Seasonal utility protections in Minnesota come to an end today as the state’s Cold Weather Rule expires. The policy, which prevents utility shutoffs during winter months, will no longer apply starting Friday. Utility providers can resume disconnections for nonpayment. Officials urge customers behind on bills to contact their providers to arrange payment plans or seek energy assistance before service is interrupted.

New details highlight the significant lobbying efforts behind the rollback of a long-standing mining restriction near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. According to reports, Twin Metals Minnesota spent roughly $380,000 on lobbying efforts, including work with a firm led by former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. That total is about twice what opposing environmental group Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness spent over the same period. The policy change ends a 20-year moratorium in the Superior National Forest and follows months of debate among environmental advocates, tribal leaders, and mining supporters.

Former Minnesota Republican Party chair David Hann has suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. In a statement, Hann encouraged voters to support conservative leadership but stopped short of endorsing another candidate. The race continues to draw multiple contenders, including media personality Michele Tafoya, along with Royce White, Adam Schwarze, and Mark York. National Republican groups have already begun backing candidates as the primary field takes shape.

Minnesota lawmakers have approved what supporters describe as the first law of its kind targeting artificial intelligence-generated sexual imagery. The Senate unanimously passed legislation banning access to so-called “nudification” technology, which can create explicit images using existing photos. The bill was introduced by Erin Maye Quade after she met with victims of deepfake abuse. The measure requires technology companies to disable such features and now heads to the governor for final approval.

Governor Tim Walz has signed a new law designed to expand financial support for Minnesota dairy producers. The Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative will provide state funding to help more farmers qualify for federal aid programs. The effort targets producers who are new to the industry or were previously ineligible when similar assistance was offered. Applications for the program are available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

A proposal to establish a statewide Office of the Inspector General is moving forward in the Minnesota Legislature. The bill cleared its final stop in the House Ways and Means Committee and is now headed for a full House vote. Lawmakers say the latest version reflects several compromises, including full initial funding for the office. The measure also delays implementation of its law enforcement division until 2028, with investigative responsibilities coordinated through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the meantime. The Senate previously approved the legislation with a strong bipartisan vote, and House action is expected soon.

A new statewide effort is helping Minnesota students safely navigate their communities on foot and by bike. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has launched its “On My Way! Walk, Bike and Roll Safety Education” campaign, introducing a website with classroom-ready resources designed to teach pedestrian and bicycle safety. The initiative supports a 2023 state law requiring schools to provide age-appropriate safety instruction. MnDOT officials say the program is modeled after longstanding school bus safety training and focuses on building foundational skills for students at an early age. “Learning how to safely walk, bike and navigate your neighborhood are lifelong, core skills,” [...]

Saint Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota House Ethics Committee is scheduled to hold probable cause hearings Friday for three state lawmakers. Complaints against Republican Representatives Elliott Engen of Lino Lakes and Walter Hudson of Albertville allege they left assigned committee meetings to go drinking. A separate complaint against DFL Representative Alex Falconer of Eden Prairie involves outside employment with Save the Boundary Waters. The bipartisan four-member panel will decide whether credible evidence shows the allegations are more likely true than not. If so, the committee could move to a final hearing and recommend discipline to the full House, including expulsion, censure, [...]

Mankato, Minn. — A Fairmont man is facing multiple felony charges in connection with a deadly shooting Sunday in Mankato and the assault of his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors say 44-year-old Joseph Bulfer is charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, and burglary counts. Authorities allege Bulfer forced his way into the townhome of 37-year-old Rosalyn Rode and fatally shot her boyfriend, 52-year-old Joshua Downey. Investigators say Bulfer also struck Rode with a rifle, causing serious injuries including broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and head wounds. Bail has been set at $5 million. 

Marshall, Minn. — Two upcoming community events are planned at the Lyon County Museum in Marshall.  The museum’s next genealogy club meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. Former Minnesota Genealogical Society president Linda Westrom will be the guest speaker. The club is open to anyone interested in family history research and connecting with others. Light refreshments will be served.  The museum will also host its monthly veterans coffee on Tuesday, May 5, at 1:30 p.m. The gathering, held on the first Tuesday of each month, is open to all veterans. Attendees can enjoy coffee, juice, water and treats while [...]