MinnPost Minneapolis

A Minnesota court paused Google's planned data center in Pine Island amid opposition from a citizen group, highlighting broader legal challenges against data centers in the state. Lawsuits, led by the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, allege inadequate environmental reviews and lack of public transparency in project approvals.

Post Modern Times, a Minneapolis cafe, is temporarily closing to reassess its community-centric approach after removing menu prices during a winter crisis. Legendary U of M baseball coach John Anderson, who coached for 43 years, has died. 56 Brewing's 'Crispy Business' beer label targets millennial lesbians in Minnesota.

The Minneapolis Board of Estimate & Taxation considered a proposed 5.68% property tax levy increase to fund the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's 2027 budget of $100.5 million. The board also authorized reissuing $96 million in capital bonds to save finance costs and addressed a missed cost-of-living adjustment for the BET executive secretary.

The Blue Line Extension Project Decision Board approved $190 million in budget reductions, shrinking the funding gap from $279 million to $89 million. Key cuts included removing a pedestrian bridge and adjusting parking spaces, while shifts to local funding sources reduced finance charges. The board discussed contingency funds and potential sales tax funds to address the remaining gap.

Research shows singing and music-making skills strengthen auditory processing and literacy development in children before age 5. Minnesota aims to launch a musical fitness movement to improve reading readiness, as 39% of fourth graders in the state struggle with basic reading. Studies link rhythm and pitch skills to better literacy outcomes, with efforts to dispel myths about musical ability as a natural talent.

Mesabi Metallics, an iron ore mine in Minnesota developed by Essar Group, is set to become the state's first new iron mine in 50 years. The $2.5 billion facility aims to produce iron pellets for green steel production, with operations expected to start this fall.

The U.S. House passed the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID for voting, alongside a stock trading bill restricting lawmakers. The Senate has not yet agreed to take up these measures. A GOP budget blueprint including $95 billion for Iran war funding and the SAVE Act also faces Senate delay.

A cyanotoxin advisory was issued for Lake Cornelia in Edina due to blue-green algae. Vance Boelter was sentenced to two life sentences plus 40 years for killings and attacks on multiple lawmakers and their families. Mike Lindell, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, registered to vote in Minnesota, raising questions about election procedures.

Minnesota families face fragmented healthcare systems requiring multiple providers for mental health, physical health, and supportive services. The article highlights how disconnected systems exacerbate issues like anxiety and asthma, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the need for integrated care.

A man was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years for killing Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and critically injuring two other lawmakers. The attacker, who pleaded guilty, admitted to stalking targets and disguising as a police officer before the attacks. Victims and families described lasting trauma and anger over the lack of a death penalty.

MinnPost is hiring a data journalist to produce data-driven stories and visualizations, focusing on state and local government topics. The role involves collaboration with reporters and using AI tools to enhance journalism in Minnesota.

A Vermont-based experiment involves infecting nearly 5,300 American elms with Dutch elm disease to identify disease-tolerant survivors, aiming to restore the endangered species and its ecological benefits, including flood mitigation and biodiversity support.

Steve Sack resumes publishing editorial cartoons on topics like CDC cutbacks and cyclospora on MinnPost each Thursday. His work is also available on Substack.

Wildfire smoke and ash in northern Minnesota are being monitored for their impact on drinking water sources, particularly lakes. Advanced treatment systems in cities like Ely are designed to handle contaminants, but private water systems in rural areas face greater risks. Scientists warn that toxic compounds from fires could affect surface water used by some communities.

Minnesota will implement new laws effective August 1, including bans on crypto kiosks and prediction markets, and updates to veterinary telemedicine regulations. The article also discusses potential impacts of permanent Daylight Saving Time and notes the complementary ranges of the 13-lined ground squirrel and common loon in Minnesota.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an ordinance repealing the adult bathhouse ban, legalizing public sex venues including prostitution. Advocates frame the policy as supporting LGBTQ+ rights and public health, while critics argue it facilitates sexual exploitation and trafficking risks, particularly for queer youth.

The Minneapolis Step Up program, established in 2003, continues to train lower-income teens, particularly students of color, through internships and mentorship. Jordan Dotson, a program graduate, now works at Best Buy, highlighting the program's role in workforce development. However, the program faces challenges like declining employer participation, reducing available internships.

Minneapolis City Council voted 6-6 to reject a 'Drones as First Responders' pilot program, citing concerns over Skydio drones' use by Israel in the Israel-Hamas war. Council member LaTrisha Vetaw argued the program could enhance public safety, while activists emphasized privacy risks. The debate highlights tensions between technological solutions for crime and ethical concerns.

More than half of the northern wildfires are now 100% contained, with nine of 16 fires fully controlled. Small businesses in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are experiencing financial losses due to the fires, and a suspect in the Highland Park shooting has been arrested.

Terri Boettcher, a parent-to-parent program manager at Family Voices of Minnesota, highlights the challenges families face in accessing care for children with developmental and mental health needs. St. David’s Developmental and Therapeutic Services in Minneapolis is expanding with renovated facilities to provide additional classrooms and therapeutic spaces, aiming to address the growing demand for specialized care.