Has violent crime increased in Minnesota in recent years?
After declining in 2018 and 2019, violent crime in Minnesota increased 17.2% in 2020 and 21.6% in 2021, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s 2021 statewide crime report.
Public Safety
The state of Minnesota is giving $300 million to local governments for public safety. How will they spend it?
The money does include a few limitations on how it can be spent — and due to its one-time nature, isn’t likely to be useful in paying ongoing expenses like salaries — but local governments have a lot of discretion in how to use the funding to meet their public safety needs.
‘Hands-free is hands-free:’ Revised Minnesota law cracks down on drivers handling cellphones
To receive a citation, a law-enforcement officer only has to see the phone in either hand — or both hands even — and doesn’t have to prove that the phone-holder was also engaged in any of the illegal activities covered by the existing law.
What does Minnesota’s Legal Marijuana Now Party do … now?
The Legal Marijuana Now Party plans to evolve, but a new state law makes it more difficult for political parties to gain major party status.
AG Ellison offers details of Chauvin prosecution in new book
The retelling of the chaos and triumphant prosecution of Chauvin for second degree murder is chronicled in Ellison’s new book, “Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence.”
What has — and hasn’t — changed in public safety since George Floyd’s murder three years ago
The city where George Floyd was murdered has seen many calls for reform in the time since, from proposals to defund the city’s police department to bans on police practices like chokeholds, pretextual stops and no-knock warrants. Here are some that have come to fruition — and some that haven’t.
As Metro Transit crime continues to rise, Twin Cities community members call on officials to take action
Metro Transit trains and buses have experienced low ridership and rising crime since the pandemic.
Minnesota’s soon-to-be law allowing recreational marijuana, explained
The bill sponsors said they think they still have enough DFL votes to approve the final bill and expect some Republicans to support it.
How leaked school security maps could put Minneapolis kids in danger
Sensitive, detailed campus security information was leaked after the school district suffered a massive ransomware attack. School safety experts are alarmed.
Besides gun reforms, what’s in the big public safety package the Minnesota Senate passed
The House is expected to vote on the package on Monday, where the DFL majority has the votes to pass the spending bill and get it to Gov. Walz’s desk.
Home grow marijuana could be legal in Minnesota August 1, but can people legally obtain seeds?
While 22 states have legalized growing the plant for medical or recreational uses, it remains illegal federally, and moving marijuana products across state lines is banned in most states.
Four takeaways from the DFL’s vote to approve gun regulations
DFL lawmakers who control the Minnesota Legislature have cleared their toughest obstacle for approving two major gun regulations, paving the way for new limits on firearms to reach the desk of Gov. Tim Walz and become law.
DFL is ‘darn close’ on gun bills, teeing up crucial vote on red flag law, more background checks
Both were priorities of DFL leaders including Gov. Tim Walz, and Democrats hold narrow majorities in the House and Senate. Republicans appear united in opposition, so all DFL senators would need to support the measures. It’s been unclear for months if the party has enough votes.
Minneapolis Police, city officials field questions from concerned Dinkytown residents after chaotic weekend
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said 10 people were either arrested or cited for various offenses over the weekend — seven of the 10 were juveniles, and one of them was arrested on all three nights and remains in custody.
Court-enforceable Minneapolis Police Department reforms require a monitor. What is that and who will serve in the role?
The monitor will be the eyes and ears of the public and will track the city’s progress in instituting changes outlined in the settlement agreement between the city and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
19 graduate from college program in Lino Lakes prison
While incarcerated, individuals can take courses to get an Associates degree or certificate from Minneapolis College, and then decide to continue their studies and receive a bachelor’s degree from Metro State.
Does Twin Cities crime really go up in the summer?
The Minneapolis and St. Paul Police Departments are preparing for the summertime uptick as they do every year, but in recent years, say they have shifted a focus on intervention over enforcement.
DFL still not united on red flag law, background checks after months of advocacy on guns
Democrats are resting their hopes on just two gun bills. But do they have the votes?
These bikers don’t want a bike trail on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue
The city has proposed off-street bike lanes along what’s already one of St. Paul’s most-cycled routes. But a handful of dedicated cyclists worry the plan will be a downgrade.
Muslim lawmakers, community members urge action following escalating attacks on mosques
Members of Minnesota’s Muslim communities and advocates asked lawmakers to pass legislation that would expand reporting of bias-motivated crimes.
