>>Walz to Push for Bonding Bill, Republicans Want Tax Cuts
(St. Paul, MN) — The governor and lawmakers are talking about legislative proposals with a $3.7 billion dollar surplus the next two years and a smaller surplus in 2028-29. Governor Tim Walz says he’s going to make getting a bipartisan bonding bill done a top priority. He also said, “I think you will see limited, limited expenditures.” Speaker Lisa Demuth says, “House Republicans stand ready in three ways: federal tax conformity, we’re also looking to take the pressure off family budgets, and we want to stop fraud.” The surplus for the years 2028-29 is $377 million dollars, but Democrats are concerned federal cuts could wipe that away.
>>Friends of Boundary Waters Calls on DNR to Cancel Mine Lease
(Ely, MN) — Friends of the Boundary Waters and other groups are calling on the D-N-R to cancel a state mineral lease for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine. Executive director Chris Knopf warns a resolution in the U-S Senate could lift a federal ban on mining near the B-W-C-A. He says, “this year the State of Minnesota can cancel that lease because there has been no action on that land with respect to mining for the past 35 years.” Knopf says the D-N-R must act in 2026 or the lease will continue until 2040. Congressman Pete Stauber authored the Critical Mineral Dominance Act which passed the U-S House last month.
>>38 Arrested During Protest at Whipple Building
(Fort Snelling, MN) — Authorities say 38 people were arrested Sunday during a large protest at the Whipple Federal Building near Fort Snelling. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office says deputies issued dispersal orders after protesters blocked roadways, obstructed access to nearby businesses, and threw objects at law enforcement. All of those arrested were cited and released. One person was booked into jail on a riot related charge. The Whipple Building houses Minnesota’s ICE field office and detention facility. A previous protest on January 16th led to a dozen arrests. Organizers with the activist group Melt the ICE said Sunday’s turnout exceeded 700 people.
>>Law Enforcement Mourns Loss of East Range Police Sergeant Siebert
(Hoyt Lakes, MN) — The East Range Police Department in northeastern Minnesota is mourning the loss of one of its officers. Officials say Sergeant Cody Siebert died unexpectedly on Friday, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection. The P-D said in a post, “The hole left by Sgt Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill.” Siebert started the K-9 program in Babbitt before coming to East Range with K-9 Taconite. Siebert leaves behind a partner and two young sons. A Go Fund Me page has been established for his family.
>>Thief River Falls Man Killed in Polk County Snowmobile Crash
(Crookston, MN) — A Thief River Falls man is the victim of a deadly snowmobile crash Saturday afternoon in northwestern Minnesota. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says it happened in Gentilly Township east of Crookston and first responders tried to save 33-year-old Cody Teie, but he died at the scene. The report says Teie was wearing a helmet and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.
>>Fargo Jury Finds Man Guilty in 2024 Fatal Shooting
(Fargo, ND) — A Fargo man could face a maximum sentence of life in prison after being convicted of murdering his childhood friend. Cass County prosecutors say Leo Dartoe shot 35-year-old Sampson Bleh in the chest during an argument at an apartment in August 2024 and Bleh died in the hospital. After the shooting, Dartoe fled Fargo and was arrested two months later in Atlanta, Georgia. He was extradited to North Dakota to stand trial. His sentencing date has yet to be set.
>>MDH Urging Minnesotans to Regularly Check Blood Pressure
(Minneapolis, MN) — The state Department of Health is urging Minnesotans to check their blood pressure more often. U of M physician Doctor Paul Drawz says home monitoring is key, especially as busy clinics don’t always follow recommended guidelines. High blood pressure is the leading chronic disease risk factor worldwide, contributing to strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and higher mortality. Drawz says rural Minnesotans may face added challenges accessing regular care. About one in three Minnesotans or nearly 1.4 million people report having high blood pressure.
>>Brooklyn Park Police Search for Missing 39-Year-Old Woman
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — Police in Brooklyn Park are searching for a missing 39-year-old woman. Officers say Johanna Martin Ogima was last seen Sunday at 9:41 a.m. on a bus. She’s described as Native American, five feet six inches tall, weighs around 200 pounds, and has brown hair and black eyes. Martin Ogima was last seen wearing a light brown jacket, leggings, and black boots.
>>Anglers Must Remove Fish Houses in Southern Third of State Tonight
(Undated) — Minnesota anglers have until 11:59 p.m. (Monday) to remove their fish houses in the southern two-thirds of the state. The D-N-R’s Joe Albert says people have been doing a really good job of getting their houses off. He says there’s lakes where you have typically have cities in the winter that now don’t have any fish houses on them. The deadline is March 16th for the northern one-third of the state and March 31st for Minnesota-Canada border waters.
>>Timberwolves Top Nuggets in Denver
(Denver, CO) — The Timberwolves beat the Nuggets 117-108 in a nationally televised game Sunday in Denver. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 21 points, Jaden McDaniels had 20, Bones Hyland scored 18, and Rudy Gobert added 7 points and 15 rebounds. The Wolves used a 36-19 second quarter run to pull ahead. Nikola Jokic had 35, 13, and 9 for the Nuggets. Minnesota improved to 38-23 and moved a game ahead of Denver for fourth place in the West. The Memphis Grizzlies come to Target Center on Tuesday night.
>>Gopher Women’s Hoops Wins at Illinois to Clinch #4 Seed in Big Ten Tourney
(Champaign, IL) — The number 22 University of Minnesota women’s basketball team wrapped up the regular season with a 78-73 win at Illinois. Sophie Hart scored a game-high 17 points and Amaya Battle had 16. The Gophers outrebounded the Illini 36-24 and outscored them 46-26 in the paint. Minnesota finished 13-5 in conference play and clinched the fourth seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
