Minnesota listeners are watching several important developments this week. According to MPR News, two months have passed since the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, and despite pressure on Governor Tim Walz, legislative action on gun violence remains a key area of debate as lawmakers are adjourned until mid-February. At the same time, a notable increase in threats against state officials has led authorities to ramp up security at the Minnesota State Capitol. KSTP reports the recent hiring of 20 new security officers and additional state troopers to strengthen the Capitol’s security, following over 50 threats investigated this year compared to 19 last year, with an advisory committee promising comprehensive recommendations when the legislature reconvenes.
Business news highlights major investments in technology infrastructure. According to Datacenter Dynamics and Finance & Commerce, Monticello is reviewing proposals for two massive data center developments totaling more than four million square feet across six hundred acres in the region. Meta continues its own $800 million data center build in Rosemount. Across the state, construction backlogs remain steady, bolstered by these and other large-scale infrastructure projects, despite federal shutdown-related delays in reporting unemployment or inflation indicators.
The Minnesota Forward Fund has awarded $50 million for the construction of a new aerospace research facility co-led by the University of Minnesota and North Wind Test. GovTech notes this complex will be the nation’s premier hub for hypersonic system research and development, creating 40 new jobs and revitalizing long-vacant and contaminated land in Dakota County. Additionally, the University of St. Thomas won a $5 million grant to launch the Minnesota Semiconductor Artificial Intelligence Hub, which will develop a pipeline of skilled professionals for the state’s growing tech sector.
Community news covers progress in education and public safety. Mankato Area Public Schools are hosting open houses to showcase improvements funded by recent bonds, such as new secure entrances, upgraded facilities, and a competition swimming pool at Dakota Meadows Middle School. Westonka Public Schools report favorably on construction bids for maintenance and athletic fields, with newly renovated spaces expected to open through 2026, ensuring continued low property tax impacts for residents. ISD 622 has noted ongoing deferred maintenance and its solar bus initiatives, fueled by a $1.1 million grant.
No significant weather events have occurred in the past week, making infrastructure and safety upgrades top of mind for local governments. In employment and the economy, the construction sector anticipates robust growth led by data center activity, while food businesses statewide are forming coalitions around research for plant-based and alternative protein products as reported by MPR News.
Looking ahead, listeners can watch for further updates from the Capitol security advisory committee, data center project approvals in Monticello, and continued rollouts of educational infrastructure. The next state legislative session begins February 17, 2026, with several policy areas, including public safety and economic revitalization, on the agenda. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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