Good morning, and happy Wednesday.
Some prominent Minnesotans filed a lawsuit Tuesday asking the state Supreme Court to keep former President Donald Trump's name off the 2024 Minnesota presidential primary and general election ballot. MPR’s Mark Zdechlik and Dana Ferguson report the lawsuit was filed by a group called Free Speech For People on behalf of several Minnesota voters, including former DFL Secretary of State Joan Growe and former state Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson. It contends that Trump is barred by the Constitution’s 14th Amendment from holding another federal elected office because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. The petitioners in Minnesota say Trump tried to enlist government officials to illegally overturn the 2020 election after swearing to uphold the Constitution when he took office.
Hundreds of members of the union that represents Metro Transit workers in the Twin Cities have authorized a strike as contract negotiations continue with the agency. MPR’s Tim Nelson reports talks between Metro Transit and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 have been underway for more than a month. They started before the previous contract expired on Aug. 1. ATU Local 1005 said 94 percent of members voted in favor of authorizing a strike in balloting held Sunday and Monday. The vote doesn’t mean there will be a work stoppage yet — but it does empower the union’s leaders to call a strike if they deem it necessary. In a statement Tuesday, Metro Transit said it is “not anticipating any immediate service impacts at this time. Our employees are integral to serving those who rely on transit and we look forward to reaching an agreement.”
The Carver County Library will not comply with a request to remove a book from its shelves. MPR’s Alex V. Cipolle reports that the Carver County Library Board voted Tuesday evening to keep “Gender Queer: A Memoir” available to check out after dozens of supporters of the book testified during a public hearing. “It’s up to the parents to decide what their kids read,” Library Board President Charles Teh said. Written and illustrated by Maia Kobabe, “Gender Queer” is at the top of the American Library Association's most challenged books list. At the library board meeting in Chaska, all of the around 25 people who spoke opposed banning the book. Library Director Jodi Edstrom also said at the meeting that everyone commenting via email was against banning “Gender Queer.” “If you ban this book, they’ll be back for more books. I guarantee it,” said Ellie Krug, a Carver County resident and trans woman who spoke during the meeting.
Community leaders along the Mississippi River, worried that dry southwestern states will someday try to take the river’s water, may soon take their first step toward blocking such a diversion, according to a story from MPR News and the Associated Press. Mayors from cities along the river are expected to vote on whether to support a new compact among the river’s 10 states at this week’s annual meeting in Bemidji, Minn., of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, according to its executive director Colin Wellenkamp. Supporters of a compact hope it will strengthen the region’s collective power around shared goals like stopping water from leaving the corridor. “It is the most important working river on earth,” said Wellenkamp. “It’s a matter of national security that the Mississippi River corridor remain intact, remain sustainable and remain ecologically and hydrologically healthy.”
The Minnesota Veterans Affairs commissioner is stepping down as he copes with a diagnosis of ALS. Brian Bakst reports that Larry Herke has led the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs since the start of the Walz administration in 2019. He will leave on Sept. 22 as a search for his replacement takes place. Herke, 60, had a long career in the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard prior to joining state government. The Mankato native had a strong reputation among legislators of both parties. During his tenure, he worked on issues related to veterans homelessness, medical care and cemeteries. Herke disclosed that he is dealing with ALS — the nervous system disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Herke said he will continue in retirement to advocate for medical research into a cure. Herke’s deputy Brad Lindsay has been named the agency’s temporary commissioner. Applications for the permanent role are due in early October.
Minnesota tax revenue remains ahead of projections two months into the state government’s fiscal year. New figures from MMB show August collections exceeded expectations by $61 million. That’s nearly 6 percent better than forecast. Since July, the excess is now at $106 million. The tax figures account for roughly $1 billion in rebate checks that have been distributed to eligible households. A more detailed economic update is due next month. | 