>>UMLC Joins Legal Battle Against Alleging Race and Sex Discrimination in MN Farming Grants
(Golden Valley, MN) — The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) is suing Governor Tim Walz on behalf of northern Minnesota farmer Lance Nistler, alleging race and sex discrimination in Minnesota’s farming grant program. Nistler says despite meeting all eligibility requirements and being selected ninth in the grant lottery out of 176 applicants to receive farmland, he was placed on the back burner due to the prioritization of “emerging farmers,” which includes racial minorities, women, and individuals from young, urban, and LGBTQ+ communities. The UMLC states, “We believe in a real ‘One Minnesota’ where opportunities are equal for all…this case is about upholding the principles of fairness and equal treatment under the law.”
>>End of Life Pre-Session Committee Vote
(Minneapolis, MN) — There’s a pre-legislative-session committee vote this afternoon (Thurs 1pm) at the State Capitol on a controversial bill that backers say would allow end-of-life options for terminally ill adults — what opponents call assisted suicide. It’s back on lawmakers’ plate after 73 percent of respondents in the Minnesota House State Fair Poll supported it.
>>Two people treated for smoke inhalation after apartment fire at historic Greysolon Plaza in downtown Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — Two people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene but did not have to be hospitalized after an apartment fire early this morning (Thurs) at the historic Greysolon Plaza (the former Hotel Duluth) on East Superior Street in downtown Duluth. Crews quickly knocked down the blaze, limiting damage to the apartment of origin with some additional smoke damage on adjacent floors. Damage is estimated at 25 thousand dollars in the apartment and 10 thousand to the hallways. Duluth fire officials say there were two more incidents today of vehicles driving over fire hoses during the blaze. They say it puts equipment, people’s property, and, most importantly, staff in danger.
>>Audit Finds Substantial Issues at USPS Facilities in Eagan, Apple Valley
(Eagan, MN) — An audit of two U.S. Postal Service facilities in Minnesota has found substantial issues that affected mail delivery last year. The report released by the USPS Office of the Inspector General shows the Apple Valley and Eagan branches found issues related to management oversight, package scanning, timekeeping, safety, security, and maintenance. The report says over 50-thousand pieces of delayed mail were discovered in Eagan, and another 29 thousand were found in Apple Valley during the November audit. The Inspector General says it now plans an investigation of the entire Minnesota-North Dakota postal region because of the audit.
>>Woman Identified in Fatal Rochester Crash
(Rochester, MN) – The Minnesota State Patrol has identified the Mankato woman killed in a crash near the Rochester airport Wednesday as 83-year-old Lenora Tahtinen. Officials responded to the crash around 8:45 a.m. where a large box truck and small car collided. Tahtinen, the car driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. The box truck driver, 60-year-old Jeffry Burnikel of Lime Springs, Iowa, was brought to St. Mary’s Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say both drivers were buckled, alcohol was not involved, and the roads were described as wet at the time of the crash.
>>Man Dies at Hospital After Minneapolis Shooting
(Minneapolis, MN) — A 47-year-old man has died at a hospital after a shooting Wednesday in north Minneapolis. 4th Precinct officers responded to reports of a shooting around 11:50 p.m. Nearly five minutes later, the victim arrived at North Memorial Medical Center with a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound, where he later died. An investigation is active, with preliminary information indicating a fight led to gunfire. No arrests have been made.
>>TwinsFest 2024
(Minneapolis, MN) — More than 60 current and former Minnesota Twins players are coming to TwinsFest this weekend. V-P of community engagement Nancy O’Brien says Joe Mauer will be there just days after his election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. She says Mauer will have an autograph session and appear on the broadcast stage at the Signature Saturday event at Target Field. O’Brien says the first three thousand fans through the gates receive a voucher for a complimentary ticket to a Twins home game. Tickets are available on the Twins website.
