Good morning. Sorry if you sat through that nationally televised game.
Momentarily, look past the in-season meltdowns for your favorite Minnesota sports teams (you’re spared for now, Twolves fans) to a brewing political tug-of-war. MinnPost had first word a couple of weeks ago about an upcoming legislative request for help renovating Xcel Energy Center, home to the currently sputtering Wild. Now KSTP-TV has a key update. It is reporting that the city of St. Paul and the team are envisioning an arena update of $200 million to $300 million, according to initial plans they’re sharing with state leaders. It’s more than it cost to build the hockey arena and concert venue about two decades ago. The talks are described as preliminary and the specific portion the state might be asked to kick in isn’t yet known.
In case you missed it while watching the Vikings-Bears game last night (oof), the Wild fired head coach Dean Evason. The shakeup comes just 19 games into a disappointing season.
Cannabis legalization in Minnesota raises questions about how that impacts immigrants who lack U.S. citizenship. MPR’s Sarah Thamer looked into the implications for people who could face immigration consequences under federal law for possessing marijuana that is legal under state law. There could be enhanced risk for people lacking more-permanent status, but it’s too soon to tell if that has translated into enforcement actions.
The investiture ceremony for the state Supreme Court at the Minnesota History Center was appropriately filled with nods to history yesterday. MPR’s Dana Ferguson was at the ceremony for new Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, the first in person of color in that role, and Associate Justice Karl Procaccini, who is the first person of Muslim faith to sit on the court. Both were appointed to their roles by Gov. Tim Walz in August and took their initial oaths via signature in early October. Hundreds of current and former elected officials, justices, judges, attorneys and others filled the auditorium for the traditional investiture ceremony. From the outset, speakers and musical performers noted the significance of the day.
When school levies fail, it often falls to district administrators to blunt the damage and find financial workarounds. In Rochester, one of Minnesota’s biggest public school districts, a levy failure could mean closed schools, restrictions on school selection and other budget-cutting measures. MPR’s Catharine Richert ran down some of the details being proposed to get the district’s revenue and spending closer in line. The plan is subject to board approval, which could be considered early next year.
Who else might step up in the newly open 3rd Congressional District race? We’ll probably know soon. Two DFLers, Kelly Morrison and Ron Harris, are in. Local GOP leaders have said they’re still working to find a candidate that can reflect that suburban district and its values. So far, just one has filed a campaign committee. Political newcomer Blaize Harty has announced his bid for the seat. Harty runs a construction and dock installation company, per his campaign website. Bigger political names have also been circulated, but state Rep. Kristin Robbins and former Attorney General candidate Jim Schultz told Dana they’re not running for the seat. Kendall and Sheila Qualls — entrepreneurs who are active in conservative circles — have also been mentioned. They’ve yet to say whether either of them would run. | 