>>HCMC Placed on “Red Alert” as Federal Cuts Threaten Closure
(Minneapolis, MN) — National Nurses United has placed Hennepin County Medical Center on “Red Alert,” warning that the potential closure of the Minneapolis safety-net hospital could severely disrupt care across Minnesota and the Midwest. The alert follows federal healthcare cuts, which put hundreds of nonprofit hospitals at risk. HCMC, a Level I trauma center, serves as a critical hub for emergency care, medical training, and specialized services. Nurses say Twin Cities hospitals are already strained. Losing HCMC would push more patients into crowded emergency rooms, increasing delays for critical treatment. The hospital employs about 1,500 nurses and relies heavily on Medicaid and Medicare funding. Union leaders are urging immediate government action to prevent closure, warning that without long-term solutions, access to essential care for thousands of patients could be lost.
>>Senate Committee Passes Bill to Improve Tenant-Landlord Relations
(St. Paul, MN) – The Senate has passed a bill aimed at improving the relations between tenants and landlords. Known as Senate File 4171, the bill authored by Senate Housing and Homeless Prevention Chair Lindsey Port addresses two main points: it requires that property owners provide at least two acceptable methods of payment for rent and ensures that tenants are not charged late fees when all accepted methods of payment are not working. The bill also allows property owners to issue an estimated final utility bill when a move-out date precludes the arrival of that bill. A similar proposal is moving through the House.
>>Spring Planting Concerns
(Undated) — With spring planting ramps up, a new survey indicates farmers are worried about the skyrocketing cost of fertilizer. The American Farm Bureau Federation survey shows that that 70 percent of respondents say fertilizer is so expensive that they will not be able to buy all the fertilizer they need. The conflict in the Middle East sent fertilizer and fuel prices soaring. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is keeping fertilizer supplies and crude oil from reaching global markets. Since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, nitrogen fertilizer prices have risen more than 30 percent, while combined fuel and fertilizer costs have increased roughly 20 to 40 percent.
>>MPCA Looking for Volunteer Water Monitors
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is looking for volunteers to monitor lakes and streams in the state. The program relies on Minnesotans to help document the health of our 12-thousand-plus lakes and 92-thousand miles of streams. M-P-C-A officials say it’s a perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in protecting our natural resources. The U of M launched the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program in 1973.
>>Vikings Fans Gear up for NFL Draft
(Eagan, MN) — Vikings fans are gearing up for the NFL Draft Thursday night in Pittsburgh, but returning players are already back to work. The team opened its official off‑season program yesterday (Mon) at the training facility. Phase One is mostly strength and conditioning, with limited on‑field activity. Star receiver Justin Jefferson says he’s especially excited about the upcoming quarterback competition between newcomer Kyler Murray and returning J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson says the battle brings a “spark” to the team as preparations for the season begin.
>>Wild Heads Back to St. Paul Tied with Stars in NHL Playoff Series
(Dallas, TX) — The first-round N-H-L playoff series between the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars is tied at one game apiece. The Stars beat the Wild 4-2 last night at American Airlines Arena. Defenseman Brock Faber scored both of Minnesota’s goals. Rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 28 saves for his first postseason loss. The series shifts to Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul Wednesday night for Game Three.
