From KARE11: “Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is getting another new interim director.

Gov. Tim Walz announced Charlene Briner will step down. General Counsel Eric Taubel will serve as interim director. He’s worked for the office for the past year and has helped oversee new regulations for the cannabis market.”

Josie Albertson-Grove at the Star Tribune reports: “St. Paul’s Board of Zoning Appeals has denied two requests from Minneapolis-based developer Ryan Companies to build one-story commercial buildings on a slice of the Highland Bridge development, challenging the developers to build taller buildings with more apartments.

“Ryan Companies on Monday was denied zoning variances that would have let the company to build smaller one-story commercial buildings in two lots at Cretin Avenue and Ford Parkway instead of three- and four-story buildings with both commercial space and apartments.

Related: Here’s some more scrutiny for the Ford Site, the most heavily scrutinized piece of land in St. Paul history

WCCO’s Kristen Mitchell reports: “Health officials in Louisiana reported the first human death linked to bird flu in the United States just days after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz approved more than $1.2 million to research avian influenza in wildlife.

“The funding stems from a ballot question brought forth to voters in the November election. By an overwhelming majority, 77% voted in favor of directing 40% of the state’s lottery proceeds toward the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. 

“The newly approved money will go to researchers at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine to study the emerging threat of avian influenza.”

Katie Rohman at the Duluth News Tribune reports: “The Duluth School Board has its first new chairperson in five years.

“Jill Lofald, a retired language arts teacher and decorated speech coach who represents western Duluth in District 4, said during the reorganizational meeting Monday she was not seeking reelection to the position. Calling it a ‘great time to have some new energy,’ she nominated Kelly Durick Eder, one of three at large board members.”

The Rochester Post Bulletin reports: “The Winona City Council decided it will not limit how many cannabis retailers are allowed in the city.

“It was a change of mind for the council, which previously supported the idea of only allowing three retailers to sell cannabis.”

From FOX 9: “Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell on Monday addressed trade speculation that was brought up by FOX insider Jay Glazyer on Sunday, and O’Connell said exactly what you would expect him to say.

Glazer reported on FOX NFL Sunday … that multiple teams would be inquiring with the Vikings about trading for O’Connell. … “This is where I want to keep coaching and leading.’”