The U.S. Senate has confirmed a veteran prosecutor as Minnesota’s newest federal judge.  President Joe Biden in June nominated Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Provinzino to replace retiring Judge Wilhelmina Wright. The Senate approved the president’s choice in a bipartisan vote. Provinzino, from St. Cloud, has served as an assistant U.S. Attorney since 2010 focusing on human trafficking cases.

And dozens of Minneapolis residents Thursday voiced their opinions at a city council committee hearing about the proposed Blue Line extension plan. Kristel Porter, executive director of the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, says the route — which goes down West Broadway — needs a safety plan before it can go forward. Municipalities where the route will be located are holding public hearings on the preliminary design plans before they vote on it. The vote must take place before Oct. 10.

This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.

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In bipartisan vote, Senate confirms Minnesota’s newest federal judge

Minneapolis residents express concerns about proposed Blue Line extension plan

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