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Minnesota Decembers Show Warming, Wetter Trends

Minnesota Decembers Show Warming, Wetter Trends

Minnesota has experienced a significant warming trend in December over the past two decades, with average temperatures increasing by over 3.5°F (1.9°C) since 2000. Since 2001, 76% of Decembers have been warmer than normal, with 10 of them ranking among the 20 warmest since 1895. In December 2023, southern Minnesota saw five days with temperatures exceeding 50°F (10°C), which is 20–25°F above normal. Precipitation has also increased, with 10 of the 20 wettest Decembers on record occurring since 2008. Many areas have reported monthly precipitation totals exceeding 3 inches during this period.

Minnesota's AI 'Nudification' Ban Challenged in Eighth Circuit Over First Amendment Concerns

Minnesota's AI 'Nudification' Ban Challenged in Eighth Circuit Over First Amendment Concerns

Minnesota's statute § 325E.91, which bans AI tools capable of 'nudifying' images, is facing a legal challenge in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The law targets the providers of these AI tools, holding them liable if their service allows for image nudification, regardless of intent or consent. This differs from existing Minnesota laws that punish individuals for sharing non-consensual intimate images. xAI, the appellant, argues that the law is overly broad, imposes strict liability, and infringes on First Amendment rights by restricting access to tools that can be used for lawful purposes. The district court initially denied a preliminary injunction, but the Eighth Circuit granted an injunction pending appeal. Amicus briefs supporting xAI argue that the law's definition of 'nudify' is too broad, potentially encompassing images like those of someone in a bathing suit, and that strict liability will lead platforms to suppress lawful images. The case raises the question of whether a state can regulate th...

University of Minnesota Researcher Jan Mladonicky Prepares Minnesota for Future Pandemics Through Wildlife Surveillance

University of Minnesota Researcher Jan Mladonicky Prepares Minnesota for Future Pandemics Through Wildlife Surveillance

Jan Mladonicky, a researcher at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), is leading efforts to prepare Minnesota for future pandemics by focusing on wildlife disease and emerging pathogen surveillance. Her work, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, involves studying how viruses like SARS-CoV-2 circulate in wild animal populations, including deer and rodents. Mladonicky and her team leverage existing partnerships with organizations like the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota to collect and test samples. This surveillance project has expanded to track other threats, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in E. coli and salmonella found in birds, and a new strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that emerged in 2022. The goal is to establish a baseline of circulating pathogens at the local level to inform public health risks.

Democratic US senator probes CoreCivic sale of ICE facility in Minnesota

Democratic US senator probes CoreCivic sale of ICE facility in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - A top US Democratic senator is investigating the Trump administration's purchase of a Minnesota immigration detention facility from CoreCivic, raising questions over the price and calling on the company and the Department of Homeland Security to preserve their records.

Mayor Bob Nelson's Re-election in Spring Lake Park Decided by Random Drawing, Recount Requested

Mayor Bob Nelson's Re-election in Spring Lake Park Decided by Random Drawing, Recount Requested

Mayor Bob Nelson was selected for re-election in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, after a rare tie in the mayoral race. Both Mayor Nelson, the incumbent, and challenger Halyn Roth received exactly 1,401 votes. The tie was resolved through a random drawing held in the city council chambers. A council member drew one of two identical canisters from a bag, each containing a candidate's name, and Nelson's name was selected. This method of resolution is used in cases of electoral ties. However, Halyn Roth, who was running for public office for the first time, has since filed for a recount, leaving the final outcome of the mayoral race unsettled. The situation highlights the close margins and unique procedures that can occur in local elections.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Petersen Seeks Reappointment Under Governor-Elect Klobuchar

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Petersen Seeks Reappointment Under Governor-Elect Klobuchar

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen has expressed his intention to seek reappointment under Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar, who is set to take office in January. Petersen plans to participate in the Klobuchar administration's open application process for commissioner positions. He has served as Agriculture Commissioner since January 2019, having been appointed by the previous governor and reappointed in 2023. Petersen highlighted his efforts during his tenure, including navigating challenging agricultural seasons, expanding the meat processing sector, growing local food initiatives, and strengthening farmer mental health resources. He noted that Governor-elect Klobuchar, who has served on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee since 2007, has a strong understanding of agricultural issues, and he believes agriculture will be a significant priority for her administration.

New House Democrat Matt Little Addresses Online Rumors, Clarifies Identity Amidst Nathan Fielder Comparisons

New House Democrat Matt Little Addresses Online Rumors, Clarifies Identity Amidst Nathan Fielder Comparisons

Rep.-elect Matt Little, a Democrat from Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District, has publicly addressed online rumors suggesting he is secretly comedian Nathan Fielder. Little, who is still months away from being sworn into Congress, posted a video on TikTok stating, 'I am not Nathan Fielder. This is not a bit. I am a real person.' The comparisons arose due to a passing resemblance and the comedic nature of some of his social media posts detailing his experience during new member orientation in Washington D.C. Little, a former mayor and state senator, has been using social media to offer an unfiltered look into the workings of Capitol Hill, aiming to connect with constituents and demystify the legislative process.

Minnesota Faces Severe Housing Shortage Across All Income Levels, Hindering Economic Growth

Minnesota Faces Severe Housing Shortage Across All Income Levels, Hindering Economic Growth

Minnesota is experiencing a significant housing shortage, with current data indicating a deficit of approximately 100,000 affordable housing units needed for its existing workforce. This shortage is not confined to metropolitan areas but extends to smaller cities, towns, and rural regions, impeding economic growth and forcing employers to become housing advocates. About 220,000 households in Minnesota earn less than $20,000 annually, and a third of all households are considered 'cost-burdened,' meaning they spend 30% or more of their income on monthly housing costs. With median home prices exceeding $400,000 and average rent nearing $1,700 per month, homeownership is unattainable for many middle-income workers. Even critical service sector workers, such as registered nurses, struggle to afford quality rental housing, despite competitive wages. The state also faces significant racial disparities in homeownership, with 78% of white households owning homes compared to only 31% of Black households, and 57-60% ...

Mayor Weisensel and Councilmembers Klimpel and Essler Reelected in Rosemount, Minnesota

Mayor Weisensel and Councilmembers Klimpel and Essler Reelected in Rosemount, Minnesota

Mayor Jeff Weisensel, along with Councilmembers Tami Klimpel and Paul Essler, have been reelected in Rosemount, Minnesota, following the General Election on November 3, 2026. All three incumbents will commence new four-year terms in January 2027, extending through January 2031. They will join Councilmembers Paul Theisen and Heidi Freske to form the five-member Rosemount City Council. Mayor Weisensel has served on the City Council since 2009 and became mayor in 2023, with prior involvement in the Rosemount Planning Commission and Port Authority. Councilmember Klimpel was appointed to the City Council in February 2023, having previously served on the Rosemount Area Athletic Association (RAAA) board. Councilmember Essler was first elected to the City Council in 2018 and has held roles on the Rosemount Port Authority and the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Board of Commissioners, in addition to his involvement with RAAA.

Governor Walz Authorizes Disaster Aid for Six Minnesota Counties Affected by Floods and Wildfires

Governor Walz Authorizes Disaster Aid for Six Minnesota Counties Affected by Floods and Wildfires

Governor Tim Walz has approved state disaster assistance for six Minnesota counties following a year marked by significant natural disasters. Four southern counties—Fillmore, Houston, Steele, and Waseca—will receive aid due to severe flooding that commenced on September 19. Concurrently, Cook and Lake counties in northern Minnesota are slated for assistance to address damages from wildfires that began on July 7. This funding will be disbursed through Minnesota's Disaster Assistance Contingency Account, designed to support eligible local governments when their disaster expenses surpass their local financial capabilities. The aid aims to help repair critical public infrastructure damaged by these events.

Arise Community Credit Union Launches to Address Financial Disparities in Minnesota

Arise Community Credit Union Launches to Address Financial Disparities in Minnesota

Arise Community Credit Union Launches to Address Financial Disparities in Minnesota

Cloudy Evening in Minneapolis with Mild Temps

Cloudy Evening in Minneapolis with Mild Temps

Minneapolis, MN is expected to experience cloudy conditions this evening, with temperatures gradually decreasing from 12°C (54°F) at 6:00 PM to 9°C (48°F) by 11:00 PM. Humidity levels will rise from 46% to 67% throughout the evening, while wind speeds remain light, ranging from 4 km/h to 5 km/h, coming from the south and south-southeast. Precipitation chances are low at 15%, with no measurable rainfall expected. Cloud cover will increase steadily, reaching 99% by late evening. The atmospheric pressure will slightly decrease from 1015.6 hPa to 1014.1 hPa during this period. Source time: Thu, 12 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT.