>>Ramsey County Charging for Phone, Mobile Mental Health Crisis Services

(Ramsey County, MN) – The National Alliance of Mental Illness Minnesota says they’re “appalled” to hear Ramsey County is charging individuals for using mental health crisis services. NAMI MN’s executive director Sue Abderholden says frankly, this is a first for them, and “What will happen is people will go back to calling 911 and the police because they’ll be fearful they’ll actually have an out-of-pocket cost, and it defeats the whole purpose.” Abderholden says they’ll have to provide added language to Minnesota Statute 245 in the 2025 legislative session to clarify that individuals would not be denied services because of a lack of insurance or insurance not paying. Ramsey County has released a statement on their website. (https://www.ramseycounty.us/content/ensuring-mental-health-crisis-services-are-accessible-and-sustainable)

 

>>Minneapolis Park Workers Approve Contract After 22-Day Strike

(Minneapolis, MN) — After a 22-day strike, nearly 300 Minneapolis Park and Recreation union workers have approved a new contract with the Board (MPRB). The contract, secured Thursday, includes a 10.25% cost of living adjustment over three years plus a $1.75 an-hour market adjustment, double guaranteed permanent positions, retained union rights for seasonal workers, and expanded contract rights for sick and bereavement leave. The MPRB says they plan to approve the contract Wednesday at its next board meeting.

 

>>AG Ellison Obtains Compensation for Homeowners Who Lost Equity in Foreclosure

(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison has reached a settlement of nearly $240,000 with Dwell Equities, LLC (Dwell) over the company’s failure to provide homeowners with a portion of the equity in their homes. Between 2022 and 2023, Ellison’s Office received complaints about the Rochester-based real estate company’s foreclosure rescue services, with promises made that it could help them stay in their homes. Dwell skipped multiple legal requirements when providing the service, leaving many customers in worse positions than where they were. In the final settlement, the company agreed to also stop engaging in or continuing these services.

 

>>Alcohol Suspected Factor in Off-Duty SPPD Officer Crash into Building

(St. Paul, MN) — Alcohol is a suspected factor in a crash after an off-duty St. Paul police officer ran into a vacant building Thursday, starting a fire. Officers responded to a report of a car hitting an unoccupied building around midnight. As officers attempted to extinguish the vehicle, it spread to the building, prompting a call to the St. Paul Fire Department. The driver was identified as a 30-year-old SPPD officer who was off-duty. The Minnesota State Patrol is handling the open investigation. The driver was brought to Regions Hospital to give a fluid sample for impairment. SPPD Chief Axel Henry says the incident is “deeply concerning and does not reflect or align with the department’s values or expectations.”

 

>>MN Health Advocates Push for Law Bettering Cardiac Emergency Preparedness at Schools

(Undated) – Among Minnesota state laws beginning August 1st, requiring schools to have response plans in place for a cardiac event at sporting events or in the classroom isn’t one of them. Owner of My AED and CPR Solutions and former high school referee Dale Wakasugi calls on a personal experience during a game when he needed help, noting, “Several people came to my rescue, including a 16-year-old high school student who had just learned CPR. She and several bystanders came out and did two rounds of CPR—no response. They put an AED on me, one shock, and brought me back.” Wakasugi hopes his story inspires school districts to train staff and have the right equipment on site until Minnesota requires such planning. The American Heart Association reports nearly 23,000 children 18 and under experience a cardiac event outside of a hospital each year.

 

>>Construction Starts on $32 Million Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum 

(Little Falls, MN) – Officials say construction has “officially commenced” on the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum near Little Falls. The state awarded $32 million for the proposed 40,000-square-foot facility off Highway 71 at Camp Ripley. It will feature exhibit galleries, education classrooms, and public programming honoring military veterans. There was a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum last September.

 

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