Minnesota

We drove up a little after midnight and joined the party at boulder lake, and were treated to some great lights!

Best viewing between 2200 and 0200.

The city across the river from Fargo is tearing down a mall to rebuild a downtown in hopes of drawing residents and fostering lively streets.

Last time we renewed tabs, we upgraded to the state park plate (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/parksplate.html). That means we get entrance into a state park whenever we go! So, we've been working on visiting at least one state park each weekend for this summer. Here are some resources I found: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html https://www.mapofus.org/minnesota-state-park-map/

>"It's one of the many indicators showing the continued strength of the economy," said Kevin McKinnon, interim commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

>The state unemployment rate also ticked up slightly but still remains low at 2.9%, according to data DEED released Thursday. It's nearly a percentage point lower than the U.S. jobless rate of 3.7%.

> The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an orange advisory, which means air pollution will be unhealthy for people with breathing issues, the elderly and young people.

> Easterly winds are moving the smoke, much of it from fires in Quebec, west across the state, where it will linger into Thursday.

The policy likely violated an existing agreement with the state which protects MN citizens against abusive debt collection practices.

>Southern Minnesota patients face a particular challenge if they lose access to Mayo, said Henehan, a partner with Kain-Henehan in Mendota Heights. > > "Mayo has got such a hold on all of those towns in southern Minnesota," she said. "When you get cut off from Mayo, you really get cut off from health care."

Check out the linked CBS article if you need a refresher - it's a lot. This is one of the most impactful legislative sessions we'll see for a while.

To give a short list of my favorites: trans youth protections, conversion therapy ban, abortion protections, free school lunches and recreational cannabis legalization.

The 2040 clean energy deadline is cool as well, if a bit ambitious.

>It doesn't cover video game consoles, medical gear, farm or construction equipment, digital security tools, or cars. > >However, in demanding that manuals, tools, and parts be made available for most electronics and appliances, Minnesota's recently passed right-to-repair bill covers the most ground of any US state yet.

Gov. Walz's signature makes Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana.