April 30, 2021

MN Claims Highest Census Self-Response Rate in the Nation, State Fair Planning in Process

April 30, 2021

The Week at a Glance

100 days in office:

April 29, 2021: “President Joe Biden’s address to Congress and the Republican response by Sem. Tim Scott”, via the Minnesota Public Radio Staff

Minnesota State Fair 2021:

April 26, 2021: ‘Planning is proceeding’, via Emily Haavik of Kare11

The Census:

April 27, 2021: “Minnesota retains all 8 congressional seats”, via KARE Staff of Kare11
April 27, 2021: “The 2020 census: Nice job, Minnesota”, via the Editorial Board of the Star Tribune
April 27, 2021: “Another suit asks Minnesota courts to oversee redistricting” via The Associated Press

Police Reform:

April 22, 2021: “Minnesota police oversight board votes to ban white supremacists, update crowd control tactics”, via Theo Keith of Fox 9
April 28, 2021:“North Dakota law enforcement halts aid in Minnesota over new deadly force law. Fargo-area sheriff writes Gov. Walz seeking ND officer Exemption”, via April Baumgarten for the Twin Cities Pioneer Press
April 29, 2921: “Gov. Tim Walz joined bipartisan leaders in the Minnesota Legislature Thursday to call for action on Police Reform”, via Forum News Service for Pine Journal,
April 29, 2021: via A.J. Lagoe and Steve Eckert of Kare11, “Innocent MN family held at gunpoint in SWAT no-knock warrant raid

COVID-19:

Seven-day rolling average is 1,648 cases per day. Positive test rate is 4.6%. Over 2.5 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose.

Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Trends still solid; vaccination pace flat, by the MPR News staff at Minnesota Public Radio.
- Three things to note: (1) Active cases trending down; Walz plans more loosening of COVID-19 curbs (2) More than 57% of Minnesotans 16 and older have received at least one dose; 43% fully vaccinated (3) 22 COVID-19 cases linked to recent protests in Brooklyn Center over the police killing of Daunte Wright; 11 among law enforcement
COVID vaccines are getting easier to find in Minnesota, by Lauren Leamanczyk of Kare11 “‘Public health experts explain why vaccine hesitancy can put even those who’ve gotten their shot at risk”
Date night is finally returning to Minnesota, thanks to vaccinated babysitters, by Erica Pearson of the Star Tribune

Key Events, Court Rulings & Executive Branch Developments

April 22, 2021: via Faiza Mahamud of the Star Tribune, “Among Minnesota’s refugees, military presence in Twin Cities stirs painful memories. Many reminded of was, violent conflict in the troubled lands they fled”
April 26, 2021: via Will Englund of the Washington Post, “Minnesota gasps at the financial damage it faces from the Texas freeze
April 28, 2021: via Tanner Curl of MinnPost, “Get your free ticket to our conversation with Sen. Amy Klobuchar on May 4”
April 29, 2021: via Peter Aitken of Fox News, “Minnesota man fined $12 million for police station fire at George Floyd protests.”
April 29, 2021: via Jennifer Bjorhus of the Star Tribune, “Federal regulator steps in to protect Minnesota’s wild rice stands. EPA is forcing Minnesota to add 30 polluted waterways for cleanup”
April 29, 2021: via Erin Golden of the Star Tribune, “Minnesota schools brace for big budget cuts amid pandemic fallout. Pandemic has tightened budgets, but changes could leave districts short”
April 29, 2021: via Jennifer Bjorhus of the Star Tribune, “Minnesota Supreme Court hits pause on PolyMet permit to mine. The DNR must hold a contested case hearing on the permit to mine”

Update from the Minnesota Legislature

April 28, 2021: via Tim Pugmire of Minnesota Public Radio, “Legal pot bill moving in MN House despite Senate GOP opposition”
April 26, 2021: via Brian Bakst of Minnesota Public Radio, “4 weeks left and $1billion to bridge for Minn. lawmakers”
April 29, 2021: via Cathy Wurzer and Tim Nelson of Minnesota Public Radio, “State aid for Twin Cities businesses uncertain as end of session looms”
April 30, 2021: via Andy Mannix of Pine Journal, “Lawmakers enter final battles over a budget”.
April 30, 2021: via Jennifer Lewerenz of KNSI Radio / USA, “Eviction Moratorium Off-Ramp Legislation Passes Minnesota House”

April 25, 2021

Derek Chauvin found guilty on all counts, Remembering Daunte Wright & Walter Mondale

April 25, 2021

The Trial of Derek Chauvin

Monday, April 19: via Erin Donaghue of CBS News, The jury began deliberations after closing arguments, adjourning at 8 p.m. local time without reaching a verdict.

National Guard troops are called to U.S. cities as the jury deliberates in the Chauvin trial, by Andres R. Martinez of the New York Times

Tuesday, April 20: via the New York Times, Derek Chauvin is convicted for the murder of George Floyd. After just under 10 hours of deliberation the jurors delivered guilty verdicts on the counts of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second degree manslaughter.

Chao Xiong and Paul Walsh of the Star Tribune write, “The verdicts, read aloud at 4:07 p.m. and streamed live around the world, prompted immediate celebrations in the plaza outside the courthouse in downtown Minneapolis”

Wednesday, April 21: via Matt Sepic of Minnesota Public Radio News, Minnesota Guard troops standing down as Twin Cities are quiet after the verdict

Remembering Former Vice President Walter Mondale

On Monday, April 19, Walter “Fritz” Mondale passed away, age 93. A dedicated and compassionate public servant, Mr. Mondale was remembered by his 1976 running mate, Former President Jimmy Carter, as, “the best vice president in our country’s history”.

The police killing of Daunte Wright

Daunte Wright was laid to rest on Thursday the 22 of April. Shannon Prather et al, of the StarTribune reported “Mourners including the state’s top political leaders filled a north Minneapolis church to honor a 20-year-man killed by Brooklyn Center Police, and demand justice”

COVID-19:

Seven-day rolling average is 1,799 cases per day. Positive test rate is 4.1%. Over 2.3 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose.

Upper Midwest Covid-19 Surge May Signal Problems Aheah for U.S., by Madeleine Ngo and Sheryl Gay Stolberg of The New York Times
MN Schools to stay open despite growing Covid-19 spread among students, by Elizabeth Shockman of Minnesota Public Radio News
- “‘Increasing vaccination and increasing testing can help us protect the ability of schools to stay in person,’ [State Health Commissioner] Jan Malcom said during a news conference Thursday”
As COVID cases rise among kids, teens targeted for vaccination, By Catherine Richert of Minnesota Public Radio News
With Few New Clotting Cases, Johnson & Johnson Pause Could Be Lifted Soon, by Noah Weiland and Sharon LaFraniere of The New York Times

April 16, 2021

Defense rests its case in the Chauvin trial, Potter charged for killing of Daunte Wright, over 2 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose

April 16, 2021

The Week at a Glance

The Police Killing of Daunte Wright: On Sunday afternoon, Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter shot and killed Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black male, during a traffic stop. Wright is survived by his mother, Katie Wright, and his son, Daunte Wright Jr.
- Police fatally shoot man, 20, in suburban Minneapolis, sparking protests, by Jared Goyette and Andrea Salcedo of The Washington Post
- via Nick Woltman and Kristi Belcamino of The Pioneer Press, “Looters ransacked businesses and protesters clashed with police Sunday night in Brooklyn Center after an officer shot and killed a man in the Minneapolis suburb during a traffic stop.”
- Police officer who killed Daunte Wright will face second-degree manslaughter charges, by Kim Bellware, Mark Berman, and Sheila Regan of The Washington Post
- The Brooklyn Center City Council voted 3-2 to give Mayor Mike Elliott command authority over the Police Department. Authority over the police department was previously vested in the city manager, who the Mayor fired along with the police chief.
- (WARNING: GRAPHIC) Bodycam footage available on Youtube via MSNBC
The Trial of Derek Chauvin:
- New public opinion polling from Rasmussen Reports on the expected outcome of the Chauvin trial
- Derek Chauvin trial recap: Minneapolis police chief, medical experts testify, by Katrina Pross of The Pioneer Press
- Medical expert: 'In a vise,' George Floyd did everything he could as he struggled to breathe, by Rochelle Olson and Paul Walsh of Star Tribune
- Chauvin decides not to testify; defense rests its case as jury heads into deliberations next week.
COVID-19: Seven-day rolling average is 2093 cases per day. Positive test rate is 5.9%. Over 2.1 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose.
- Fourth virus wave is feared in Upper Midwest, by Madeleine Ngo and Sheryl Gay Stolberg of The New York Times
- FDA and CDC put a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccinations.

April 9, 2021

COVID cases are still on the rise, State Fairgrounds will be used as a mass vaccination site, and all eyes are on the trial of Derek Chauvin.

April 9, 2021

The Week at a Glance

COVID-19: Cases in Minnesota continue to climb week after week. Seven-day rolling average is 1876 cases per day. Positive test rate is 5.7%.
- 34.8% of Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose.
- Minnesota prisons struggle to keep COVID at bay as over 4,000 inmates have tested positive and 100 are still recovering from COVID-19, according to the Department of Corrections.
- The Minnesota State fairgrounds will be used as a mass vaccination site beginning on April 14.

The Trial of Derek Chauvin:
- Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo took the witness stand on Monday, testifying against former officer Derek Chauvin.
  - In Rare Testimony, Chief Says Chauvin ‘Should Have Stopped’ Pinning Floyd, by Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Shaila Dewan and John Eligon of The New York Times
  - Minneapolis police chief: Derek Chauvin 'in no way' should've kept George Floyd pinned by the neck, by Paul Walsh, Chao Xiong and Rochelle Olson of Star Tribune
- The trial has had a ripple effect throughout the Twin Cities and across the state of Minnesota.
  - Chauvin’s trial leaves many Black viewers emotionally taxed, by Noreen Nasir and Corey Williams of Associated Press
  - After George Floyd’s death, Minnesota lawmakers grapple with demands for more police reforms, by Dana Ferguson of Forum News Service
  - A new Morning Consult/POLITICO poll finds that many voters are closely following the trial.

April 2, 2021

Covid continues to rise, both in cases and jabs in arms. Schedule your appointment and get the vaccine!

April 2, 2021

COVID-19: Minnesota leads the nation in vaccination rate - but in the race between vaccinations and variants, the vaccinations aren’t winning.

The positive test rate reached 5.2% this week, a critical indication that cases are on the rise once again in spite of the fact that over 1.7 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose.
The seven-day rolling average increased for the fourth week in a row, this week reaching 1610 cases per day.
Pfizer says its vaccine is safe and effective for kids as young as 12.
Head of European Union Health Agency: 'no evidence' to restrict the use of AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Trial of Derek Chauvin: Jury selection concluded over the weekend and the trial of Derek Chauvin began on Monday.
- What You Need to Know about the Trial of ex-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, by Matt DeLong of Star Tribune
- Judge Peter Cahill Faces Huge Challenge leading Derek Chauvin Trial, by Rochelle Olson of Star Tribune
- Who are the Jurors in the Derek Chauvin Trial?, by Paul Walsh and Hannah Sayle of Star Tribune
- Derek Chauvin trial: Watch live streaming video here via Pioneer Press
- Here are the Main Figures in Court during Derek Chauvin’s Trial by Katrina Pross of Pioneer Press.
- via Katrina Pross of Pioneer Press: ‘I called the police on the police’
- What happened Thursday in the Derek Chauvin trial, by Paul Walsh and Hannah Sayle of Star Tribune
- Chauvin’s supervisor on the witness stand: Use of force should have stopped once George Floyd stopped resisting
Gubernatorial Race 2022: Minnesota Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) is considering a run for Governor. The campaign of Former Senator Scott Jensen has raised $200,000 since he announced his gubernatorial campaign.

March 26, 2021

Minnesota Governor Walz expands access to the Covid-19 vaccines to those 16 years old and up!

March 26, 2021

COVID-19: Seven-day rolling average is 1279 cases per day. Positive test rate is 4.5%. Over 1.475 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose.

On Monday, the state recorded zero deaths for the first time in nearly a year.
Minnesota also passed a big milestone: 25% of Minnesotans are vaccinated.
80% of all Minnesota seniors are vaccinated.
On Thursday, Governor Walz announced that all adults 16 and older will be eligible to be vaccinated starting March 30th.

Governor Walz will deliver the State of the State address on Sunday, March 28 at 6:00 PM.
The Minneapolis Charter Commission is weighing whether or not to allow voters to decide if the city should switch to a strong mayor system of government whereby the mayor would become the chief executive of the city.
Governor Walz signed three bills into law this week: The Dry Cleaner Environmental Response and Reimbursement Account, the Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Orders for Protection Act, and the Real Property Ownership Definitions Act.

March 19, 2021

Budgets! Covid climbing back up—make sure to wear your mask!

March 19, 2021

The Week at a Glance

COVID-19: Cases are climbing again in Minnesota. Seven-day rolling average is 1050 cases per day. Positive test rate is 3.6%. Over 1.3 million Minnesotans have received at least one vaccine dose.
Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm are all in quarantine following a presumed exposure to COVID-19.
Senate Republicans released their two-year budget proposal. Governor Walz introduced a revised budget plan.

March 12, 2021

Get your vaccine! Walz opens up the vaccine to 1.8 million Minnesotans, soon everyone will have access. Also, major turn of the dials starting Monday!

March 12, 2021

COVID-19: Governor Walz will introduce updated COVID-19 restrictions today. Watch live here at 11:00 AM.

On Monday, jury selection began for the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. The trial will be broadcast live, but jury selection will be kept behind closed doors.

U.S. News ranks Minnesota the second-best state.

Former Senator Scott Jensen (GOP-Chaska) is running for Governor. Jensen, who served one term in the Minnesota Senate, is a physician known for posting controversial videos online.

The latest KSTP poll finds that 54% of Minnesotans approve of the way both Governor Walz and President Biden are handling the coronavirus.

Expanded vaccine eligibility means shots for all Minnesotans by May.

The American Rescue Plan will bring over $4 billion in federal money to Minnesota, and it will provide millions to the metro areas: $281 million for Minneapolis, $171 million for St. Paul, and $60 million for Duluth.