GEORGE FLOYD-PROTESTS-ACQUITTAL

Minnesota to pay $1.5M to man arrested during Floyd protest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis has agreed to pay $1.5 million to a man who said police used excessive force when he was arrested during the protests that followed George Floyd’s death in 2020. Jaleel Stallings also alleged in his federal lawsuit that several of his constitutional rights were violated. The judgment accepted by the 29-year-old Stallings states that the city and police do not admit liability and deny the validity of his claims. The Star Tribune reports that Stallings, of St. Paul, says the judgment “validates the harm” he faced but he doesn’t feel he received “justice and accountability.” A city attorney says the resolution allows “all parties to move forward.”

CLINIC SHOOTING-MINNESOTA

Jury selection underway for Minnesota clinic shooting trial

BUFFALO, Minn. (AP) — Jury selection is underway in the trial of a man accused of walking into a Minnesota medical clinic and opening fire, killing one staff member and wounding four others last year. Gregory Ulrich is being tried on charges of murder, attempted murder and other counts in the Feb. 9, 2021, shooting at the Allina Health Clinic in Buffalo, a small city about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Prosecutors say Ulrich was angry about his medical treatment at the clinic when he opened fire, killing Lindsay Overbay, a 37-year-old medical assistant, and wounding the others. Ulrich is also accused of setting off several pipe bombs at the clinic before eventually surrendering. His lawyer hasn’t detailed what defense might be offered at trial.

ELECTION 2022-MINNESOTA-WARDLOW

Wardlow running in primary after losing GOP backing for AG

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Attorney General candidate Doug Wardlow says he’ll run in the primary after losing the Republican endorsement to business attorney Jim Schultz. Wardlow, who was the party’s nominee in 2018, is general counsel at MyPillow. And he’s an ally of its founder, Mike Lindell, a leading proponent of false accusations that the 2020 election was stolen from President Donald Trump. In a video posted on social media Tuesday, Wardlow says he’s fighting the “swamp” in the Minnesota GOP. Wardlow’s entry sets up at least a three-way primary race for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison.

ELECTION 2022-MINNESOTA-HEPOLA

Hepola names school administrator Uselman as running mate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Former broadcaster Cory Hepola, who’s running for governor with the upstart Forward Party of Minnesota, has named school administrator Tamara Uselman as his running mate. Uselman, who lives in Pelican Rapids, is director of equity and inclusion for Fargo Public Schools in North Dakota. She’s also been superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools in North Dakota and Perham-Dent Public Schools in Minnesota. Hepola says he’ll unveil his education platform next month. Democrats have criticized him as a spoiler who could hurt incumbent Gov. Tim Walz. But Hepola says he’s also hoping to attract moderate Republicans turned off by GOP candidate Scott Jensen.

IOWA LEGISLATURE-ETHANOL

New Iowa law requires more ethanol in state’s gasoline

PRAIRIE CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa is the first state in the nation to require most gas stations to sell fuel with at least 15% ethanol under a bill signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Reynolds signed the bill Tuesday on a farm near Prairie City, about 20 miles east of Des Moines. The Republican governor signed the bill on a flatbed wagon backed by tractors and corn planters, highlighting what she called a victory for Iowa farmers and biofuels advocates. The ethanol industry consumes about half of Iowa’s corn crop. The state leads the nation in corn and ethanol production. Most gas sold in Iowa and across the country is blended with 10% ethanol.

MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE-BUDGET

Walz, top lawmakers, reach bipartisan deal to wrap session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders have announced a breakthrough deal on a broad framework for parceling out a massive budget surplus with just a week remaining in the session. The bipartisan deal would devote $4 billion to tax relief, and another $4 billion to spending on education, public safety and health care. It would also leave $4 billion in the bank to guard against downturns. The agreement also calls for $1.5 billion for a public works package known as a bonding bill. Walz told reporters there’s a lot of hard work ahead, but the main parameters have been set.

SPRING FLOODING

Northeastern Minnesota bracing for record flooding

LUTSEN, Minn. (AP) — Communities in northeastern Minnesota are preparing to deal with more flooding and are calling for volunteers to help with sandbagging. Near Voyageurs National Park, most docks are under water at area lakes and some 200 homes and resorts are at risk. Kabetogama Township Supervisor John Stegmeir said his area is bracing for a record-breaking flood. Stegmeir said more volunteers are needed, especially since the average age of volunteers sandbagging right now is 65. A flood warning is in effect for many communities in the Rainy River Basin of far northern Minnesota as the National Weather Service expects rivers and creeks to remain high.

ALBERT LEA STABBINGS

Man suspected in 3 Albert Lea stabbings turns himself in

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a man suspected in the stabbings of three people in Albert Lea has turned himself in to police. Police say first responders were called to an unknown emergency at an apartment complex after 8:30 a.m. Monday. Two of the victims, ages 18 and 22, suffered critical wounds and were flown to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. The condition of the third victim is not known. The suspect showed up at the Albert Lea Law Enforcement Center about 11:30 a.m. Monday. The Albert Lea Tribune reports that authorities said he knew the people who were injured.