@MinnPost writer Brian Lambert offers a quick-hit look at some of the must-read Minnesota stories & talkers. Updated early morning and late-afternoon.
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Articles by Brian Lambert
"Digger"May Be a Lost Cause Today. But It Won't Be Forgotten Long. - Pittsburgh Review of Books
At this point nothing I or anyone else says can save "Digger." The very expensive new movie starring Tom Cruise and directed by a guy who has won two Best Director Oscars has already been written off as one of the year's biggest box office catastrophes. To this you may shrug and say, "Who cares?" But there's more going on here than just another Hollywood flop. Enough that even with everything else afflicting the world, it's worth pausing for a moment to examine this wreckage.
DFL bans Minneapolis council candidate Nasri Warsame from ever seeking DFL endorsement
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Stribbers Dave Orrick and Faiza Mahamud report, “The Minnesota DFL voted Tuesday to ban Nasri Warsame, the Minneapolis City Council candidate whose supporters stormed the stage of a convention earlier this month, from ever seeking the party endorsement.
Walz to sign bill legalizing recreational marijuana in Minnesota Tuesday
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. A WCCO-TV story says, “Gov. Tim Walz says he will sign the bill legalizing recreational cannabis use, and expunging low-level cannabis convictions, Tuesday at noon.
Minneapolis City Council votes for rent control, Mayor Jacob Frey vows to veto | MinnPost
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Says Stribber Dave Orrick, “A divided Minneapolis City Council on Thursday voted to move ahead with putting a rent control policy to the city’s voters in November — hours before Mayor Jacob Frey said he’ll veto it. The council’s action, while only a step in a multistage process, was at least a momentary victory for supporters of the strictest rent control options and a defeat for those who want to quash the idea entirely.
Voting 6-1, St. Paul City Council approves Summit Avenue redesign plan
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news.
Violent customers prompt Target to remove some LGBTQ merchandise from stores ahead of Pride
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For The Associated Press, Anne D’Innocenzio writes, “Target is removing certain items from its stores and making other changes to its LGBTQ merchandise nationwide ahead of Pride month, after an intense backlash from some customers including violent confrontations with its workers.
What Minnesota’s imminent legalization of marijuana means for its neighbor, Wisconsin
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Says Melanie Walleser for WEAU-TV in Eau Claire, “With Minnesota to become the 23rd state to legalize marijuana, many Wisconsinites will be within an hour’s drive of a legally-operating marijuana dispensary.
Minnesota Muslims mobilize over spate of mosque attacks, ask for state help with security
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For Sahan Journal, Alfonso Galvan, Katelyn Vue and Andrew Hazzard report, “A spate of vandalism against four mosques in Minneapolis and St. Paul in four weeks has Muslim community members feeling a mix of emotions — frustration, fear, sadness, and for some, defiance.
Minnesota House passes recreational marijuana bill, Senate vote and Walz signature next
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Stribber Ryan Faircloth reports, “Minnesota is just one Senate vote and a governor’s signature away from legalizing recreational marijuana for adults. The DFL-controlled House voted 73-57 to legalize marijuana on Thursday night. The Senate could take up the bill as early as Friday. Pending Senate approval, the bill will head to the desk of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who’s pledged to sign it.
Fire at mosque in St. Paul suspected to be act of arson
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Fox 9’s Nick Longworth reports, “Authorities believe arson is the cause of a fire at the Oromo American Twhid Islamic Center in St. Paul. According to authorities, the building at 430 Dale St. N, was not occupied at the time of the fire, which started around 8:45 a.m. No injuries were reported. Investigators are currently working with the St. Paul Police Department to determine a suspect.
Minnesota Board of Nursing considers axing executive director
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For ProPublica, Emily Hopkins says, “The Minnesota Board of Nursing has called an emergency meeting to consider removing its beleaguered executive director over an unspecified ‘personnel issue.’ In an email to board staff Tuesday morning, President Laura Elseth said Executive Director Kimberly Miller was on leave ‘effective today.’ The move comes at a critical time for the nursing board.
Minnesota Legislature looks for way to exempt Mayo Clinic from proposed nurse staffing requirements
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Stribber Jeremy Olson reports, “A plan to exempt Mayo Clinic in Rochester from Minnesota nurse staffing legislation is gaining traction, but the special treatment is upsetting the rest of the state’s hospitals.
DFL vows to punish brawlers after Minneapolis Ward 10 convention chaos
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Stribbers Andy Mannix and Matt McKinney say, “The DFL Party chair apologized for the melee that erupted Saturday at a Minneapolis City Council candidate convention, saying video evidence and witness statements make it clear that supporters of one council challenger were to blame.
Minneapolis clears Franklin Avenue homeless encampment
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. This from Cory Knudson at KSTP-TV, “A large homeless encampment was closed Wednesday on a Franklin Avenue traffic median in south Minneapolis, according to a city spokesperson.
Teen arrested in fatal weekend shooting in St. Paul’s St. Anthony Park neighborhood
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. MPR’s Matt Sepic reports, “St. Paul police said Wednesday they arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood. Hilary Brasel said her 44-year-old husband Michael Brasel was trying to stop someone from breaking into her car Saturday morning outside their home when the suspect shot and killed him.
Minnesota State High School League makes boys volleyball a sanctioned sport
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. This from MPR News: “Boys volleyball will soon join the roster of high school sports sanctioned by the Minnesota State High School League. The league’s 48-member Representative Assembly approved the proposal Tuesday with 39 votes in favor. It needed 32 votes — a two-thirds’ majority — to pass. … Boys volleyball will become a sanctioned sport in Minnesota in the 2024-25 school year.
Former Hormel CEO and Congressional candidate Jeff Ettinger to be interim U of M president
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. The Strib’s Liz Navratil reports, “University of Minnesota regents on Monday decided to bring in an outside person — former Hormel CEO and DFL congressional candidate Jeff Ettinger — to serve as interim president.
Minneapolis police vow to crack down on Dinkytown violence
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For WCCO-TV Kirsten Mitchell says, “A chaotic start to the weekend in the University of Minnesota’s Dinkytown neighborhood has police on high alert. Assault, disorderly conduct, fleeing police, and curfew violations were some of the citations issued to teenagers who showed up in large crowds Friday night. … ‘Some of the people were from Edina, Eden Prairie, the Brooklyns,’ Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said.
South Dakota Capitol reporter arrested, fired over alleged prank call using Gov. Kristi Noem’s cell phone number
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. In the Sioux Falls Argus Leader Trent Abrego and Trevor Mitchell report, “A Dakota News Now reporter has been fired, following his arrest in connection with charges alleging he made a prank phone call to the former chair of the South Dakota Republican Party using Gov. Kristi Noem’s personal cell phone number, according to court documents.
American Indian students may get free college tuition in Minnesota
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. At MPR, Feven Gerezgiher writes, “American Indian students in Minnesota may soon be able to attend a public college or university for free.
Minnesota House passes paid family and medical leave bill
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For Forum News Service, Alex Derosier reports, “Minnesota is another step closer toward creating a tax-funded, state-administered paid family and medical leave program backed by Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers. Members of the House on Tuesday night passed a bill to create a new state program that would offer 12 weeks of family leave and 12 weeks of medical leave.
HMO profits double in Minnesota
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. In the Strib Christopher Snowbeck says, “HMO profits from state government programs more than doubled last year to about $675.8 million, a Star Tribune analysis shows, partly because enrollees required fewer health care services than expected. The jump in operating income continued a pandemic trend of growing HMO profitability across the country due to historic enrollment expansion.
Suspect arrested in Minneapolis mosque fires facing federal arson charges
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. A KSTP-TV story says, “The man arrested for fires started at two Minneapolis mosques is now facing federal charges for arson.
Syphilis cases up 25 percent in Minnesota, primarily affecting Twin Cities men
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Michelle Wiley of MPR News reports, “Syphilis cases in Minnesota rose 25 percent in 2022, reaching their highest level in years according to new data from the Minnesota Department of Health. Syphilis is a sexually-transmitted infection spread through direct contact with a sore. Cases in the state rose to 1,832 last year, an increase of 375 compared to 2021.
Limited number of Nice Ride bikes for sale
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Says Stribber Richard Chin, “Although the Nice Ride bike sharing program ceased operation this spring in Minneapolis, a few of the distinctive green bikes may be seen rolling around town soon.
Ellison could get authority over Fairview-Sanford health care merger
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Says Jeremy Olson in the Strib, “Minnesota’s attorney general could gain sweeping authority over health care mergers, especially the Fairview-Sanford merger that could result in out-of-state control of the University of Minnesota’s teaching hospital.
Minnesota Senate likely to vote Friday on recreational marijuana bill
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. At MPR Brian Bakst says, “Minnesota’s foray into legal marijuana reached the first major decision point as the state House considered a bill Monday that establishes a seed-to-sale program and streamlines a process for clearing prior criminal offenses off records. The vote – along with one set for Friday in the Senate – won’t end the debate.” Says Torey Van Oot at Axios, “Gov.
Minneapolis public works director on Bryant Avenue reconstruction: ‘We missed this one’
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. This from Stribber Dave Orrick, “A ‘bold and transformational’ reconstruction of Bryant Avenue in south Minneapolis has turned out to be something of a headache. The bike- and pedestrian-friendly project, half of which was completed last year, has resulted in a street too narrow for fire trucks, snowplows and garbage trucks — as well as some residents whose driveways are on the street.
GOP Minnesota state senator accused of throwing teachers out of his office
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. In The Minnesota Reformer Michelle Griffith says, “Three teachers from Milaca School District — about 30 miles northeast of St. Cloud — met last week with their state senator to talk about how inadequate special education funding is burdening their district’s budget.
Rain isn't helping as many Minnesota rivers near expected flood crests | MinnPost Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For the Strib, Tim Harlow, Jessie Van Berkel and Josie Albertson-Grove report, “Weather forecasters, public works crews, property owners and local leaders across Minnesota kept a careful eye on rivers Wednesday as water levels continued to rise. Heavy rain Wednesday and Thursday will only exacerbate spring flooding, said Paige Marten, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen.
Racial slur, shots in Minneapolis attack on former Gophers running back | MinnPost
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Stribber Paul Walsh reports, “A former Minnesota Gophers football star was called a racial slur during a daylight attack by a white man who fired a gun in a south Minneapolis alley, the confrontation ending only after police persuaded the suspect to drop his weapons and he was arrested, according to charges.
Trommald, Minnesota home declared public health nuisance; 200 pet rats found | MinnPost
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Bring Me the News staff report, “A home with over 200 pet rats in the small town of Trommald has been declared a public health nuisance.
Authorities: In ‘alarming trend that needs to stop now,’ western Minnesota deputy shot, killed Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. At the Pioneer Press, Kristi Belcamino reports, “Three law enforcement officers were shot, one fatally on his birthday, while responding to a Saturday evening domestic call in western Minnesota, according to the Pope County sheriff’s office. A man who drew and fired a weapon at the scene also was killed.
Minneapolis pays out $9 million more in damages over former police officer Chauvin’s behavior Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. KARE-TV’s Dana Thiede says, “The city of Minneapolis will settle two cases involving former police officer Derek Chauvin by paying out nearly $8.9 million in damages. City Council members voted Thursday to settle the civil cases filed by John Pope, Jr. and Zoya Code, who both alleged that they were victims of misconduct carried out by Chauvin, actions that were similar to the ones he used in the murder of George Floyd.
Inflation cools in the Twin Cities metro
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. In the Strib Kavita Kumar writes, “Inflation in the Twin Cities eased considerably last month as price increases in the region continued to cool faster than in the nation as a whole.
Report harshly criticizes University of Minnesota treatment of Native Americans
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For MPR News, Dan Kraker and Melissa Olson report, “A massive new report details the University of Minnesota’s long history of mistreating the state’s Native people and lays out recommendations, including ‘perpetual reparations,’ to improve relations between the university and Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations.
St. Olaf student charged after investigators find cache of firearms equipment, suspicious items
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Bring Me the News staff report, “Concern from a campus custodian led investigators at St. Olaf College to discover a student’s cache of firearms equipment, knives, a tactical vest and other suspicious items, according to new criminal charges. Waylon S.
School canceled in Rochester as district pursues cyber security investigation | MinnPost
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For KARE 11, Diane Sandberg reports, “Students in Rochester Public Schools will have a day off from classes on Monday, April 10, following a complete shutdown of the district’s network and core tech systems. In a post from the district, leaders said staff detected ‘unusual activity’ on the district’s technology network on Thursday, April 6.
Former Hennepin County Sheriff Hutchinson terminated from Metro Transit job | MinnPost Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. At KSTP-TV Kyle Brown reports, “The Metro Transit Police Department has fired disgraced former Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson after a review determined he ‘committed workplace misconduct’ when he got in a drunken-driving crash in 2021 with a firearm in the vehicle.mHutchinson was restored to his position as a Metro Transit Police sergeant when his term as sheriff expired in January.
St. Paul settles with property owners who challenged city’s assessments for street maintenance Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Star Tribune reporter Katie Galioto writes, “St. Paul is paying $640,000 to settle with property owners who successfully challenged the city’s street maintenance program in court. The St. Paul City Council on Wednesday approved seven settlement agreements authorizing the refunds, which cover assessments for work done between 2018 and 2020.
Workers vote to strike at 33 Minnesota Cub Foods locations
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. KARE 11’s Alexandra Simon and Samantha Fischer report, “On Tuesday night, union officials representing thousands of Cub Foods grocery workers announced its members voted overwhelmingly to strike, citing unfair labor practices. UFCW Local 663 leaders went live on Facebook just before 9 p.m., saying that more than 94% of the approximately 3,000 ballots cast throughout the day Tuesday were in favor of the strike.
Minnesota Court of Appeals rejects attempt to reverse ruling on abortion laws | MinnPost
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. An AP story says, “The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday rejected an attempt by the Traverse County prosecutor to appeal a judge’s decision last year that threw out most of the state’s restrictions on abortion as unconstitutional.
Judge rules in favor of letting 18-year-olds carry guns in public
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For the Strib Katie Galioto reports, “A federal judge has moved to strike down the Minnesota law barring 18- to 20-year-olds from obtaining permits to carry handguns in public.
Attorney opposing Summit Avenue bike trail sues St. Paul for city documents Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For the Pioneer Press, Frederick Melo reports, “Robert Cattanach, an attorney opposed to a proposed elevated bike trail along Summit Avenue, has filed a lawsuit and request for a temporary restraining order against the city of St. Paul, claiming violations of the state’s Data Practices Act.
Part of western Minnesota town evacuated after ethanol train derailment, fire Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For KARE 11, David Griswold reports, “Residents in western Raymond, Minnesota, were evacuated early Thursday morning after a train derailed and several rail cars started on fire.
Minneapolis DFL disqualifies hundreds of delegates in City Council race
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. This from Dave Orrick in the Strib, “The Minneapolis DFL Party has disqualified hundreds of delegates in a City Council race over concerns that their identities could not be verified. Meanwhile, a candidate in a different council race is raising similar allegations, drawing scrutiny to the party’s endorsing process, which is largely virtual this year.
Stillwater braces for possible major flooding after snowy Minnesota winter
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Matt McKinney of the Strib says, “Volunteers wearing hi-viz vests hoisted bag after bag of sand onto pallets in downtown Stillwater Monday morning, the first day of a weeklong effort to build a town-saving berm ahead of what could be a historic crest of the St. Croix River.
Walz family to temporarily rent Republican-owned lake home during governor’s residence renovations Original
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. For MPR News, Brian Bakst reports, “Politics, they say, makes strange bedfellows. It takes on new meaning in the case of DFL Gov. Tim Walz and former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike McFadden. The Walz family will move into a Sunfish Lake home owned by McFadden, likely in May, ahead of planned multi-million dollar renovations at the official governor’s residence.
Xcel will shut down Monticello plant for repairs after new contamination leak | MinnPost
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. Fox 9 staff reports, “Xcel Energy is working to power down the Monticello nuclear power plant on Friday to make repairs after a new leak of radioactive water was reported this week. The company said the new leak is estimated to be in the hundreds of gallons, much smaller than the first leak of approximately 400,000 gallons which was reported in November 2022.
16-year-old Minneapolis North High School football player shot in legs as he walked home
Welcome to the Glean, MinnPost’s twice-daily roundup of Minnesota news. The Star Tribune’s Liz Sawyer reports, “A 16-year-old North High School football player is in stable condition after being shot multiple times while walking home in north Minneapolis on Wednesday night. Minneapolis police responded to a shots fired call on the 2100 block of N. 8th Avenue just before 8:30 p.m., where they located a minor with gunshot wounds to both legs.
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