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MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE

Minnesota House Democrats call for $1.15B more for education

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House Democratic majority has proposed spending $1.15 billion of the state’s $9.25 billion budget surplus on education. The plan emphasizes mental health supports, special education and English language learners. It draws a sharp contrast with Senate Republicans who want to cut taxes by $3.4 billion while spending just $30 million more on schools. The big spending and policy bills of the 2022 legislative session are starting to come together at the Capitol. The deep philosophical differences between Democrats and Republicans over how to use the massive surplus portend difficult negotiations before the session is due to adjourn May 23.

MOOSE POPULATION-MINNESOTA

Minnesota moose population at largest level since 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s moose population is the largest its been in more than a decade after 11 consecutive years of remaining relatively stable. Department of Natural Resources officials said Monday that the state’s estimated moose population is about 4,700 animals. The survey showed no statistically signficant change from the last one conducted in 2020 but is the highest estimate since 2011. DNR researchers say Minnesota’s moose population is still at risk long term despite sustained population stability and signs of reproductive success. Biologists survey a portion of the moose range every year to come up with an estimate.

RED LAKE HOMICIDE

Man sentenced to 12 years for Red Lake Reservation killing

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) — A man accused in the beating death of a woman on the Red Lake Indian Reservation has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. William Jones IV pleaded guilty last year to one count of second-degree murder for the 2019 killing at the victim’s house in Ponemah, located on the north side of Lower Red Lake. Authorities say the 24-year-old Jones repeatedly assaulted the woman by hitting her and throwing her against the wall. At one point the victim’s head was struck and she suffered a brain injury. Prosecutors said the woman remained unconscious in the house for two days and Jones did nothing to help her. The victim died in Fargo, North Dakota hospital 16 days after the assault.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OR DOCTOR

Hennepin Healthcare: Chose. Doctor or police officer?

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Hennepin Healthcare has a new policy which prohibits its doctors from working side jobs in law enforcement. The health care system’s leaders say it will end its contract for medical instruction with Minneapolis police. Hennepin Healthcare CEO Jennifer DeCubellis said the policy change comes from a need to draw “really clear lines” as to the hospital’s fundamental mission. Interim Chief Medical Officer Dr. Daniel Hoody, in a recent newsletter to staff, explained the dual professions of some doctors with police agencies is harming patient trust. Hennepin Healthcare employs more than 800 medical providers. Three work for law enforcement agencies.

FIRST RESPONDER-PEDESTRIAN CRASH

Woman who survived crash struck by 1st responder in vehicle

SILVER LAKE, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a woman who got out her vehicle after a crash near Silver Lake was struck by an SUV driven by a first responder. The Minnesota State Patrol says 28-year-old Rhiannon Phillippi, of Hutchinson, is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The Star Tribune reports that Phillippi crashed on Highway 7 in McLeod County around 11 a.m. Saturday before she was hit by a vehicle driven bySilver Lake Fire Chief Dale Kosek. No further details about the incident were released. The patrol said there were dry road conditions at the time.

MINNEAPOLIS SHOOTINGS

1 dead, 5 injured in 4 separate shootings in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis police on Sunday were investigating multiple shootings overnight that left one man dead and five people injured in four separate incidents. Police say two people are in custody. The shootings were reported at 9:30and 10 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 2:30 a.m. Sunday. One man who was shot Saturday night suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds. He died Sunday at a hospital. The other five people who were shot are expected to survive. Officials have not said if any of the shootings were related.

RED LAKE-OFFICER SLAIN

Redby man pleads guilty to killing Red Lake Nation officer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man accused of fatally shooting a Red Lake Nation police officer has pleaded guilty to one count of murder. Authorities say that David Donnell Jr., of Redby, shot and killed Ryan Bialke, who was among several officers who responded to a call at Donnell’s residence in July. The 29-year-old Donnell had an active tribal warrant at the time. Officers eventually broke down the door and Donnell immediately open fire. Balke died at the scene. Police say Donnell continued shooting at the other officers as they fled for cover. Donnell was eventually arrested at a nearby residence. Donnell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-MINNESOTA

Dozens of county employees face discipline over COVID shots

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — More than 100 Hennepin County employees could be suspended or fired if they don’t meet next week’s deadline for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. County officials say all unvaccinated employees have until Thursday to prove to human resources that they are vaccinated, after which those who fail to comply will face disciplinary action. The county board voted in November to require its nearly 9,000 employees to get vaccinated unless they received religious or medical exemptions. Officials from several unions representing county workers say the majority of the staffers facing suspension or termination are low-wage workers, often of color and many are women.