>>Judge Approves Draft Rules for Minnesota’s Cannabis Industry
(St. Paul, MN) — An administrative law judge is giving final approval to the rules governing Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis industry. Josh Collins of the Office of Cannabis Management says this is an important step because they can begin issuing cannabis business licenses to approved applicants once the rules are published. More than a thousand social equity applicants are qualified and ready to go. Applicants for the cannabis licenses that have a capped number will have to wait for a lottery in May or June.
>>Minnesota House Passes School Attendance Bill
(St. Paul, MN) — Legislation approved by the Minnesota House clarifies state law when it comes to reporting school attendance. The bill passed unanimously and aligns with Department of Education guidance to say a student is in attendance on each day that a school employee is paid to supervise them. It also says applications for excused absences should be made to a truant officer or a school official designated by the school principal. Once a student reaches 15 consecutive unexcused absences leading to unenrollment, the bill requires reporting to school officials and county and state agencies. The bill hasn’t passed the Senate yet.
>>Doctor Anthony Fauci Speaking at University of Minnesota Tuesday Night
(Minneapolis, MN) — Doctor Anthony Fauci is speaking tonight (Tues 6pm) at Northrop Auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus. Fauci was scheduled to give the Distinguished Carlson Lecture in October, but it was cancelled due to U of M students occupying Morrill Hall the day before the event. Fauci was the chief medical advisor to the White House during the COVID pandemic and is expected to discuss his 50-plus year career medicine and public service. U of M officials say the free event is at full capacity.
>>2 Men Dead in Isanti County Crash
(Isanti County, MN) — Authorities in Isanti County are investigating a crash Monday afternoon that left two men dead. Sheriff’s deputies found one driver dead at the scene near Isanti in Athens Township. The other driver was given life-saving aid but also died at the scene. Investigators say the men’s vehicles crashed and burned some of a nearby farm field. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the victims.
>>Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Shoots and Wounds Driver Near Crookston
(Crookston, MN) — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy shot a driver during a pursuit in northwestern Minnesota on Monday morning. Investigators say it happened just after 10 am near Crookston and the driver was taken to a Grand Forks hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. No details have been made available about what prompted the deputy to open fire, or what initiated the pursuit. The Minnesota B-C-A is assisting with the investigation.
>>Endangered Rice County Adult Missing
(Faribault, MN) — An endangered adult from Rice County is missing. The Minnesota B-C-A says 23-year-old Acelind Evenstad was last seen at her home on March 30th. She’s described as white, 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs around 110 pounds, and has auburn hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information should call the Rice County Sheriff’s Office (507-334-4391).
>>I-94 ‘Gap Project’ Between Albertville and Monticello Resumes
(St. Paul, MN) — The second year of a three-year project to expand Interstate-94 between Albertville and Monticello will get underway today(Tues). MnDOT says the “gap project” will expand I-94 to six lanes. This year, crews will expand westbound I-94 to three lanes from Wright County Road 37 in Albertville to west of Highway 25 in Monticello. Drivers can expect periodic, single-lane closures on both directions of the highway as crews set up the work zone. The $76 million project is anticipated to wrap-up in the fall of 2026.
>>Call 811 Before Digging in Your Yard in Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — April is safe digging month and CenterPoint Energy is reminding Minnesotans to take precautions before digging on their property. Spokesperson Joshua Solis says you should contact 8-1-1 at least two business days before starting work on a project and be ready to adjust your plan should you need to. Solis says digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, including death as well as service disruptions, fines, and costly repairs. More tips can be found on CenterPoint’s website.
>>Minnesota Timberwolves Continue Playoff Push at Milwaukee
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves ride a five-game win streak into tonight’s (Tues 7pm) road game at the Milwaukee Bucks. Minnesota beat the Sixers 114-109 Saturday in Philadelphia. The Wolves, Warriors, Clippers, and Grizzlies all have 46-and-32 records with four games remaining in the regular season. Minnesota is currently seventh in the Western Conference standings. Milwaukee has won four in a row and is in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
