Republicans Deployed a Little-Known Law to Open Minnesota Wilderness to Mining

By Rebecca Egan McCarthy / Grist | April 17, 2026
Minnesota’s Boundary Waters comprise a vast stretch of wilderness bordering Canada, with over 1 million acres of untouched forest and thousands of lakes and streams. Accessible largely by canoe, it is an ecological gem and one of the most popular spots in the country for outdoor recreation. On Thursday, Senate Republicans voted 50-49 to open the area up to mining…Read More

A Legislative Blow to Cannabis

By tk524 | December 4, 2025
Rob DeSalle— The fall 2025 U.S. government closure and budget negotiations have had many negative impacts on life in America. In my opinion, one negative consequence of H.R. 5371 (Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026) is the insertion—some call it secretive—of anti-cannabis legislation. This rider (at 887 words it is slightly shorter…Read More