>>DFL Lawmakers Unveil Bill to Address School Resource Officers
(St. Paul, MN) — Democrats in the Minnesota House and Senate unveiled a bill they say will provide a uniform system across the state for districts that choose to have officers on-site in school buildings. Backers say the proposed legislation provides the clarity that law enforcement and school districts sought last fall about use-of-force by officers in school settings. Limitations on use of chokeholds would remain, and the bill would set standards that school resource officers would have to follow to minimize use of prone restraints and other physical holds, de-escalate conflict, and build relationships with students, administrators, and staff. At the Capitol today (1pm Wed), supporters unveil a bill they say will better protect the Boundary Waters from four high-risk sulfide-copper mining practices: waste tailings storage, waste rock handling, separating metals from ore by cyanide leaching, and air pollution from high-temperature smelters.
>>Senator Erin Murphy Tabbed as New Minnesota Senate Majority Leader
(St. Paul, MN) — Senator Erin Murphy of St. Paul is Minnesota Democrats’ new majority leader after Senator Kari Dziedzic (DEED-zick) of Minneapolis decided to step down due to recurrence of cancer. Murphy lauded the outgoing majority leader and said Dziedzic showed, “that if we chose to stick together and act together, we can do important things for the people of Minnesota to improve their lives. And we together are committed to the same thing.” Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann says Murphy voted for nearly every tax increase proposed by Democrats and supports abortion up to the moment of birth.
>>Winter Walk to School Day in Minnesota
(Undated) — More than 60 Minnesota schools and hundreds of students are participating in today’s (Wed ) annual Winter Walk to School Day. Joe Palmersheim with MnDOT says this event encourages students and parents to celebrate the fun of walking to school, even when it’s usually cold out. He says, “It’s a really good opportunity to get some exercise and reduce traffic around schools,…and it’s also a great chance to practice some pedestrian safety skills in a group setting.” Drivers might see more students on the roads today.
>>Man’s Suspicious Death in Faribault Ruled a Homicide
(Faribault, MN) — Authorities in southern Minnesota say the suspicious death of a man in Faribault (FAIR’-uh-boh) is now a homicide investigation. Faribault police say evidence recovered at the scene Monday afternoon and preliminary autopsy information confirm the man in his 70s died of homicidal violence. No word yet on a cause of death. Officers at the scene learned the victim’s vehicle was missing and say it was later located by law enforcement in Iowa. B-C-A agents are processing the vehicle for additional information.
>>Fire at Historic Lutsen Lodge Resort Remains Under Investigation
(Lutsen, MN) — The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate what caused the early morning fire Tuesday that destroyed a long-time North Shore resort. Fire crews from several neighboring departments responded but the historic Lutsen Lodge resort is a total loss. There were no guests at the time, and all employees made it out safely. The Lutsen Resort claims to be the oldest in Minnesota, dating back to 1885.
>>Crookston Man Facing 20 Years in Prison for Stabbing Mother
(East Grand Forks, MN) — A Crookston man is expected to be sentenced to 20 years in prison next week for the stabbing of his mother last March. Polk County prosecutors say 37-year-old Kevin Corona pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder. Police found Corona leaning over his mother with both hands around her neck and a bloody knife on the ground. Court documents say Corona admitted to using methamphetamine at the time. His mother has recovered from her injuries. Corona’s sentencing hearing is February 15th.
>>Deer Ticks Emerging in Minnesota Due to Warm Weather
(Dakota County, MN) — Here’s something you rarely hear in February — ticks are starting to emerge in Minnesota. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District says they found the first deer tick of the year in Dakota County on Monday. Ticks usually start appearing in March or April, but officials say the warm winter weather has allowed the tick to emerge ahead of schedule. Experts are urging Minnesotans to keep a close eye on pets to help prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease.
>>’Purple Rain’ Broadway Musical Production to Premiere in Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — The musical adaption of the 1984 Prince movie “Purple Rain” is set to open in the spring of 2025 – but the premiere won’t be on a Broadway stage in Manhattan. Hennepin Theatre Trust C-E-O Todd Duesing (DOO’- sing) says, “We are thrilled that the folks involved with the show have – as they should – decided to create, launch and a do a pre-Broadway world premiere of Purple Rain in Minneapolis, Prince’s hometown.” Duesing (DOO’- sing) says the Minnesota-based musical will be staged at the State Theatre for several weeks. He says they expect the premiere shows to draw Prince fans from the across nation and world.
>>Beach Boys to Perform in Mankato & Waite Park This Summer
(Mankato, MN) — The Beach Boys will be playing two outdoor concerts in Minnesota this summer. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band from California is performing at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater in Mankato July 9th and the Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park July 10th. Tickets for the Beach Boys’ “Endless Summer Gold” tour go on sale to the public Friday. A pre-sale for Minnesota shows begins on Thursday.