>>Busy Day as New Session Opens at Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Lawmakers return to a full slate of activity today as the new legislative session begins, with nearly 20 committees scheduled to meet. Key committees on the docket include Agriculture, Education, Health, Housing, and Public Safety. Activity outside the hearing rooms will also be busy, with three rallies planned throughout the day. The Save the Boundary Waters organization is organizing a demonstration opposing proposed copper‑nickel mining projects near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Another rally will call for accountability and economic recovery following the recent surge of federal law enforcement activity in Minnesota. A third group plans to protest the development of new data centers in the state. Visitors to the Capitol are reminded that weapons screening is now required at all four public entrances to the building.
>>Minnesota Budget Forecast to Be Released
(St. Paul, MN) — We will soon have a clearer picture of Minnesota’s financial outlook. The State Budget and Economic Forecast is scheduled for release on February 27th. The previous forecast, issued in November, projected a nearly $3 billion deficit for the state by the end of the decade. Despite the long-term deficit projection, the November budget forecast did show a $2.5 billion surplus for the 2026–2027 biennium.
>>Public Safety Memorial Day in Burnsville
(Burnsville, MN) — Today is Public Safety Memorial Day in Burnsville. It marks two years since Officers Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge (ROO’-ghee), and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth were killed while responding to a domestic violence call involving seven children. The community is pausing to honor their courage and sacrifice. Three wreaths have been placed at City Hall, where they will remain for 24 hours, and the Burnsville flag is flying at half‑staff in their memory.
>>Twin Cities Tenant Union Calling for Rent Strike, Eviction Moratorium
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Twin Cities Tenant Union is urging residents to join a statewide rent strike on March 1st, pushing lawmakers to enact an eviction moratorium. The call follows economic fallout from Operation Metro Surge, which left many afraid to go to work amid a heavy federal presence. A University of Minnesota analysis estimates renters now owe $27 to $51 million in rent debt. Organizers say thousands withholding rent could create enough pressure to force state action.
>>Minnesota Honors School Bus Drivers with Statewide Appreciation Day
(Undated) — Thousands of school bus drivers across Minnesota are being recognized today (Wed) as the state marks School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Nick Klaseus of the Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation says drivers play a crucial role in getting students to and from school safely. He says drivers transport more than 700,000 students every day, and when pre-K, special education, and other services are accounted for, that number climbs even higher. Klaseus says School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is an important opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated work bus drivers do and the essential role they play in communities across the state.
>>Mining Company Drops Plan to Expand Into Mississippi River
(Cottage Grove, MN) — Amrize Midwest has withdrawn its proposal to expand mining operations from Grey Cloud Island into the Mississippi River near Cottage Grove. The Nelson Mine Backwaters Project would have moved part of the operation into the riverbed and raised equipment heights. After public backlash and a legal challenge, the company pulled the plan. Amrize says the decision was financially driven, not related to the lawsuit.
>>Duluth Public School District Pausing AI Integration in High Schools
(Duluth, MN) — The Duluth Public School District is temporarily halting its plan to integrate artificial intelligence tools into its high schools following a series of community meetings. After hearing a range of concerns from educators, parents, and especially students, district leaders say they will reassess the rollout. Students voiced the strongest objections, citing the unreliability of AI-detection software, challenges teachers face in identifying AI-generated work, and the environmental toll of large-scale AI technology. Earlier this school year, the district announced plans to enable Google’s AI model, Gemini, on student devices.
>>Farm Bureau Hosts Third Annual Urban Ag Conference
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Farm Bureau wrapped up its annual Urban Ag Conference last weekend at St. Paul College. Communications Director Rachel Reisig says this year’s event focused on helping farmers access land in urban settings, manage soil conditions, and share ideas to tackle common challenges. Reisig says the conference, now in its third year, continues to grow, bringing together familiar faces and newcomers to build a stronger urban-rural network. She says the first hour alone featured lively discussions about the upcoming growing season and what farmers hope to achieve in their communities. Planning for next year’s conference is already underway.
