>>House Bill Proposes Changes for Driver’s Tests in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — A proposed bill at the State Capitol could make it easier to find a driver’s road test before getting your license, but missing your appointment could cost you more money. Representative Andrew Myers from Tonka Bay wants to open up certain appointment slots between one and three months in advance. Parents have said in the past that appointments are gone early, and they’ve had to drive for hours to get an appointment for their teen driver. The bill would also increase the penalty for not showing up for your appointment from $20 to $50. The bill is currently sitting in the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.
>>Rideshare Drivers Push to Unionize at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota rideshare drivers with companies like Uber and Lyft will join lawmakers today (Tues 10am) to make a push for the right to unionize. Drivers made gains during the last legislative session, but they say issues remain with pay and working conditions. They’re looking for a permanent solution by asking for the chance to hold a vote to form a union. Massachusetts passed a similar law last year for rideshare drivers.
>>Legislation Aims to Help Rural Minnesota Ambulance Services with Operating Deficits
(St. Paul, MN) — Rural ambulance services with operating deficits could be eligible for state grants under a bill being considered in the Minnesota House. Nathan Zacharias of the Association of Minnesota Counties says E-M-S providers need a long-term sustainable funding model. He told lawmakers, “without adequate funding we risk losing these critical services which would have a devastating consequence for communities across the state.” The state provided 24 million dollars in one-time funding to E-M-S providers in greater Minnesota last year.
>>Senate Bill to Make “Purple Rain,” “Girl from the North Country” State Songs
(St. Paul, MN) — Prince’s “Purple Rain” and Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country” are in the running to become Minnesota’s official state songs. Last week, a bill was introduced in the state Senate proposing the two tracks be added to Minnesota’s existing state song list featuring “Hail! Minnesota.” Five senators authored the bill. After its introduction, it was sent to the State and Local Government Committee.
>>State Prisons in St. Cloud and Stillwater Need Repair
(St. Cloud, MN) — A recent report from the Minnesota Office of Corrections recommends that units at the St. Cloud state prison should either be renovated or completely redeveloped. The report highlights deteriorating conditions in prisons across Minnesota, including falling bricks, leaky roofs, and numerous safety issues. The facilities in St. Cloud and Stillwater were constructed over 100 years ago, and significant renovations are necessary. If the state only addresses immediate repairs, it is estimated that the cost will reach approximately $70 million for both facilities. In contrast, building a new prison in St. Cloud would cost around $730 million.
>>Redwood County Authorities ID 2 People Killed in Crash near Lamberton
(Lamberton, MN) — Authorities in Redwood County are identifying the two people killed in a weekend crash near Lamberton. Sheriff’s deputies say the driver- 49-year-old Curtis Willie of Lamberton – was ejected from the pickup and died of his injuries Saturday night. Willie’s passenger – 75-year-old Duane Waldriff – was trapped inside the vehicle and later died at the scene. The crash is still under investigation.
>>Wife Charged in Detroit Lake Pastor’s Murder in Africa
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The wife of a Detroit Lakes missionary who was killed in Africa is now charged with his murder. Beau Shroyer was killed on October 25th, 2024,while doing missionary work in Africa with his wife and five kids. His wife, Jackie, was arrested a week later. Angolan police say a bodyguard for the family stabbed Beau to death at Jackie’s command. Officials suspect the two were having an affair. Two other men were also arrested for aiding the murder. Jackie is expected to face trial in Angola in the next six months.
>>Shooting Suspect Accused of Assaulting Brooklyn Park Police Officer
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — A St. Louis Park man is jailed for shooting a family member and assaulting a police officer in Brooklyn Park. Police were called to a townhome early Monday and located the shooting suspect attempting to flee. One officer suffered minor injuries while arresting the 29-year-old man. Investigators say an argument between the suspect and victim escalated and the suspect shot the man in the hand. Charges are pending in the case.
>>DNR Encourages Anglers to Remove Fish Houses from Southern Minnesota Lakes
(St. Paul, MN) — The D-N-R is encouraging anglers in southern Minnesota to begin removing fish houses from the lakes with high temps this week in the 40s and 50s. The deadline is March 3rd for the southern two-thirds of the state, but officials say the warm weather is melting ice rapidly and that could make it harder to get structures off the lake. Anglers in the northern third of Minnesota have until March 17th to remove their fish houses.
>>Lynx Sighting on Gunflint Trail in Northeastern Minnesota
(Grand Marais, MN) — A rare Canadian lynx was spotted along the Gunflint Trail in northeastern Minnesota this weekend. Sara Hamilton, the owner of the Trail Center Lodge, posted video of the lynx walking around the deck of the store. The Department of Natural Resources says there have been fewer than 100 documented sightings of the Canadian lynx in Minnesota over the past 20 years. It is a protected animal in Minnesota and has been federally threatened since 2000. Anyone who sees a Canadian lynx is encouraged to contact the D-N-R.
>>Wolves Mount Historic Comeback in OT Win at Oklahoma City
(Oklahoma City, OK) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are celebrating a 131-128 overtime victory over the Western Conference-leading Thunder in Oklahoma City. The Wolves trailed by 25 points in third quarter before rallying for the greatest comeback win in franchise history Monday night. Minnesota used a 16-0 run in the fourth quarter to force O-T. Anthony Edwards blocked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a go-ahead lay-up attempt late in overtime to seal the victory. Jaden McDaniels scored 27 points and had 10 rebounds, Naz Reid had 22 and 11 boards, and Edwards finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
