>>Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis Leaves One Dead, Juvenile Injured
(Minneapolis, MN) – A 19‑year‑old man is dead, and a 16‑year‑old boy is hurt after a shooting in south Minneapolis on Saturday. Officers were called around 10:15 p.m. to an apartment, where they found the 19‑year‑old with a fatal gunshot wound and the teen with non‑life‑threatening injuries. The 16‑year‑old was taken to Hennepin Healthcare. Investigators say an altercation inside the apartment escalated into gunfire. The suspects fled before officers arrived. No arrests have been made.
>>Bills Would Provide Loans for MN Businesses Impacted by Federal Agents
(St. Paul, MN) – Two bills that would set aside money for loans for Minnesota businesses hurt by Operation Metro Surge went before a Senate Committee today. Elliot Payne is President of the Minneapolis City Council and says Minneapolis has already made a $7 million investment, but more money is needed. He explains that Minneapolis-“the epicenter, Lake Street specifically,”-was hit hard as the “center of our immigrant community.” There have also been reports from Willmar, Mankato, Rochester, Duluth, and other large cities in the state. The bill was laid over for further discussion by a 5-4 vote.
>>Bill to Repeal Cesar Chavez Fasttracked to House Floor Vote
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill to immediately repeal Cesar Chavez Day, March 31st, is being heard on the House floor today. This comes after allegations of sexual abuse of women and girls during Chavez’s time leading the United Farm Workers. Ramona Rosales, the Co-founder of St. Paul Middle School Academia César Chávez, is working to have the school’s name changed. But, she says, this should not “diminish the good work that the movement has accomplished over the past 50 years, led by many individuals who have worked hard and have made many contributions and accomplishments for our community, both locally and nationally.” Rosales also helped to name a street in St. Paul’s west side after Chavez. She is working with the City of St. Paul to replace Chavez’s name with a new one chosen by the community. Bill Author, DFL Representative Maria Isa Perez-Vega of St. Paul, says she has heard support from both sides of the aisle. The bill needs 90 votes in the House to pass.
>>More MN Cities Reject New State Flag Design
(Undated) – Another city is opting out of the state’s new “North Star” flag. The Zumbrota City Council has voted 3-2 to keep displaying the old 1983 blue‑and‑gold flag instead of the updated design unveiled in 2024. Champlin, Byron, Pine Island, Wadena, St. Francis, North Branch, Houston County, and Crow Wing County have already taken similar steps. The flag was changed two years ago after critics said the old design was offensive for depicting a Native American riding away as a white settler plowed a field. The new flag features a dark blue shape resembling Minnesota, a white eight‑pointed North Star, and a light blue background meant to represent the state’s waters. Supporters say the redesign is more inclusive, while critics say it doesn’t fully reflect the state’s history.
>>MN Senate Passes Bill Allowing Out-of-State Testing of Low-Dose Hemp Products
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill approved by the Minnesota Senate today would allow out-of-state testing of low-dose hemp products through May of 2027. Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville says the original deadline was January 1st of this year, but the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) extended it to March 31st. She says this is because opening a new lab is “incredibly expensive and time-consuming.” Minnesota has two fully functional labs at the moment, with more on the way. Port says testing of hemp products and adult-use cannabis is creating a backlog at the labs that is delaying medical cannabis for patients. The bill passed on a bipartisan 41-26 vote.
>>Over 100 Trees Removed Along Detroit Lakes Beach
(Detroit Lakes, MN) – West Lake Drive in Detroit Lakes is getting a major makeover, starting with the removal of over 100 trees along the shoreline. City officials say the work is needed ahead of a construction project that will upgrade roads and utilities, add a new bike and walking trail, and improve beach and public spaces. Of the 159 trees in the project area, 104 are slated for removal. Forestry staff say many of the trees are overcrowded, in decline, or nearing the end of their lifespan. To replace them, the city plans to plant 58 new trees. The city says removal work must be finished by March 31st.
