State of the State recap

Happening today

🌧️ Periods of rain with thunder possible. High temperatures in the mid-40s. The wet weather continues into Friday afternoon, when the Twin Cities could see a wintry mix and some snow.

🐶 A veterinarian from the Animal Humane Society will provide an update on the dog flu outbreak at certain AHS locations. The Animal Humane Society temporarily closed three adoption centers in the Twin Cities after confirmed cases.

💧 Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will visit a construction site in the metro to highlight their plan to improve Minnesotans’ health and safety by replacing lead pipes throughout the state. Their revised One Minnesota Budget includes $240 million to replace lead pipes across the state. 

🏛️ At the MN State Legislature: A rally is planned ahead of the Senate’s vote on the omnibus bill which includes rank choice voting. The House GOP will preview education bills.

🏠 A 64-unit property for low-wage workers in Lyndale Neighborhood is celebrating their grand opening today. The property, which began leasing in December 2022, provides housing for workers earning $15 to $20 an hour and includes 24 units reserved for people transitioning from homelessness. Alliance is working with the social service provider Avivo to provide case management and rent support for formerly homeless tenants. 

$17 million flood protection project pays off in Montevideo

• The Minnesota River is in a major flood stage, rising almost five feet above its normal limits.
• The city of Montevideo built up a levee across 2,300 feet in sections as they came up with funding themselves and from the state.
• Many nearby homes remain dry, but even with the levee, the city intends to declare a flood emergency on Monday.

“That entire area would’ve been completely underwater,” said city manager Robert Wolfington of a neighborhood along the river. “Our Pioneer Village would’ve been completely underwater. And City Hall here would’ve been at risk of flooding as well.”