Multiple projects likely to make I-35W a summer nightmare

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers Top stories - Multiple projects likely to make I-35W a summer nightmare: [A parade of construction projects]( stretching from Forest Lake to Bloomington along Interstates 35 and 35W will put a summerlong crimp in commuting and slow trips for those heading north to the cabin. - Film crew that shadowed Minneapolis police may get city approval after the fact: City leaders in Minneapolis are [poised to give retroactive approval to a documentary film crew]( that shadowed police officers, even though questions remain about whether some of the footage should have been disclosed in court. - U.S. House to vote today on anti-hate resolution: The U.S. House is likely to vote Thursday on [a resolution that broadly condemns bigotry]( but which does not single out Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, whose recent remark about Israel lit the controversy that the resolution is meant to extinguish. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is finding a freshman class whose members seem more eager to lead than be led. Part of a younger generation of lawmakers, mostly women and minorities, they bring perspectives and expectations different from some who have walked the halls for decades. Their willingness to question the protocols of Congress is [exposing Pelosi's leadership team to high-profile stumbles.]( - Liberians in Minnesota push for reprieve as deadline to leave U.S. approaches: Hundreds of Liberians in the state are [set to lose their legal status]( to remain in the United States after March 31, as President Donald Trump ends a program known as Deferred Enforced Departure. - A foot of snow in forecast for Twin Cities this weekend: The lower two-thirds of Minnesota is in line for at least a half-foot of moisture-laden snow, according to the weather service, with deeper totals of [a foot or more anticipated closer to the Twin Cities]( and the western suburbs, and areas to the west and south. In response to the weather forecasts, a Hennepin County judge has [issued a restraining order against winter.]( - Michael Cohen sought Trump pardon, attorney says: Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, "directed his attorney" to explore a potential presidential pardon last year, his current attorney said Thursday, [appearing to contradict his client's testimony]( to Congress. Cohen testified under oath last week at a House Oversight Committee hearing that he had never asked for, and would not accept, a pardon from Trump. Attorney Lanny Davis' comment also highlights how the issue of pardons has emerged as a significant line of inquiry for congressional investigators. - Argosy University's Eagan campus will close Friday: John Slama, the president of the Eagan campus, wrote students Wednesday to let them know the campus will close if the troubled for-profit network does not find a buyer by Friday. But on Thursday morning, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education made it official, saying Argosy officials [have confirmed this week’s closure.]( - St. Paul bans takeout containers that can't be recycled or composted: Within two years, black plastic carryout containers and plastic foam cups will be [a thing of the past at St. Paul restaurants.]( - Vikings running back faces felony marijuana charge: Roc Thomas, a running back who played five games for the Vikings last season, [faces felony possession of marijuana charges]( in Dakota County, according to a criminal complaint. He’s due in court March 18. - Madeline Island's only fire station destroyed by explosion and fire: Town of La Pointe administrator Lisa Potswald says [no one was injured in the explosion and fire]( early Wednesday.  Watch this Alex Trebek announces he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer: The longtime "Jeopardy!" host [put a positive face on his grim announcement](, joking that his contractual obligations require him to beat the disease.  Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](.  Trending - New North Loop food hall will launch 4 micro-restaurants by rising chefs: An unusual food hall concept inspired by the tech startup world is coming to Minneapolis, and [a search for would-be cheftrepreneurs is on.]( - Note to Spring Breakers, security alert issued for Mexico: Cancun has long been a traditional Spring Break getaway for Minnesota. In recent years, it has also become something else: a center of drug violence. While these two facets of the city rarely meet, it’s important that travelers to the resort area and elsewhere in Mexico understand the potential dangers, the State Department warns. On Wednesday, [it issued a new countrywide Security Alert.]( - Ferris wheel on Nicollet Mall is part of Final Four festivities: Basketball fans descending on the Twin Cities for next month’s Final Four will be [greeted by a four-day tailgate on Nicollet Mall](, where a giant Ferris wheel and outdoor concert venue are meant to wow out-of-town guests. Ten blocks away, a free music festival at the Minneapolis Armory is also expected to attract large crowds.  Sports roundup - MSHSL investigating "inappropriate behavior" by St. Thomas Academy coach at state swim meet: The head of the Minnesota State High School League said the organization is [investigating multiple poolside reports of "inappropriate behavior"]( by one of state's most successful swim coaches during last weekend's state meet, which prompted his removal from the last day of competition. - Prime basketball recruit Matthew Hurt seeks one last prize in Rochester: Hurt’s basketball résumé is chock-full of gaudy numbers. Only one thing is missing from one of the greatest individual prep careers in Minnesota hoops history: [an appearance in the state tournament.]( - NFL Draft's "outstanding defensive line class draws Vikings' attention: [Uncertainty at a couple of spots]( on the Vikings defensive line led to a long look at the college players at the NFL scouting combine who may be potential replacements.  Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](.  Quote of the day “I want them to focus on school so sometimes I just tell them we’ll be OK … But deep down in my heart I know we will not be OK.” -- [Jermon Cooper](, a Liberian resident of Ramsey since 1999 who is set to lose her legal status on March 31, referring to her three American-born daughters.  Worth a click And then there was one ... remaining Blockbuster video store: "The second-to-last Blockbuster, a squat blue-and-yellow slab wedged next to a real estate agency in Western Australia, will stop renting videos on Thursday and shut down for good at the end of the month. Two stores in Alaska, part of the final group of Blockbuster outlets in the United States, closed in July. That will make the Blockbuster in Bend, Ore., one of a kind: a corporate remnant, just off the highway, near a cannabis retailer and a pet cremation service," [the New York Times reports.](  From the archives March 7, 1983: Boy George performs with Culture Club during the band's local debut at First Avenue. "Boy George is the most androgynous musical persona to come out of England since David Bowie, and the most controversial anywhere since Prince," wrote Star Tribune rock critic Jon Bream in his review of the show. (Photo: Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune) Connect with Star Tribune [facebook]([twitter]([pinterest]([instagram]( [Manage email preferences]( • [Subscribe to Star Tribune]( • [Privacy Policy]( • [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent by: StarTribune, 650 3rd Ave S, Suite #1300, Minneapolis, MN, 55488 © 2019 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](