>>Minnesota House, Senate Adjourned Until Monday
(St. Paul, MN) – A quiet Friday at the Minnesota State Capitol. The House and Senate chambers are both closed until Monday. The Senate is adjourned until Monday at 11 a.m., while the House won’t pick up business until Monday afternoon. This comes one day after the Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments in the power-sharing battle in the House. Democrats are waiting to see if the court decides Republicans acted unlawfully by calling their own quorum, while Republicans petitioned that the lawsuit should be denied or dismissed because they presently have a one-seat majority. No word on when the court will rule.
>>29 More Flu Deaths in Minnesota and 94 School Outbreaks
(St. Paul, MN) — The latest data suggest the flu season could be peaking in Minnesota. Another 29 flu-related deaths were reported the week ending January 18th. There had been a total of 50 until last week. There have not been any pediatric influenza deaths in Minnesota. Ninety-four schools in the state had flu outbreaks compared to 16 the previous week. There were 16 outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The 629 hospitalizations drop slightly from the 774 in the week ending January 11th. State health officials say getting the flu shot is not too late.
>>Maple Grove Nurses Vote to Join Union
(St. Paul, MN) – Most Registered Nurses at North Memorial’s Maple Grove Hospital have voted to join a union. The Minnesota Nurses Association says that nearly 600 nurses are joining the union, showing a growing movement among healthcare professionals to have a voice and demand better working conditions, fair pay, and better patient care. MNA has added more than 1400 nurses to the union last year.
>>Police Search for Missing West St. Paul Man
(West St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota BCA asks for the public’s help finding a missing 56-year-old man. Douglas Barth was last seen on January 3rd at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). Before this, he was last seen at his West St. Paul apartment in November. Officials are concerned for his health and welfare. Barth is described as white, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 188 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes.
>>Mankato Brewery Hosting ‘Last-Versary’ Going Away Party Saturday
(North Mankato, MN) — The Mankato Brewery is hosting a going away party on Saturday before officially closing on January 31st. Owners call it the “Last-Versary” because tomorrow marks 13 years since its opening day. Mankato Brewery was the first production brewery in the community since 1967. Founder Tim Tupy says he’ll do a private brewery tour and a history lesson. The building and property in North Mankato are up for sale.
