>>Mountain Lake Teen Drowns in Mound Creek County Park
(Brown County, MN) — A 15-year-old boy drowned in a southern Minnesota lake Sunday while celebrating Mother’s Day with his family. Officials responded to a report of a possible drowning at Mound Creek County Park in Brown County around 3:30 p.m. Camron Keosaykham of Mountain Lake had been swimming off the beach and began to struggle, going under the water and failing to resurface. Lifesaving aid was performed, but he was pronounced dead around 5:30 p.m. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Camron’s parents with funeral costs. (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-camrons-family-in-tragic-loss)
>>MPCA Extends Air Quality Alert in Southern MN
(Undated) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the air quality alert for southern Minnesota to 11 p.m. (MON). Affected areas include the Twin Cities metro, Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Winona, Mankato, and the tribal nation of Prairie Island. Particle levels are expected to reach the “Red” category, considered unhealthy for everyone. Minnesota also saw a series of air quality alerts throughout last summer and fall due to Canadian wildfires.
>>MN House to debate vote on putting controversial ERA/abortion constitutional amendment on the ballot
(St. Paul, MN) — Opponents warn a proposed E-R-A (Equal Rights) and abortion rights constitutional amendment the Minnesota House votes on later today (Mon) leaves out any prohibition of religious discrimination. Backers say the state and federal constitutions already protect religious freedom, which Saint Cloud Democrat Dan Wolgamott (WOLE-guh-mot) says is a good thing; however, “I want to take a ‘belt and suspenders’ approach and leave no stone unturned in including religion in the E-R-A. It’s consistent with both policy and core American values.” Wolgamott plans to propose the change today, which will likely prompt heated debate in the Minnesota House.
>>Becker Mobile Home Destroyed in Fire
(Becker, MN) — A Becker mobile home was lost in a morning fire (MON). Officials responded to a call of a home on fire around 2 a.m. in the Becker Estates Mobile Home Park. Firefighters notified neighbors to be ready to evacuate as they put the fire out. A resident and dog escaped injury and are being helped by the Red Cross. The fire is under investigation.
>>COPAL Calls on Columbia Heights to Support TSP for Ecuador
(Columbia Heights, MN) — The City of Columbia Heights will vote on a resolution to support Temporary Protected Status (TSP) for Ecuador after relentless advocacy from Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action (COPAL). In tonight’s (MON, 6 p.m.) city council meeting, COPAL members will support the measure and urge other MN cities to do the same. COPAL says Ecuadorians are being forced to flee their homes due to widespread instability, violent political unrest, and ongoing armed conflict. The group advocates TSP would contribute to Minnesota’s workforce and economy.
