Another consequence of the recent flood of opiate prescriptions. MPR’s Jon Collins reports on an increase in overdose deaths among older Minnesotans: “Media coverage often focuses on young people who overdose on illegal drugs like heroin but prescription pain drugs cause most opiate overdose deaths nationwide. And older people are increasingly the victims. … ‘As my generation ages, and as we incur more and more medical procedures, we’re going to be prescribed pain meds, opiates, and there’s going to be a larger and larger percentage of people who find it challenging to get off,’ Jeffrey said. ‘This problem is not going to go away.’ ”
So we’re guessing he’s a “no” then? Responding to Rep. Betty McCollum’s bill that would ban new mines in much of northeastern Minnesota, Rep. Rick Nolan, who represents the area, had this to say, according to Allison Sherry in the Star Tribune, “ ‘The simple truth is this bill is a duplicative, overlapping regulatory scheme designed to prohibit mining on the Iron Range,’ Nolan said. ‘The fact is, we have the brains, technology and regulations to both mine and protect the environment.’ ”
Stop us if you’ve read this one before: “Dunkin’ Donuts to come roaring back into Twin Cities market.” [Star Tribune] And if you’re preplexed as to why, in a metro area with plenty of better doughnut options, people get so excited about the arrival of this chain, here’s Boston Magazine’s attempt to explain East-Coasters’ obsession with the pink-and-orange.
MPR’s Peter Cox checks in with business owners who saw their livelihoods destroyed in yesterday’s fire on West Broadway in Minneapolis. It sounds dire: “Nader Abuammo bought the Brix Grocery at 915 W. Broadway Ave. about 25 years ago. … ‘I spent more than half my life here, and this is my only place, my only income,’ he said. ‘I have four or five people living in this place. It’s really a hard time.’ ”
The Minneapolis Park Board has blocked efforts to lift the 10 m.p.h. speed limit on parks system bike trails. In the Star Tribune, Steve Brandt reports, “Park board opponents said they found the proposed new rule requiring bikers to use ‘reasonable and prudent’ speed too vague. Some bristled at the idea of bike paths as speedways. … Law enforcement officials say they have no real ability to police limits; they can’t remember the last time someone was ticketed for speeding on the pathways.” Now that the board has affirmed its commitment to an unenforceable law, perhaps they can get back to the important work of funding redundant engineering studies.
In other news…
“Ice-out moving to northern lakes fast.” With a very Duluth photo of ice and swimsuits. [Duluth News Tribune]
What are the odds? “Thrown cigarette butt returns to car, starts fire on I-494” Don’t smoke, kids. [Pioneer Press]
The new Vikings stadium is going to be really, really big. [Minnesota Vikings]
Details on the fisherman who was stabbed to death on the St. Croix on Tuesday. Suspects remain at large. [Star Tribune]
More details on HCMC’s downtown Minneapolis expansion plans. [Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal]
Duluth Trading Co. has settled its dispute with Don Henley over its “Don a Henley and Take It Easy.” marketing message. But the real news: Duluth Trading Co. is based in Wisconsin!? [Duluth News Tribune]
STD rates are up in Minnesota. [KSTP]
No, reporter isn’t America’s worst job. But it’s one of the best jobs if you like complaining about your job. [MPR’s NewsCut]
The PCA needs you: To monitor lake and stream pollution [Rochester Post Bulletin]
