>>Ellison Applauds Fed Court Ruling on Gender-Affirming Care for Youth
(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison is celebrating a federal court ruling that blocks the Trump administration from ending gender-affirming care for kids. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior issued a declaration in December warning doctors and hospitals providing gender-affirming care that they could lose Medicaid and Medicare funding. Ellison said he was pleased to prevail in the lawsuit, “to protect essential healthcare services that allow transgender individuals to be themselves and live with the same dignity that we all deserve.”
>>ICE Detainees Describe Barriers to Attorney Access at Whipple Building
(Minneapolis, MN) — ICE detainees are testifying that the federal government impeded their access to legal counsel while held at the Whipple Building in Minneapolis. On Thursday, two immigrants formerly detained at the facility said they were allowed to make only a single phone call and were not informed of their right to an attorney. Attorneys for the detainees also testified under oath, describing repeated and unsuccessful attempts to reach their clients while they were in custody at Whipple. In February, U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel ordered federal officials to improve detainees’ access to telephones and legal representation.
>> Bill Proposed to Repeal César Chávez Day in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers are moving to repeal César Chávez Day following new sexual-abuse allegations against the late labor leader. A New York Times investigation, published Wednesday, detailed accusations from multiple women, including civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, who say Chávez sexually abused them, some when they were minors. Minnesota first recognized César Chávez Day in 2014. Now, DFL Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega is introducing legislation to remove the state holiday, calling it “a step forward for healing.” House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson says his caucus is prepared to move quickly on the bill.
>>Repairing Aging Roads
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota lawmaker wants the state to prioritize repairing aging roads and bridges before launching new construction projects. DFL Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, a civil engineer by training, says Minnesota’s transportation system has significant maintenance needs, and current work zones reflect that reality. “We have a constant need to repair our pavement,” she said. “If you look right now, most of the work that is happening, like on 394, that’s pavement rehabilitation. They are repairing the joints, repairing localized failures, and overlaying. That’s all like a pavement rehab.” Johnson Stewart is preparing to introduce a “Fix it First” bill that would require the state to prioritize repairing existing roads and bridges before moving forward with new construction. The proposal has not yet been formally introduced at the Capitol.
>>Hibbing School Support Staff Authorize Strike
(Hibbing, MN) — Support staff in the Hibbing School District have voted to authorize a strike. The union announced Thursday that its members approved a walkout that could begin next week. The strike is scheduled for Tuesday, unless the district holds a vote on a proposed contract agreement by March 23rd.
>>Fergus Falls Teen Hit by Car Recovering in Hospital
(Fergus Falls, MN) — The 13-year-old girl struck by a car near Fergus Falls on Wednesday remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Tyler Armstrong says his daughter, Ellie, has two arm fractures, a brain bleed, lung damage, and a liver laceration, but is making improvement. Authorities said Ellie was getting the mail from the side of the highway when she was hit. Sheriff’s deputies determined the driver was not impaired or distracted.
>>Fire Destroys Garage Near Alexandria
(Alexandria, MN) — A detached garage southeast of Alexandria was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon. Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies found the garage fully engulfed. Firefighters stopped the flames from spreading to a nearby building and the surrounding woods. The Minnesota DNR and North Ambulance also assisted. The cause remains under investigation, but officials say the fire does not appear suspicious.
