luna says if we also get a couple inches of rain there […]
Nationwide search for missing toddler who could be in Minnesota
A nationwide search is on for two-year-old Noelani Robinson of Milwaukee, who might be with someone in Minnesota after the toddler’s father allegedly murdered her mother and abducted the girl. Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales says Dariaz Higgins is a “cold-blooded killer” involved in human trafficking, and has been lying to investigators trying to locate […]
Hundreds of students rally at State Capitol for Green New Deal
About a thousand high school and college students and others rallied on the steps of the State Capitol Friday, calling for action on the “Green New Deal” to address climate change and economic inequality. Wayzata High School sophomore Farrah Bergstrom says for too long legislation has been influenced by big corporations. “I think it’s time […]
Train derails near Ottawa
Crews are on the scene of a train derailment in Le Sueur County. Just before five this morning a Union Pacific train left the tracks between Ottawa and the river. Emergency workers on the scene reported that the locomotive and four or five cars came off the tracks and landed in a creek. They also […]
Bill expanding farm disaster loan program headed to Gov. Walz
A bill expanding the disaster recovery loan program for farmers impacted by heavy snow is headed to the desk of Governor Tim Walz, after the Senate and House unanimously passed the measure Thursday. Representative Paul Torkelson from Hanska says, “It’s not just about building collapses right now. It’s also about the fact that milk prices […]
Walz, Klobuchar to be briefed today on flood preparations
Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar are briefed this afternoon (2pm) by state and federal agencies on the threat of flooding across Minnesota and efforts under way to address it. Earlier this week Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith urged the Farm Service Agency to continue contacting farmers and ranchers about programs available to assist […]
MN House approves extending Clean Indoor Air Act to e-cigs, vaping
People could not use e-cigs or vape in public areas or workplaces, under a bill to expand Minnesota’s Clean Indoor Air Act that the House passed on a strong vote (100-25) tonight. Farmington Republican Pat Garofalo voted “no”. “Some people still actually believe in letting people make their own personal choices and having personal freedoms, […]