politicnewsbusterinsiderpostreview: Your evening news debrief

Friday, 31 March 2023

March 31, 2023

Good evening,

Reminder: I'm just the messenger here... Much of southern and central Minnesota is seeing rain and thunderstorms. Some will be graced with a transition to (again, messenger only!) snow this evening, with heavy snow expected in many areas through tonight and into very early tomorrow. Get the latest on Updraft.

Jury finds ex-GOP operative Lazzaro guilty in federal sex trafficking case

The one-time Minnesota Republican political operative and top donor is guilty on all counts of sex trafficking five girls, ages 15 and 16. Lazzaro faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

Read here

Minneapolis, state agree on police operations overhaul

Changes include limits on the use of nonlethal weapons, restrictions on traffic stops and when and how use of force is conducted.

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🎧 A safe space for 'sad girl' music fans: Inside Electric Fetus' boygenius listening party

"Everywhere in the world, people are experiencing the music at the same time ... It builds that relationship with the artist and the fans all feel like they're experiencing something together."

❄️ Blizzard warning widens to Twin Cities; heavy snow expected Friday night

A blizzard warning now stretches across a broad swath of central and southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, plus parts of Wisconsin overnight.

⚖️ Federal judge: 18-20 year-olds can get Minnesota gun permits

A federal judge today invalidated a Minnesota law that excludes adults under age 21 from obtaining permits to carry guns in public. The judge ruled their constitutional rights had been violated.

😷 New research: MN's COVID outcomes may not have been as good as they seemed

While we had the sixth lowest unadjusted COVID-19 death rate, once adjusted for age and the presence of key comorbidities, Minnesota's death rate shifts to exactly the middle of the pack.

🏀 Students, alumni celebrate UMD Women's Hoops title game appearance

It's only the third time in UMD's history that one of their Division II teams has competed for a national championship. Until last week the women's basketball team had never advanced to the elite eight, much less the final.

🏳️‍⚧️ 'Like a deep breath': Trans Day of Visibility rally celebrates, supports trans youth

"To think in other states people are in fear for their kids' lives, education and freedom. Then, to know my kid can show up at the Capitol with a trans flag on and we feel relatively safe and we feel like we are making progress when we talk to our leaders, it's a big difference."