University of Minnesota President leaving role

Today’s forecast

University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel leaving to take job with Pitt

After slightly less than four years on the job, Joan Gabel is leaving her role as President of the University of Minnesota to become chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh.

Her track record at the University of Minnesota has drawn praise and scrutiny. She steered the U through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial reckoning following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. 

Earlier this year, Gabel was heavily criticized for taking a paid position on the board of Securian Financial, which has more than $1 billion in business with the University of Minnesota. She resigned from the position on Jan. 23.  

She will start her new position on July 1, according to a press release. In her contract, Gabel had the power to leave the university at any time, for any reason, with 90-day notice.

Catch Up Quick 

🏛️ Former President Donald Trump is expected to turn himself in on Tuesday to be arraigned on charges related to hush money paid during his 2016 presidential campaign.

🛍️ Claiming a lack of protections since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as they “kept Minnesotans fed,” more than 3,000 grocery store workers declared their intent to hold a vote to strike on Tuesday.

🥇 Gold-medal-winning gymnast and St. Paul native Suni Lee revealed on Monday that a kidney issue is the reason her final year of collegiate gymnastics came to an early end.

❄️ A recent storm over the weekend dropped nearly 9 inches of snow in St. Paul, leaving CHS Field covered and the St. Paul Saints announcing a postponement of Opening Day due to “… Minnesota.”

Advocates push to end subminimum wage for Minnesotans with disabilities

Every day, thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities go to work and, chances are, they are earning less than minimum wage. It’s a legal practice that has been in the books for decades but right now, there is a push to pay those with disabilities more.

Twenty-eight-year-old Josh Brady has cognitive delays. He’s also been blind since birth. A year ago, he accepted his first job at a Pizza Hut in Hopkins.

Josh works two days a week for about three hours. He earns $11.55 an hour, which is above minimum wage, and far beyond the subminimum wage typically paid to people with disabilities.

The subminimum wage has been a legal practice in Minnesota for more than 80 years. According to a recent legislative report, more than 4,000 Minnesotans with disabilities earn less than minimum wage. Right now, there’s a movement to end it. But opponents argue ending the subminimum wage could drive potential employers away. 

Josh’s mom says that if you have a loved one with a disability, and that person wants to be part of the workforce, you should communicate that with your county social worker for additional services, despite being part of a day program.

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