Wisconsin’s ‘death grip with alcohol’ is killing more residents
Excessive alcohol use is taking a heavy toll in a state that celebrates its drinking culture.
Public Safety
Smell, saliva and sobriety tests: How Minnesota law enforcement agencies hope to prevent DWIs via marijuana use
The area where most Minnesotans might notice enforcement of still-illegal acts are on the highway. State troopers and police officers are still charged with preventing driving while impaired.
Minneapolis sees uptick in thefts from garages
Though Minneapolis crime data suggests burglaries and other property crimes are down compared to this time last year, the city has seen a recent increase in thefts from garages.
Did Gov. Walz sign a bill increasing consequences for vehicles parking in bike lanes in July 2023?
No. Gov. Tim Walz did not sign into law a bill imposing consequences for vehicles parking in bike lanes. The Minnesota legislative session adjourned on May 22, 2023, and will not reconvene until February 12, 2024.
Did the Minneapolis mayor order police to not enforce laws against psychedelics?
No. Mayor Frey signed an executive order on July 21 lowering the priority that psychedelics have for law enforcement. The city states that “many other higher priorities,” such as addressing violent crime and opioid use, take precedent.
Does a new law allow Minnesotans to get a driver’s license regardless of their immigration status?
Yes. A new law signed by Gov. Tim Walz in March allows Minnesota residents, regardless of their immigration status, to get a driver’s license starting Oct. 1, 2023.
Minnesota marijuana legalization backers intended to remove penalties for underage use. Little-known statute shows they might not have
Another section of state law not amended by the new recreational marijuana law contains a default penalty — a petty misdemeanor — for any acts that are made illegal but lack specific penalties.
‘We want the bad guys’: Why an abolitionist professor has high hopes for Minnesota’s prison higher education program
State corrections officials hope that by 2026, the Transformation and Re-entry through Education and Community will serve some 1,000 incarcerated Minnesotans interested in pursuing associate degrees.
University of Minnesota and Minneapolis Police launch Dinkytown public safety initiative
Last week, the Minneapolis Police Department and the University of Minnesota Police Department began a joint effort called Dinkytown Safe Streets — an extra enforcement campaign on weekend nights targeting the increased activity in the area.
Minneapolis City Council resolves not to return police to burned Third Precinct building
The vote came just days after Mayor Jacob Frey, Council President Andrea Jenkins and other city leaders announced a proposal to house Third Precinct officers at a downtown facility.
Minneapolis leaders pitch downtown option for torched Third Police Precinct’s new location
The new option is meant to bridge the divide on the issue between community members and city officials.
Police settlement agreement between Minneapolis, Minnesota human rights officials approved by judge
The court order, which aims to bring about substantial reforms to the city’s police department, officially makes the agreement — years in the making — legally enforceable.
Minneapolis releases multi-year plan to build out public safety programs that go beyond policing
The report describes a three-pillar plan: preventative services like violence prevention groups, responsive services that provide real-time assistance to people seeking emergency services and restorative services that heal trauma and find root causes of community safety challenges.
‘It would have saved Amir’s life’: Family praises new no-knock warrant restrictions in Minnesota
While state lawmakers did not adopt a total ban, the father of Amir Locke says, “Everything has to start somewhere.”
Has the city of Minneapolis paid out ‘almost $80 million’ in police conduct settlements since 2019?
No. The city of Minneapolis has paid out just over $70 million in police conduct settlements from the years 2019 to 2023, according to City Attorney’s Office data updated as of June 9, 2023.
Have there been a record number of train derailments since Biden took office?
No. Although his term is not complete, train derailments have not become more frequent since President Biden took office in January 2021.
Did the Minnesota Department of Transportation put up Taylor Swift-inspired safety messages on highways during her visit?
Yes. In celebration of Taylor Swift’s Minneapolis performances on June 23 and 24, 2023, the Minnesota Department of Transportation updated electric highway signs with “Taylor Swift related” content for the week.
Has Minneapolis recorded nearly double the number of motor vehicle thefts in 2023 as compared to 2022?
Yes. Minneapolis police have recorded 4,328 motor vehicle thefts as of June 25, 2023, compared to 2,388 by this time in 2022. Such thefts averaged 2,052 per year by this date over the past three years.
Does a Department of Justice study show Minneapolis police stopped Native and Black Americans at more than 6 times the rate of others?
Yes. The Department of Justice estimates the Minneapolis Police Department stopped Black people 6.5 times and Native Americans 7.9 times more than white people from 2016 to 2022.
DOJ finds Minneapolis Police violated Constitution, federal laws in pattern of discriminatory policing
DOJ officials said the city has agreed to negotiate toward a consent decree, and recommend 28 “remedial measures” that may serve as a framework for the ensuing agreement.
