Stories from May 23, 2024

Advocates urge Walz to sign bill funding free college for former foster youth
The Fostering Independence Grant program currently funds free college for about 645 Minnesotans who were in foster care as teens. It’s in danger of taking a hit this fall if it isn’t given money to cover a budget shortfall due to unexpected demand.
Minneapolis City Council members celebrate statewide Uber/Lyft legislation
Supporters say the new statewide law would increase driver pay by 20 percent. However, the per mile and per minute rates are lower than the levels included in the Minneapolis ordinance which would have gone into effect July 1.
Minneapolis police say they've made an arrest in a hit and run incident, which they're investigating as a potential bias crime. And a Kandiyohi County deputy will not be charged in the death of a Willmar man who died during an attempted eviction.
Lawmakers pass much needed permitting reforms for clean energy projects as session wraps
The 2024 Minnesota Legislature session ended in chaotic fashion. But lawmakers did manage to get through changes that will speed up the permitting process for green projects and help address the backlog of proposals awaiting approval.
Timberwolves face loss against Dallas Mavericks and other Minnesota sports news
The Timberwolves and the Mavericks stayed within a few points of each other for the entire game but Dallas prevailed with 108 points to Minnesota’s 105. Guard Anthony Edwards said after the game that the Wolves weren’t at their best — and will come back better for their game on Friday.
‘Third places’ may be the answer to America’s loneliness epidemic
With the whole world accessible on your smartphone, it’s hard to resist the call of the couch. It’s hurting us more than we think. Professor Richard Kyte explains why “third spaces” beyond home and work are vital for our wellbeing.
As Walz signs $30 million for rural EMS, providers worry it’s not enough
Rural providers of emergency medical services say they have a mismatch between their costs and reimbursements, so they turned to the state for help. A $30 million infusion is short of the request but could stave off some cutbacks.
The state of policing four years since George Floyd’s murder
George Floyd’s murder set off peaceful demonstrations and violent confrontations locally and across the country. Protestors called for changes to policing. That change has been slow, as expected. We are still seeing reform efforts develop and play out today.
Remember last year’s Memorial Day travel jams? Chances are they will be much worse this year
Highways and airports are likely to be jammed in the coming days as Americans head out on and home from Memorial Day weekend getaways. AAA predicts this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.
Rural emergency medicine is struggling to reach the far corners of Minnesota
Twenty-four million dollars is going to short-term aid for rural EMS providers, who say they are struggling to meet the needs of large geographical areas with thin staffing levels and budgets. It may not be enough.
Roof Depot project faces new hurdle as state funding fails
Amid Sunday’s frenzied end to the legislative session, several development projects around the state ended up without state funding they had anticipated. One of those was the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI), making for a new hurdle in the years-in-the-making community project.
Political consultant behind fake Biden robocalls faces $6 million fine and criminal charges
The Federal Communications Commission has issued a $6 million fine against the political consultant who sent AI-generated robocalls mimicking President Joe Biden’s voice to voters ahead of New Hampshire’s presidential primary.
Justice Department says illegal monopoly by Ticketmaster and Live Nation drives up prices for fans
The Justice Department has filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation Entertainment, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly over live events in America and driving up prices for fans.
It’s happening! Rare corpse flower is blooming, stinking up Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
People flocked to see the corpse flower inside the conservatory in St. Paul soon after it began blooming Thursday morning, as it will only emit its rotting smell for about 24 hours.
The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped the first game of the NBA's Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night, losing 108-105. And the Minneapolis City Council will officially rescind its rideshare ordinance Thursday after it was preempted by a new statewide law.
Hatchlings spotted on DNR FalconCam, new EagleCam in the works
Three of four falcon eggs laid this year in the livestreamed nest in St. Paul have hatched, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday. And an agency official says the DNR is also working to finalize the return of its popular EagleCam.
Minnesota Poll Watch 2024: Heading into election day, Harris has lead in close presidential race, Klobuchar has clear lead in Senate
Three newly-released polls all show Harris-Walz leading Trump-Vance in the race for Minnesota’s 10 electoral college votes. October polling in the state show the Democrats leading by an average of just over 7 percentage points. In addition, Klobuchar continues to lead in Senate race polling, and new Federal Election Commission data about the state’s Congressional races show incumbents bringing in far more donations than their challengers.
Lawmakers pass reforms to cut red tape for clean energy projects
Clean energy developers and utilities have complained that the state’s permitting process is a roadblock to getting new wind and solar projects and transmission lines built. Now, reforms to streamline the projects and power lines Minnesota needs as it shifts to clean energy are in place.
Art Hounds: Bach on the road, BALLS Cabaret and ‘When Doves Choir’
On Art Hounds this week: BALLS Cabaret is back every Sunday at Strike Theater! The Minnesota Bach Society’s Mini Mobile Concerts are in St. Cloud. And Choir! Choir! Choir! teaches the audience to sing Prince, in harmony, at First Avenue on June 1.