>>Supreme Court Chief Justice Hudson Won’t Restrict Federal Agents in Courthouses
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Supreme Court’s chief justice is again refusing to limit how federal agents conduct immigration enforcement in and around state courthouses. Chief Justice Natalie Hudson says she doesn’t have the constitutional authority to restrict federal officers and worries that doing so could appear political. The request came from Attorney General Keith Ellison and prosecutors after several high-profile detainments at the Hennepin County Government Center during Operation Metro Surge. That shift in federal tactics followed mass protests over recent police killings and a federal shooting. Hudson’s decision comes a month after meeting with White House border officials to discuss courthouse enforcement.
>>Busy Scheduled Tuesday for Governor Walz
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is popping in and out of several events planned for the day (Tues). Walz will start with introducing a proposal to transform Minnesota’s human service system at 11:45 a.m. before he meets with leaders of local sugar beet cooperatives. He’ll head to the Capitol this afternoon to attend the Minnesota Corn Growers Association Day on the Hill. Walz will also be attending the shared Day on the Hill event with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
>>Electronic Driver’s Licenses Bill Fails in House Committee
(St. Paul, MN) — A proposal that would allow for electronic driver’s licenses or I-D cards failed to get out of a Minnesota House committee Monday. The Transportation Committee discussed the bill and heard a couple of amendments before the bill failed to the get the necessary votes. The bill, authored by D-F-L Representative Brad Tabke of Shakopee, would authorize the Department of Public Safety to implement the electronic versions and be in charge of setting the rules. Tabke says 14 other states have this system already in place.
>>No Major Delays at MSP Airport from Lack of TSA Funding
(Minneapolis, MN) — The partial federal government shutdown and lack of T-S-A funding are blamed for long wait times at some U-S airports. Jeff Lea at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport says that’s not happening here. Lea says, “the operations for the T-S-A at least at M-S-P have continued to operate as normal. So we hope that they continue to operate – certainly, that’s their goal given this is a height, peak time for travel not only at M-S-P but across the country with spring break.” Lee says lines at M-S-P are a little longer due to an increase in spring break passengers. Most T-S-A agents are working without pay during the partial shutdown.
>>Lower Sioux Indian Community Signs Tribal-State Cannabis Compact
(Morton, MN) — The Lower Sioux Indian Community is the latest Tribal nation to sign a cannabis compact with the state. The agreement allows the Lower Sioux Community to provide cannabis flower and products to state-licensed dispensaries and businesses. Eric Taubel of the Office of Cannabis Management says state and Tribal leaders share a commitment to further build a mature cannabis industry that is safe, equitable, and sustainable. This is the eighth Tribal-state cannabis compact.
>>Mayor of Forest Lake Opening First Cannabis Dispensary
(Forest Lake, MN) — The mayor of Forest Lake is opening the city’s first adult-use cannabis dispensary. Mayor Blake Roberts says the Greenhouse Cannabis Company will sit next to his family’s longtime business, Lakes Floral. The new cannabis store will operate in a separate space from the greenhouse and retail shop with its own entrance. While Roberts is expanding the family business, he said he has no plans to expand his political career.
>>Cook County Sheriff Eliasen Stepping Down in May
(Grand Marais, MN) — Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen plans to step down on May 8th. Eliasen has served three terms as sheriff in northeastern Minnesota and a total of 31 years in law enforcement. He already announced he was not seeking re-election this fall. Sheriff Eliasen says he will become the director of Grand Portage Head Start after he resigns. He said, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Cook County.” The sheriff’s position is on the November ballot.
>>Man Found Dead in Otter Tail County House Fire
(Wadena, MN) — Authorities in Otter Tail County are investigating a deadly house fire near Wadena. Deputies say firefighters found a man dead inside the residence Monday morning. Fire officials do not believe foul play was involved. The home is considered a total loss. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting local investigators.
>>Train Hits Car Abandoned on Tracks in St. Louis County
(Alborn Township, MN) — St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies say a train hit an abandoned car Monday night northwest of Hermantown in Alborn Township. Officers say no one was inside the vehicle at the time, and no injuries were reported on the train. The car had been left on the tracks and was heavily damaged. A 34-year-old man from the Alborn area was arrested following a D-W-I investigation.
>>Hibbing Assault Suspect Arrested After Pursuit
(Proctor, MN) — A Duluth man wanted in connection with a violent assault in Hibbing is in custody. Deputies say they spotted the suspect’s vehicle around noon . Monday and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled. During the chase, the 39-year-old man was seen throwing a powdery substance from his vehicle. The pursuit ended in Proctor when he crashed into two other vehicles. He then ran into a wooded ravine before deputies used a Taser to take him into custody. He was booked into the St. Louis County Jail on multiple felony charges.
>>DNR: Start Planning Now for Summer Camping Trip to State Park or Rec area
(St. Paul, MN) — If you’re planning a summer camping trip in a Minnesota state park, the D-N-R says now’s the time to book. Parks and Trails spokesperson Sara Berhow says reservations open 120 days out, and nearly half the summer is already in that window. She recommends using the Park Finder tool on the D-N-R website to choose the right campsite and activities. And for those wanting a more rugged experience, there are walk-in, cart-in, and backcountry options-all within about a half-mile of parking.
>>Wolves at Lakers in Late Night Game
(Los Angeles, CA) — The Minnesota Timberwolves play the L-A Lakers late tonight (Tues 10pm) on the West Coast. The Wolves had their five-game win streak snapped with a 119-92 loss to the Magic Saturday at Target Center. Anthony Edwards led the team with 34 points, but Minnesota shot just over 35 percent. The 40-24 Timberwolves are in third place in the West. The 39-25 Lakers are fifth. Minnesota takes on the L-A Clippers tomorrow night in Inglewood.
