Local and Regional News, Tuesday 3/3/2026
Work is ramping up at the Capitol as both House and Senate Veterans committees met last week.
The Senate Subcommittee on Veterans held a hearing Monday, receiving updates from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum on construction progress ahead of its opening later this year. Lawmakers also heard a report from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on its Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan, along with an overview from the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
In the House, the Veterans and Military Affairs Division met Wednesday and heard three bills. Representative Matt Bliss presented a measure that would add veteran or military status to the Minnesota Human Rights Act. That bill was approved and sent to the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee.
Representative Bidal Duran brought forward a department policy bill allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to temporarily close a Veterans Home under limited circumstances if ordered by federal regulators. That measure heads to the House floor.
And Representative Aaron Repinski presented a housekeeping and federal conformity bill making administrative updates within the agency. It was approved and sent to the Health Finance and Policy Committee.
Both Veterans committees are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, March 4th.
The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development is hosting a four-part webinar series in April focused on permitting and environmental review for broadband projects.
The updated 2026 “Navigating PLUS” training — which stands for Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems — will feature state agency partners sharing resources and guidance for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Sessions will be recorded and made available online.
The series begins April 2nd with the Department of Labor and Industry, followed by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and Office of the State Archaeologist on April 9th, the Office of Pipeline Safety on April 16th, and wraps up April 23rd with the State Historic Preservation Office.
Registration details and past materials are available on the Office of Broadband Development’s webinars and recorded events webpage.
George and Sue Fraik stopped by the studio for this month’s Aging Matters, focusing on myths and realities surrounding older adults in Minnesota and Koochiching County.
Sue says language matters when talking about aging.
George highlighted that nearly one-quarter of Koochiching County residents are 65 and older — and most are living independently.
They also addressed the myth that dementia is inevitable.
Both emphasized exercise, social connection, and staying engaged as keys to aging well.
And George left listeners with this reminder:
Aging Matters airs the first Monday of each month and is posted on Facebook for those who miss the live broadcast.
As March marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an Essentia Health surgeon is highlighting the importance of screening — while also serving her country.
Dr. Sarah Diaz, a colorectal surgeon at Essentia Health in Duluth, returned home last July after training and practicing out of state. A Duluth East graduate, she says coming back to raise her three young children in the community she loves felt right.
In the operating room, Dr. Diaz treats everything from routine colonoscopies to complex cancer surgeries. She says colorectal cancer is rising, especially in people under 55, and urges anyone experiencing symptoms like changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue to speak with their primary care provider.
Beyond her medical work, Dr. Diaz has served for 15 years as a flight surgeon with the 148th Fighter Wing in the Minnesota Air National Guard, providing care and determining flight readiness for pilots and crew members.
She says serving both her patients and her country is a family tradition — and a privilege — as she continues caring for the Duluth community at home and in uniform.
Women in agriculture from across the state are invited to share their stories at the Minnesota State Capitol next month.
Women in Ag Day at the Capitol is set for Wednesday, March 18th in St. Paul. The event will feature farmer presentations during a legislative agriculture committee hearing, giving participants the opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers and state leaders.
Organizers say 2026 has been recognized globally as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, making this a pivotal time to highlight the voices and contributions of women in Minnesota agriculture.
In addition to the committee hearing, attendees can observe floor sessions, sit in on other hearings, tour the Capitol, or schedule meetings with their legislators.
The event is open to all, regardless of gender or age, and families are welcome. More information and registration details can be found online at z.umn.edu/WIADAC2026.