>>Minnesota Democrats Vow to Block Copper-Nickel Mining near BWCA
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Democrats are vowing to do whatever they can to block the mining of copper-nickel near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The U-S Senate voted to lift the 20-year ban on Thursday. Representative Liish Kozlowski of Duluth says they are ready to fight back and protect the B-W-C-A. Kozlowksi said, “As Minnesota state legislators, we play a key role in making sure that these leases that are going to run through the M-P-C-A and D-N-R and the governor’s office, that it is a hell no from the state of Minnesota. It is a hell no from Minnesota’s Native people.” Republican Senator Robert Farnsworth of Hibbing said in a statement, “I applaud the U-S House and Senate for supporting the Iron Range economy today. Mining isn’t just an industry; mining is a storied legacy of the Range passed down through generations.”
>>Consumer Protection Package Passes Senate Committee
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Senate Commerce Committee passed a package of consumer proposals to protect Minnesotans. The comprehensive legislation is aimed at protecting access to affordable prescription drugs and strengthening protections against the misuse of artificial intelligence. Highlights of the bill include enforcing pharmaceutical companies to keep medications affordable and when it comes to A-I, limiting use in medical decisions and ban chat bots for minors. The package will also raise the ceiling on meat raffle prize values. The legislation now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
>>Omar Pushes for Iran War Powers Resolution in US House
(Washington, DC) — The Iran War Powers resolution nearly passed in the Republican-controlled U-S House on Thursday. Representative llhan Omar told members this “war of choice” happened without Congress or a plan for peace. The Minnesota Democrat said on the House floor, “We are already seeing thousands of civilians killed and wounded in Iran and Lebanon, American servicemembers lost, millions forced from their homes with nowhere to go. This is what war looks like and it’s only the beginning.” Omar says it is paramount that Congress acts when a president abuses their power. The resolution failed on a 214-213 vote.
>>Rally Planned to Support Immigrant-Owned and Local Restaurants in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — A community group is planning a combined business-support event and rally tonight ( Fri 5 pm) in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood. Organizers with the People’s Action Coalition Against Trump (PCAT) say the event encourages people to support local and immigrant-owned restaurants. A rally is scheduled to follow at several University Avenue intersections. No street closures have been announced, but drivers are advised to expect increased pedestrian activity in the area during the evening hours.
>>Duluth Man Found Guilty of Sexual Contact with Juvenile Under Age 13
(Duluth, MN) — A Duluth man will be sentenced in June for multiple of acts of sexual contact with a juvenile. St. Louis County prosecutors say a jury found 41-year-old Michael A. Hanson guilty on three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct following a three-day trial. Hanson’s conviction involves sexual contact with a minor under age 13 between September 2018 and March 2020. He was previously convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. A mandated reporter made the initial call to law enforcement about Hanson. His sentencing hearing is June 17th.
>>MSP Named Least-Stressful Airport in the United States
(Minneapolis, MN) — A new study finds Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) is the least-stressful airport in the United States. The report by Mozio looked at the 20 busiest airports in the country and ranked them based on on-time departure rates, parking costs, and commute to the city center. M-S-P ranked well in all three categories, and the study found 81.5 percent flights at M-S-P leave within 15 minutes of their scheduled departure. Long wait times were not an issue at M-S-P during the partial government shutdown and T-S-A staffing shortage.
>>U of M Experts Share Ways to Manage Stress
(Minneapolis, MN) — Stress is something just about everyone deals with, and experts at the University of Minnesota say it doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Doctor Christine Danner says some stress comes from situations we can control — like over-committing or procrastinating — and recognizing that stress can help us make changes. Other stressors are out of our control, and Danner says that’s when coping skills matter. She says stress can actually help us learn, grow, and build resilience — especially when we successfully face challenges. Danner recommends connecting with others, getting enough sleep, and taking a few slow breaths to help manage daily stress.
>>Minnesota Lynx Re-Sign All-Star Forward Collier to 1-Year Super Max Contract
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota Lynx All-Star forward Napheesa Collier is signing a one-year, 1.4-million-dollar super max contract with the team. Collier averaged a career-high 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game last season. Coach Cheryl Reeve said, “coming off a historic 50/40/90 season and guiding the Lynx to the most wins in franchise history, Phee is hungry to position the Lynx for a championship run in 2026.” Collier was drafted by Minnesota sixth overall in 2019. She is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery.
