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🎙️Coming up on Morning Edition: MPR News host Cathy Wurzer will talk with Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, who is part of a growing chorus of Democrats calling for the resignation of California Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

🎧At 9 a.m. Tuesday, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world in terms of its surface area, but it’s not immune to climate change — it’s also one of the fastest-warming lakes in the world. MPR News guest host Dan Kraker speaks with a scientist who studies Lake Superior about the allure and science of this deep, clear and cold lake and how it’s threatened by climate change.

😊We're collecting stories about 'Minnesota nice' and we want to hear from you! Do you have a story about a time you experienced 'Minnesota nice?' We want to hear the many ways this cultural phenomenon appears in our lives. Tell us about it here.
 
Lawmakers gather in the House chamber
As session ends, Democrats ‘run the table’ at Capitol

Minnesota lawmakers finished a momentous session Monday night by passing the final elements of a new $72 billion two-year state budget and shaking loose a record-setting construction projects package that was stalled for months.

It was a year in which they legalized marijuana, guaranteed abortion access, boosted school aid, cut some taxes while raising others and much more. The all-DFL power structure at the Capitol passed its entire agenda — one that Republicans fought but couldn’t stop.

A man stands next to a train
State lawmakers fast track passenger rail between Duluth and the Twin Cities

State lawmakers have approved $195 million in funding for the Northern Lights passenger rail line connecting the Twin Ports and Twin Cities. Rail advocates have fought for it for decades, despite concerns about cost and ridership.

“This is going to open up so many connection opportunities for people going back and forth between northeastern Minnesota and Duluth and all route to the Twin Cities and back,” said Sen. Jen McEwen, DFL-Duluth.

Despite the fact that the federal government is poised to pick up the lion’s share of the project’s costs, Republican critics have sharply criticized the rail line’s merits and questioned how many passengers would actually ride it.
 
What else we're watching:
New fund protects farmers when grain buyers fail. A new Minnesota law will help protect farmers when they sell grain to a business that fails. The law creates a dedicated fund to reimburse farmers when a grain elevator goes bust and they don't get paid. 

Legislature plans restrictions on electronic pull-tabs. Existing games can stay in bars through 2024, which means this battle over electronic pull-tabs can be fought all over again next February, when — just to complicate things even further — lawmakers are likely to resume debate on legalizing sports betting.

Minneapolis nonprofit seeks host homes for transgender youth traveling to Minnesota. As other states pass bans on gender-affirming care, a Minneapolis nonprofit says it's fielding more calls from transgender youth who are coming to Minnesota for care and need a place to stay. It’s asking Minnesotans to help by hosting them.

- Sam Stroozas, MPR News
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