Minnesota Early Voting Opens as Data Center Pause, Tuition Hike and Heat Warning Dominate the News
Early voting for Minnesota's primary began Friday, the same day an Inver Grove Heights data center moratorium passed and University of Minnesota regents approved a 3.8 percent tuition increase.
By Anna Nowak ·
Minnesota voters could begin casting ballots on Friday for this year's primary election, as early voting opened across the state. At the Minneapolis Early Vote Center, some voters were among the first to mark their ballots in person.
Early voting is available by mail or in person. Additional details are posted at MNvotes.org.
In Inver Grove Heights, the City Council voted 3 to 2 on Friday to place a one-year moratorium on data centers in the city. The meeting drew a room full of residents who opposed a proposed data center project. The project's developer had cautioned that legal action was possible if the council approved the moratorium. Separately, residents delivered a petition with more than 700 signatures to the state's Environmental Quality Board, asking for an environmental assessment of the proposed facility.
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents also acted on Friday, approving a budget that includes a 3.8 percent tuition increase for the coming school year. Regent Robyn Gulley cast the lone vote against the increase, saying she was concerned about transparency in the budget process. University President Rebecca Cunningham said the increase will help keep the university accessible and ensure fair pay for faculty and staff.
A 29-year-old worker died early Thursday at a chicken processing plant in central Minnesota. Police said the employee was pinned under equipment in a loading dock area at the Pilgrim's Pride plant in Cold Spring. Co-workers freed the man and emergency responders gave medical care, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. JBS, which owns Pilgrim's Pride, said it is conducting an internal review and cooperating with OSHA.
Forecasters expect dangerous heat to arrive in Minnesota later this weekend and linger through much of next week. MPR meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber said heat advisories are likely, with temperatures in the 90s and heat indices reaching triple digits. Monday could be especially oppressive, with heat indices of 105 to 108 degrees.
Conditions are expected to be cooler along the North Shore. There is also a chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, and some of those storms could be strong in northern Minnesota.
Source: MPR News
