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City Cast Twin Cities

🛶 Overturning the BWCA mining ban

March 5, 2026

Good morning, Twin Cities! Tiffany here. Vegetarian phở lovers, you’ll want to check out Satisfy Artisan Eats in the Nokomis area. Their Cajun Vegetable Phở is packed with spices, and you can get it saucy or “bussin’,” which adds a spicy kick. I wasn’t a fan of how much plastic is used for a dine-in order, however.

A bowl of soup with chopsticks and a spoon in it. There are jalapenos, beef, onions and noodles in it
The saucy Cajun vegetable phở. (Tiffany Bui / City Cast Twin Cities)
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Today’s Must-Know

A man in a canoe on a lake. It's a bright sunny day and there are trees on the coast in the background
Journalist and author Joe Friedrichs enjoys canoeing in the Boundary Waters. (Courtesy of Joe Friedrichs)

Can you safely mine near the Boundary Waters?

Rep. Pete Stauber authored a resolution in January to overturn a 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Congressional Republican is hoping to open access to the Duluth Complex, home to the world’s largest untapped copper-nickel deposit. Joe Friedrichs, author and journalist, tells City Cast Twin Cities the Senate is expected to vote on the resolution any day now. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

  • Ban background: In 2023, then President Joe Biden and former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland signed an order prohibiting new mining and prospecting on over 200,000 acres of the Superior National Forest for 20 years. The order came after the U.S. Forest Service released an environmental study, which found copper-nickel mining poses severe water pollution threats. [MPR]
  • The tricky legal stuff: Stauber is trying to use the Congressional Review Act to overturn the mining ban. However, Friedrichs said the act only applies to “rules,” not “orders.” Biden’s 2023 ban was issued as an order.
  • Is it safe? Environmental advocates say no amount of mining is safe for the watershed. Proponents of Stauber’s resolution downplay the environmental risk and want to create more jobs for the Iron Range during a time of layoffs and economic uncertainty. Friedrichs points out that scientists could develop the technology to develop safer mining techniques in the future, but “we aren't there yet, that's for damn sure.” [Iron Range Today / 🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]
  • Hot spot: The U.S. Forest Service reported 149,723 visitors to the Boundary Waters in 2024, a slight increase from 2023.

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Celebrate Women’s History Month with Dress for Success Twin Cities

Dress for Success Twin Cities is building toward a community where all women have access to opportunity. The organization provides women with the clothing and support needed to secure employment and long-term economic stability. Learn more and get involved by volunteering or donating this March in celebration of Women’s History Month.

What the Cities Are Talking About

Sky high: Do you want a condo with a wraparound stone patio? Do you have nearly $500,000? You could be the proud owner of this “castle in the sky” penthouse at the Midtown Exchange. It’s somehow only one bedroom, though? [Racket]

Hotels in the hot seat: Anti-ICE protesters made their displeasure with hotels housing federal agents loud and clear. But Trevor Mitchell reports it was difficult for protesters to get hotels to ban agents entirely. It’s possible that the Minneapolis City Council could place more conditions on hotel licenses “to preserve the public peace and protect and promote good order, livability and security.” [MinnPost]

A white car with cameras on top and on the sides. It says "waymo" on the side of the car
Waymo self-driving car. (waltarrrrr / Flickr)

Brake check: Michelle Griffith reports that unions and some Democratic lawmakers want Minnesota to keep Waymo self-driving cars off the streets until legislators pass laws specifically regulating autonomous vehicles. The laws currently on the books only apply to cars with drivers. Labor advocates also worry Waymos will take jobs away from Uber, Lyft, and cab drivers. [Minnesota Reformer]

Back to school: The last day of online-learning for St. Paul Public Schools is March 13. Imani Cruzen reports that the majority of virtual learning students have already returned to in-person classes. [Pioneer Press]

Divided on eviction notices: Today, the Minneapolis City Council will vote on whether to temporarily extend the pre-eviction notice from 30 to 60 days in light of Operation Metro Surge. Proponents say it would give renters more time to pay. Deena Winter reports 13 nonprofit housing groups opposed it, arguing that extended notice periods in the past have led to more evictions. [Star Tribune]

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It’s the time of year when I’m anxiously watching for the temperatures to climb upwards. Have a great rest of your week!

— Tiffany

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