>>Minnesota House Passes Social Media Protections for Children
(St. Paul, MN) — A plan packed with social media protections for children passed the Minnesota House, but not before Democrats brought up an amendment around assault weapons. The amendment would require social media companies to report to the B-C-A any mass shooting threats posted online. Republicans unsuccessfully tried to block the amendment. The bill plus the added amendment passed 132-2. Republican author Peggy Scott of Andover said, “this bill is going to do a lot to protect our kids and there’s a lot more going forward that we can do. I think this is an excellent start and I’m so gratified that it’s such a bipartisan effort.” There’s a committee hearing in the Minnesota Senate today (Wed) on a similar bill.
>>House Approves Bill to Accommodate Minnesotans with Disabilities
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House approved changes that amend the state’s Human Rights Act to further accommodate Minnesotans living with disabilities. The bill covers areas like housing, public services, education, and other public services. Lawmakers say it was important to pass this bill now because federal law currently threatens to undermine the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 which provides many of these protections. The bill passed the House 88-42. The Senate has already passed it.
>>US House Expected to Vote on Year-Round E15 Today
(Washington, DC) — The U-S House is expected to vote today (Wed) on legislation allowing nationwide year-round sales of E15 fuel. Minnesota Republican Brad Finstad says Congress finally has a clear path for an up-or-down vote on the issue after years of debate. The House Ag committee member says consumers dealing with gas price volatility are looking for lower-cost fuel options, while farmers are ready to help strengthen America’s energy supply. President Trump has said he would sign permanent nationwide E15 legislation if it passes both the House and Senate.
>>Congresswoman Omar Endorses Peggy Flanagan For US Senate
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is backing Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in the race for the U-S Senate seat being vacated by Senator Tina Smith. Omar announced her endorsement Tuesday, calling Flanagan a strong leader willing to stand up to President Donald Trump and fight for working families. The endorsement comes just weeks before the state D-F-L convention. Congresswoman Angie Craig is also seeking the Democratic U-S Senate nomination.
>>Mayo Clinic CEO Farrugia Stepping Down
(Rochester, MN) — Mayo Clinic President and C-E-O Doctor Gianrico Farrugia will step down at the end of the year after leading the Rochester-based healthcare system since 2019. Mayo officials say a national search is already underway for his replacement, with a new leader expected to be named later this year. During Farrugia’s tenure, Mayo expanded research, technology, and patient care initiatives while also guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and major campus redevelopment projects. Mayo Clinic remains one of Minnesota’s largest employers and one of the nation’s top-ranked healthcare systems.
>>Water Emergency on Little Emily Lake Results in One Fatality
(Emily, MN) — Authorities in central Minnesota say a 19-year-old man died Tuesday after a paddle boat capsized on Little Emily Lake in Crow Wing County. Sheriff Eric Klang says dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call from the man, who reported he and two women were in the water before the call was disconnected. Responders located the two women, ages 20 and 22, near shore. One was treated for cold exposure. Rescue crews and dive team members searched the lake and recovered the missing man from about 23 feet of water. The sheriff says the group were college students visiting the area. Several nearby residents also assisted in the rescue effort.
>>One Dead, Three Injured in Lake Vermillion Boating Accident
(Beatty Township, MN) — Authorities in northeastern Minnesota are investigating a deadly boat crash on Lake Vermillion. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to a boat accident and several people being thrown into the water Tuesday evening near Manbeck Island. Deputies say three people were rescued and taken to a Duluth hospital. First responders tried to save a fourth victim, but they died at the scene. Investigators aren’t releasing any other information at this time.
>>87-Year-Old Man Dies in House Fire near Nisswa in Crow Wing County
(Brainerd, MN) — An 87-year-old man is the victim of a deadly fire Tuesday evening near Nisswa in the Brainerd lakes area. Crow Wing County sheriff’s deputies and firefighters were called to the fire on County Road 18 in Lake Edward Township. Crews located the body of the the victim inside residence during a search. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting local authorities with the investigation. The victim hasn’t been identified.
>>Two Motorcyclists Arrested for Leading Iron Range Police on High-Speed Chases
(Gilbert, MN) — Two motorcyclists are jailed on the Iron Range for allegedly fleeing authorities in Eveleth and Gilbert at high speeds. Police in Gilbert tried to stop the sport-style motorcycles Monday night for going more than 140 miles per hour near Eveleth but stopped the pursuit due to public safety concerns. Officers in Eveleth tried unsuccessfully to pursue the same motorcyclists. Investigators were able to identify the motorcycles and later executed a search warrant to seize the cycles in Eveleth. The two suspects were arrested and booked in the St. Louis County jail in Virginia.
>>Wolves Fall to Spurs in Game 5 of Western Conference Semifinals
(San Antonio, TX) — The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Spurs 126-97 last night in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals are now down 3-2 to San Antonio. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 20 points and Julius Randle had 17 and ten rebounds. The Wolves tied the game at 61 in the third quarter but trailed by as many as 30 points late in the game. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. The Timberwolves face elimination in Game 6 Friday night at Target Center.
