>>Senate Bill Would Streamline Permit Process for Minnesota Businesses
(St. Paul, MN) — A bipartisan bill in the Senate would streamline and speed up the permitting process when it comes to new business opportunities in Minnesota. Grant Hauschild of Hermantown says the results could be keep more businesses and jobs in our state. He says we have seen many of the headquartered companies in Minnesota choosing other places to invest and we want them to continue to invest here in Minnesota. This bill has the support of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, business leaders and labor unions.
>>House Proposal Would Provide Tax Breaks for American Legion Halls
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill in Minnesota House would help American Legion halls across Minnesota stay open. State Commander Carl Moon says the American Legion Department of Minnesota has a total of 531 posts, but more than half do not have buildings, and several are struggling and at risk of closing. The legislation authored by Republican Representative Peggy Bennett of Albert Lea would create a property tax exemption for certain properties like American Legion posts or a V-F-W hall.
>>National Republican Senatorial Committee Eyes US Senator Tina Smith’s Seat
(Undated) — Republicans have their eye on Minnesota’s U-S Senate seat with Democrat Tina Smith deciding not to seek re-election in 2026. National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chairman Tim Scott of South Carolina said in a statement, “Minnesota is in play, and we play to win. Minnesotans deserve a senator who will fight for lower taxes, economic opportunity and safer communities.” Norm Coleman is the last Minnesota Republican elected to the U-S Senate in 2002. D-F-L Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is reportedly interested in running for Smith’s Senate seat next year.
>>New Report Finds Minnesota Golf Has $3 Billion Economic Impact
(Edina, MN) — A new Minnesota Golf Association report shows the sport is a major contributor to the state’s economy. M-G-A Executive Director Jon Mays says around eight million rounds of golf were played in 2023 and the total economic impact is just over three-billion dollars to Minnesota. Mays says about 575 thousand golfers played eight million rounds of golf. Visitors to Minnesota played about 870-thousand rounds. Mays says the state is home to more than 450 golf courses.
>>BCA Issues Missing Person Alert for 20-Year-Old in White Bear Lake
(White Bear Lake, MN) — White Bear Lake Police are searching for a missing man. The Minnesota B-C-A issued a missing person alert for 20-year-old Noah Berres. Officers say he was last seen by family at home Wednesday night before leaving on foot. Berres is described as white, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs around 109 pounds, and has brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown sweatshirt and black sweatpants. Investigators say Berres is severely underdressed for the cold weather and has health concerns.
>>Lawsuit Accuses Target of Violating Labor Laws
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota-based Target Corporation is accused of understaffing and denying overtime in a new lawsuit. The lawsuit filed this week alleges Target violated state and federal labor laws, including the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act. The complaint alleges managers often spend more than 40 hours a week doing non-managerial tasks, such as stocking and unloading trucks, and are denied overtime pay. Target is also accused of intentionally understaffing stores with hourly employees and compensating with extra work done by managers.
>>Joann Fabrics to Close 12 Minnesota Stores
(Hudson, OH) — Minnesotans may find it harder to buy fabric and crafts supplies later this year. Joann Fabrics and Crafts announced that it’s closing 12 of its 21 locations in Minnesota. The move comes as the company looks for a buyer after entering bankruptcy last month. Joann plans to close about 500 stores nationwide. Minnesota locations scheduled to close include six in the Twin Cities area, plus stores in Hibbing, Mankato, Hutchinson, Bemidji, Wilmar and Faribault.
>>Minnesota Judges Performing Free Valentine’s Day Weddings in Courtrooms
(St. Paul, MN) — Dozens of couples will be tying the knot for free this Valentine’s Day (Fri) in 11 Minnesota courthouses. Kim Pleticha with the Minnesota Judicial Branch says the judges love performing these marriage ceremonies. She says they want people to see courthouses are a place we go for happy events. Four courthouses offered Valentine’s Day wedding last year and that number nearly tripled this year. Friends and family of the bride and groom and invited to attend the ceremonies.
>>Timberwolves Top Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are celebrating a 116-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder going into the All-Star Break. The Wolves led the N-B-A’s best team by as many as 19 points and never trailed last (Thurs) night at Target Center. Naz Reid led Minnesota with 27 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, Anthony Edwards scored 23, and Jaden McDaniels added 21 points. Edwards will represent the Timberwolves at this weekend’s N-B-A All-Star Game in San Francisco.
