>>Senate Could Vote on BWCA Mining Issue This Week
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Senate could vote as early as this week on a resolution that would overturn a ban on copper mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The House has already approved the measure. If the Senate passes it, the Trump administration would be allowed to issue mining leases to Twin Metals and a Chilean mining company. Republican Congressman Pete Stauber supports the proposal, arguing copper mining would create hundreds of jobs and provide an economic boost to northern Minnesota. Opponents, including environmental advocates and Boundary Waters supporters, warn that the proposed mining method is toxic and could permanently damage the BWCA’s sensitive habitat and waterways.
>>St. Cloud Woman Fatally Stabbed by Husband in Murder-Suicide Attempt
(St. Cloud, MN) — Police in St. Cloud say a woman is dead and a man is hospitalized following an apparent murder-suicide attempt. Officers found 22-year-old Hallie Marie Tobler dead of multiple stab wounds in an apartment Saturday night. Twenty-three-year-old Dylan Tobler was located with self-inflicted injuries. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition and is in police custody. The autopsy indicates that Dylan is the person responsible for his wife’s injuries and death. The Minnesota B-C-A is assisting local authorities with the investigation.
>>Child Care Provider Sentenced for Child Endangerment
(Stevens County, MN) — A Stevens County childcare provider has been sentenced to probation for felony child endangerment. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office says Crystal Searle was sentenced to five years of probation and 180 days in jail for her role in a brain injury suffered by an infant in March 2022 in Donnelly. According to prosecutors, Searle was caring for a two-month-old when she realized the child needed emergency medical attention. Instead of calling 911, she waited about 45 minutes for the child’s mother to arrive. The mother immediately took the infant to the emergency room, where doctors found increased cranial pressure and a subdural hematoma. The child required brain surgery and spent several weeks in intensive care, but survived.
>>One Adult Dies in St. Louis Park Fire
(St. Louis Park, MN) — St. Louis Park firefighters responded to a fire shortly after 7:00 Sunday morning. One adult was transported to a hospital with smoke inhalation and heat-related injuries. A second adult was found dead inside the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is not believed to be suspicious. The names of the victims haven’t officially been released.
>>Woman Stabbed and Assaulted in Perham Apartment Robbery
(Perham, MN) — A 45-year-old woman is hospitalized in serious condition after a robbery, stabbing, and assault Saturday night in Perham. Otter Tail County sheriff’s deputies and police learned a man forcibly entered a woman’s apartment, and a witness reported he was stabbing and assaulting the victim. A neighbor intervened and called 9-1-1. The victim fled the apartment and was treated for stab wounds and other injuries before being taken to the hospital. She was later airlifted for additional care. Officers say the 22-year-old suspect was arrested a short time later and booked on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder and other charges.
>>One Seriously Hurt In Snowmobile Accident in St. Louis County
(Duluth, MN) — St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a snowmobile crash on a state snowmobile trail in Northstar Township Saturday afternoon, northeast of Duluth. It’s believed the crash occurred while the driver was negotiating a sharp corner. The driver was not injured and did not require medical assistance. The passenger, a 37-year-old woman from the Duluth area, sustained serious injuries. She was transported on a medical sled with a Life Link III Air Medical unit staged. She was then flown to a Duluth-area hospital. Highway 44 was closed for more than an hour to accommodate the air medical response.
>>Minnesota Native Lindsey Vonn Crashed Sunday at Winter Olympics
(Cortina, Italy) — Minnesota-native Lindsey Vonn underwent orthopedic surgery Sunday afternoon after breaking her left leg in a violent crash just 13 seconds into the women’s downhill at the winter Olympics. Vonn’s Olympic hopes ended almost as soon as they began in what had been one of the most anticipated events of the games. The downhill marked her long-awaited Olympic return following her 2019 retirement and, more recently, a torn ACL suffered just over a week ago. At last check, 41-year-old Vonn was listed in stable condition.
>>Minnesotans can Donate to the Nongame Wildlife Fund while Filing Taxes
(Undated) – Minnesotans can support the DNR’s Nongame Wildlife Program while filing their taxes this year. Communication Specialist Elizabeth Nault-Maurer says the fund helps protect species that aren’t hunted or fished – everything from turtles and butterflies to bees and bald eagles. She says donations are essential, not only for conservation work but also to secure state and federal wildlife grants, which require matching funds. If you’re filing on paper, look for the loon symbol on your tax form. Online filers will see a pop-up asking if they’d like to contribute. More information is available on the DNR’s website.
