>>Minneapolis Approves Terms of Consent Decree for Police Reforms
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minneapolis City Council and the U-S Department of Justice are in agreement on a 170-page consent decree to overhaul the city’s police department. It outlines sweeping reforms four-plus years after the police killing of George Floyd. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke says, “the Justice Department’s investigation found that the police used excessive force, unlawfully discriminated against black and Native American people in its enforcement activities, violated the rights of those engaged in protected speech.” The M-P-D has already implemented several changes including a ban on chokeholds and using a behavioral crisis response team when a police officer is not necessary.
>>State Dedicates over $1.2 Million to Research Bird Flu in Wildlife
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is approving the allocation of more than $1.2 million in lottery proceeds for the research of avian influenza in wildlife. This funding will support researchers at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine as they study the growing threat posed by avian influenza. On Monday, health officials in Louisiana reported the first human death in the United States linked to bird flu.
>>Minnesota Farm Bureau Prepares for 2025 Legislative Session
(Waverly, MN) — Minnesota Farm Bureau officials plan to work with state lawmakers on agricultural and rural policy this legislative session. President Dan Glessing of Waverly says animal disease preparedness is on their priority list with highly pathogenic avian influenza and H-5-N-1 in cattle. He says, ” the state Department of Agriculture does a good job, but we also need to make sure that we’re thinking ahead and are poised with funds and people to respond if there is an outbreak.” Glessing says they also want to support those transitioning farms generationally, continued research and agriculture education, and opportunities to strengthen rural communities.
>>Work Underway to Tear Down County Bridge near Rapidan Dam
(Blue Earth County, MN) — Crews are currently working to demolish a bridge in Blue Earth County that was damaged by flooding last summer. The demolition of the County Road 9 bridge near the Rapidan Dam is expected to take several weeks. Blue Earth County officials say the work must be completed before the spring snowmelt to prevent further damage to the structure and the surrounding area. Leaders are still developing plans to remove the Rapidan Dam, which suffered a partial failure in the June flooding.
>>Clay County Considering Request to House North Dakota Inmates
(Moorhead, MN) — A county in west central Minnesota is considering a request to accept some inmates from neighboring North Dakota. Officials in Cass County have reported that their jail in Fargo is at full capacity and require additional space to house inmates. They are proposing a temporary agreement to transfer some inmates to the Clay County Jail in Moorhead. The Clay County Board of Commissioners will discuss this request during a meeting later today.
>>CenterPoint Energy Seeks 3.75% Rate Hike in Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — CenterPoint Energy is asking the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to approve a 3.75 percent rate increase for its natural gas customers. The proposed rate hike would add about two-dollars-and-50 cents to residential bills in the state. An interim increase of 2.4 percent went into effect on January 1st as the utility awaits state regulators’ approval. CenterPoint says it needs to raise rates due to rising operating and distribution costs, efforts to reduce emissions, and higher costs of borrowing money. Xcel Energy recently proposed a 9.6 percent rate increase for customers in Minnesota.
>>Gas Prices Rise Slightly in Minnesota and Across the Nation
(St. Louis Park, MN) — Gas prices are on the rise in the state and across the U-S. AAA-Minnesota reports today’s (Tues) statewide average price for regular unleaded is $2.93 a gallon. There are stations in northern and southwest Minnesota selling gas for under $2.70 a gallon. The national average has risen to $3.06 per gallon. One of the reasons for the hike during the winter driving season is oil prices increased to more than 73 dollars a barrel.
>>Minnesota Timberwolves Rally Past LA Clippers at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves topped the L-A Clippers 108-106 at Target Center Monday night to snap a three-game losing skid. The Wolves rallied back from a 19-point deficit in the second quarter. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 37 points and hit two key three-pointers late in the fourth quarter. The Wolves play the Pelicans tonight (Tues) in New Orleans.
