>>Gov. Walz Issues Order to Protect Vaccine Access
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order today (MON) directing that Minnesota safeguard vaccine access amid federal rollbacks. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. changed recommendations to limit vaccine access and the C-D-C (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The order allows pharmacists to continue administering COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions and directs the state epidemiologist to issue a standing order to expand availability. Walz says Minnesota will prioritize science and public health, even as “the Trump Administration attempts to limit Americans’ access to preventative care.”
>>New Prague Police Search for Missing Man
(New Prague, MN) — New Prague Police are searching for a missing man. Twenty-four-year-old Logan Sampson was last seen leaving his home on Sunday morning. He is described as white, six feet two inches tall, one hundred ninety pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Sampson was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black jogger pants. He’s known to be traveling on foot.
>>Representative Craig Introduces Bill Requiring Social Media Companies to Ban Platforms During School
(Washington, DC) — DFL Representative Angie Craig has introduced the No Social Media at School Act, requiring social media companies to block access on K-12 campuses during school hours. The bill allows enforcement by state attorneys general and the FTC, with exemptions for public safety, nonprofit organizations, and educational purposes. “Social media is hurting students’ focus and mental health,” said Craig, adding, “Schools should be for learning, not scrolling. It’s time Big Tech takes responsibility.” Craig also reintroduced the Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act, a bipartisan bill requiring platforms to report illicit drug activity to federal law enforcement.
>>2 Killed in Lakeville Helicopter Crash
(Lakeville, MN) — Two people were killed in a helicopter crash in Lakeville on Saturday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says police responded to the crash around 2:45 p.m. The pilot and passenger were found dead. The pilot was identified as Davie Schmitz, a Vietnam veteran. The passenger has not been identified. The cause of the crash is unknown. The F-A-A and N-T-S-B (National Transportation Safety Board) are expected to give a preliminary report within thirty days.
>>DNR continuing CWD Management Efforts
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is continuing its effort to track chronic wasting disease across the state. Wildlife Health Supervisor Erik Hildebrand says the disease can have a trickle-down effect and negatively impact Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry. Hildebrand says targeted culling is an effective method of disease management. Between June of 2024 and June of this year, there were 96 positive CWD tests among deer in Minnesota.
>>Cook County EDA Launches Taconite Harbor Redevelopment Project
(Cook County, MN) — Cook County is planning a new future for Taconite Harbor – and the community will help lead the way. The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority is launching a redevelopment plan for Taconite Harbor, once home to iron ore and coal-fired power. A $200,000 state grant will support the effort, aimed at creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Global design firm Stantec will lead the planning, with input from a local advisory group and public sessions in 2026. Officials say community voices will be key to shaping the site’s next chapter.
>>Rochester Man Pleads Guilty in Prostitution Bust
(Rochester, MN) — A Rochester man has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of hiring a prostitute under the age of eighteen years old, but will not receive additional jail time. Twenty-five-year-old Nicholas Bain entered a plea deal last week. He is one of seven charged in a prostitution bust in spring 2024. Local law enforcement posted online ads selling illicit services, with undercover officers posing as minors. The men were all arrested after showing up at an agreed meeting place in Rochester. Bain will be sentenced in November.
>>The Orpheum Theater Hosts Comedy Legends
(Minneapolis, MN) – Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short are set to return to Minneapolis with their acclaimed show, The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short, live at the Orpheum Theatre on February 28th. Joined by special guests Jeff Babko and The Steep Canyon Rangers, the duo will deliver a night of sharp one-liners, playful banter, and hilarious skits – including nods to their hit series Only Murders in the Building. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10:00 a.m.
>>Single Game Tickets on Sale Friday for Timberwolves Regular Season
(Minneapolis, MN) — Single-game tickets go on sale Friday (12pm) for the 2025-2026 Minnesota Timberwolves regular season. The home opener is Sunday, October 26th, against the Eastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers. A three-game opening homestand also includes the Denver Nuggets on October 27th and the L.A. Lakers on October 29th. There are two six-game homestands, December 6th through 23rd, and February 6th to 22nd. Minnesota opens the preseason on October 7th versus the Pacers at Target Center.
