>>Walz Executive Order Delays Mining Prospects Near Boundary Waters

(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has signed an executive order that will further delay any prospect of copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  The order adds another layer of state review for proposed mining projects in the Rainy River Watershed. It follows federal action earlier this year that lifted a 20-year restriction on mineral leasing in part of the Superior National Forest. Twin Metals would still need to complete environmental reviews and secure state and federal permits before any mining could begin.

>>Congressman Stauber Reacts to Governor’s Executive Order on BWCAW Mining

(Washington, D.C.) – Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber has reacted to Governor Tim Walz’s executive order to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from copper and nickel mining. In a statement to MNN, Congressman Stauber said, “In the twilight of his failed administration, it is disappointing, yet unsurprising to learn that Governor Walz has launched a spiteful and harmful attack against the hardworking people of the Iron Range.”  He added about Walz, “His radical, job killing executive order puts thousands of family-supporting union jobs at risk.” Stauber led the fight in Congress to overturn a 20-year ban on mining in the Boundary Waters.

>>Republican Demuth Opposes Governor’s Executive Order Protecting BWCAW from Mining

(St. Paul, MN) – Republican candidate for governor and House Speaker Lisa Demuth opposes the executive order by Governor Tim Walz to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from mining. Demuth says copper and nickel mining would be valuable for Minnesotans. She said, “It provides jobs. It provides minerals and I think we can look better at Minnesota and how we can help with those critical minerals rather than just shutting down the process.” Demuth added, “”I believe that we can do the mining safely in Minnesota, safer than any other place in the country if not the world for those critical minerals that we absolutely need and that review process should be allowed to go forward.” Congress recently voted to overturn a 20-year ban on mining in the BWCAW.

>>Smith Backs State Action to Block Mining Near Boundary Waters

(St. Paul, MN) — U.S. Senator Tina Smith is backing state efforts to prevent copper-nickel mining in the Boundary Waters watershed. The Minnesota DNR and Pollution Control Agency are taking executive action aimed at stopping the proposed copper-sulfide mine. Smith says Minnesota is a mining state, but Boundary Waters is the wrong place for this type of project. She also supports legislative action to block the mine. Smith previously fought to maintain federal mining protections that were overturned by Congress.

>>Air Quality in Northern Minnesota Improves

(Northeastern, MN) — Despite ongoing wildfires, air quality is expected to remain good across northeastern Minnesota today. The latest smoke outlook says International Falls, Ely, Grand Portage, Hibbing and Duluth should all have good air quality. The July Lightning Incident fires continue to produce some visible smoke, and additional smoke is possible if crews resume burning operations. However, Monday’s rain helped clear smoke from the air. Northwest winds could bring some smoke back into the Ely area tomorrow, (WED). Air quality should remain mostly good, with brief periods of moderate conditions possible Wednesday evening.

>>Mangione’s New York Murder Trial Postponed

(New York, NT) — Luigi Mangione’s New York state murder trial has been postponed while a judge considers whether the case should be dismissed. The trial had been scheduled to begin September 8th. Mangione’s attorneys argue the state prosecution violates double-jeopardy protections because he already pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges tied to the killing of Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors oppose dismissal. Mangione’s next state court appearance is set for December 10th, with federal sentencing scheduled eight days later.

>>Animal Humane Society Breaking Ground on New Clinic

(Golden Valley, MN) — The Animal Humane Society is breaking ground tomorrow (Wed) on a new pet clinic in Golden Valley aimed at expanding access to affordable veterinary care. The new building will double the capacity of the organization’s current clinic. Animal Humane Society says the expansion will allow it to serve an additional 10,000 pets each year. The clinic will provide preventive care and exams, spay and neuter procedures, dental care, and specialty surgeries.

>>Recognizing Volunteer Firefighters

(Undated) — Minnesota is recognizing the thousands of volunteer firefighters who help protect communities across the state. Today (Tuesday) is Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. Minnesota has historically relied heavily on volunteers, particularly in rural communities, with more than 90 percent of the state’s fire departments using volunteer firefighters. Recruiting and retaining those firefighters has been an ongoing challenge. The recognition day dates to 1984, when Congress and President Ronald Reagan designated August 18 to honor volunteer firefighters.