Local and Regional News, Tuesday 5/19/2026
This year is proving to be heavy for many of Minnesota’s Latino residents. But a new documentary reveals hope that’s been building for some time.
“Nuestro Norte” is a short film directed by Martín Blanco, a first-generation immigrant from Venezuela who arrived in Minnesota at age 10. His movie is a portrait of five community leaders from across Minnesota, and their experiences are interwoven with symbolic scenes and original musical performances. It was filmed last September, before the recent federal immigration crackdown here, but Blanco said it serves as a foil to real events.
Themes such as the arts, community activism and agriculture are explored in sharing these lived experiences, while landmarks such as the State Capitol serve as a backdrop for the film.
The Minnesota Humanities Center and the group LatinoLEAD are partners in the project, helping organize public and private screenings, including a fully booked event on May 20 at the Heights Theater in Columbia Heights.
Melissa Vazquez, LatinoLEAD’s communications and community engagement manager, said they hope the film brings focus to unsung community leaders who are helping inspire innovation and social bonds in towns and cities all over Minnesota.
MayKao Fredericks, the Humanities Center’s director of cultural initiatives and immersive programs, called it a beautiful human story with characteristics that all Minnesotans should want and strive for.
Minnesota could soon become the first state in the nation to ban prediction market platforms like Kalshi under a public safety bill now headed to Governor Tim Walz.
The online platforms allow users to buy contracts tied to the outcome of events ranging from sports and politics to entertainment and world affairs. Supporters say the markets operate like financial trading, but critics argue they function as unregulated gambling.
Annette Meeks with Citizens Against Gambling Expansion told lawmakers the platforms avoid state oversight and taxes while still contributing to gambling-related social issues. Meanwhile, Senator Jordan Rasmusson of Fergus Falls says companies market themselves like gambling apps, while legally claiming to be financial exchanges.
The issue has sparked debate nationwide, with several states and members of Congress considering new regulations on prediction markets.
A familiar community tradition is making a comeback in International Falls. Tyler Borgen, who recently moved back to the area after seven years away, is helping revive teen dances once organized by the late John Faith.
Borgen says the events are aimed at giving local youth a safe and fun place to gather again.
The first teen dance is scheduled for Friday, May 22nd from 8 to 9 p-m at the Union Hall and is open to students in grades 7 through 12. Admission is 10 dollars, and parents are welcome to attend free of charge.
Borgen says community support for the idea has been overwhelming.
He also plans to host a preschool-age dance event June 13th from 4 to 6 p-m.
Minnesota lawmakers wrapped up the legislative session by approving a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting children on social media.
The measure, now headed to Governor Tim Walz, would ban addictive features like infinite scrolling for users under 16 and require parental approval for minors to create social media accounts.
Supporters say the bill is designed to reduce harmful online content, cyberbullying, and targeted advertising aimed at teens. During committee testimony, high school student Mollie Snyder told lawmakers social media pressures can seriously affect young people’s mental health and self-esteem.
The proposal gained support from both Democrats and Republicans, even as lawmakers remained divided on other youth safety issues this session, including gun control legislation. Similar laws are being considered in states across the country, though social media companies have already challenged some regulations in court.