>>Lawmakers Look to Create Trust Fund to Fight Parkinsons
(St. Paul, MN) — A bipartisan bill at the State Capitol would create a trust fund to fight Parkinson’s disease, but it faces questions over its price tag. The proposal carries a potential $25 million cost, at a time when lawmakers say the budget is already tight. The bill’s author, DFL Representative Kristi Pursell, says, “When you have research, you’ve got the scientists, and you’ve got them bringing their families here, it’s an additional way to support the community of folks who need care and can benefit from research, but also the folks providing that care and research.” There’s also a second bill that would ban a highly toxic herbicide linked to increased Parkinson’s risk on some farms.
>>Senate Bill to Ban Cryptocurrency Kiosks in Minnesota Advances
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill that would ban cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota is advancing in the Senate. The legislation says Minnesota has 350 licensed crypto kiosks in the state operated by eight to ten companies, but they have been a target of scam artists. Lawmakers say scammers instruct victims to insert cash into the kiosks, and then, in some cases, the transaction cannot be traced, and the money moves into scammer accounts, many of them overseas. The bill is supported by the Minnesota BCA and law enforcement agencies across the state. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for discussion.
>>Senator Smith Introduces Bill to Boost Youth Suicide Prevention
(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senator Tina Smith is introducing bipartisan legislation aimed at boosting youth suicide prevention. The RAYS Act would require middle and high schools to list the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and other mental-health resources on student ID cards or school websites. Smith says making the hotline more visible helps ensure young people know support is available. The bill comes as the 988 hotline has logged nearly 20 million calls, texts, and chats since launching in 2022. Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death for teens ages 12 to 18, with thousands of attempts reported each day nationwide.
>>Mother Convicted Of Torturing Her Child Is Headed To Prison
(Grand Rapids, MN) — A Grand Rapids woman convicted of torturing her child is going to prison. 24-year-old Vivian Wahlstrom was sentenced to four years behind bars. The defendant and her partner, 27-year-old Jaymeson Wahlstrom, were arrested in 2024 after a month-long investigation by Itasca County detectives. Police say they received recordings that showed incidents of physical abuse, name-calling, and threats to the child. Jaymeson is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
>>Columbia Heights Teen Missing and May Be Headed to New York
(Columbia Heights, MN) — The Columbia Heights Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing teenager. 15-year-old Nathaly Morocho Urgiles did not return home from school on Monday. Her mother later learned she never made it to class that day. Family members were able to reach Nathaly early Tuesday morning. She told them she was safe and heading to New York. Police say her phone last pinged in New Jersey. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Columbia Heights Police Department.
>>Federal Prosecutor Departures Could Delay Feeding Our Future Trial
(Minneapolis, MN) — Defense attorneys are asking a judge to delay an upcoming federal trial tied to the Feeding Our Future fraud investigation. A motion filed with the court cites a recent wave of departures from the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office, arguing that the prosecutor exodus has disrupted the case. The defense is seeking to postpone the June 8th trial for Abdirahman Ahmed, who was charged in 2022 with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The court has not yet ruled on the request.
>>Combatting Spongy Moths by Air
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing to take aerial action this summer to slow the spread of a destructive invasive insect. State officials say spongy moths—formerly known as gypsy moths—continue to move into eastern Minnesota from Wisconsin, where the pest is already widespread. The state is proposing aerial treatments in nine Minnesota counties, including Aitkin, Carlton, Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted, Pine, St. Louis, Wabasha, and Winona. The leaf-eating insect is considered one of the most damaging forest pests in the country.
>>LIUNA Minnesota Endorses Senator Klobuchar for Governor
(St. Paul, MN) — The state’s largest infrastructure union is endorsing U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar for governor. LIUNA (LY’-yoo-nuh) Minnesota’s Derek Pederson said in a statement, “Amy Klobuchar will focus on the basics, continue creating good jobs, and fixing our infrastructure.” Union members note Klobuchar’s support for the bipartisan infrastructure law, securing investments for apprenticeships and community and technical college degrees, and fighting to lower health care and prescription costs. At least a half dozen Republicans are running for governor of Minnesota.
>>Gopher Forward Murphy Named Patty Kazmaier Top 3 Finalist
(Colorado Springs, CO) — University of Minnesota hockey forward Abbey Murphy is a top-three finalist for the Patty Kazmaier (KAZ’-meyer) Memorial Award. The trophy goes to the top women’s college player in the country. Murphy leads the nation in points (2.13) and goals (1.27) per game. The Golden Gophers host Northeastern in the first round of the N-C-A-A Tournament on Saturday. The other two finalists for the Kaz award are Tessa Janecke (JAN’-eh-kee) of Penn State and Caroline Harvey of Wisconsin.
