>>House, Senate Pause to Pay Tribute to Hortman Family
(St. Paul, MN) – The 2026 Minnesota legislative session opened Tuesday, but under much different circumstances. Both the House and Senate came together to pay tribute to late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert. The Hortmans were killed in a political attack in their own home on June 14th, 2025. The tribute included the Hortman family, Governor Walz, and the full Senate and House members. Governor Walz said of Melissa Hortman, “I miss my friend every day. I miss the wisdom that she brought, the humor, the decency, and I just hope the work we do here makes her proud because she cared so deeply about this institution.” Senate and House members jointly read a resolution honoring the Hortmans’ lives.
>>Senator John Hoffman Returns to Senate Chamber
(St. Paul, MN) – Eight months after being shot in a politically-motivated attack in his home, Senator John Hoffman returned for the first time to the Senate Chamber. Hoffman was joined by his wife, Yvette, daughter, Hope, and family members. The Minnesota State Patrol escorted Senator Hoffman up the Capitol steps and to his place in the Senate chamber. Hoffman said, “Members, let’s rise above the noise and let us govern with humility. And let us prove through our actions that the word Democracy is stronger than fear, Mr. President. I thank you, and it feels really good to be back here.” The House and Senate then adjourned and came together to pay tribute to late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her family, who were killed in the June 14th attack.
>>St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Releases Video from 2025 Deputy-Involved Shooting
(Duluth, MN) – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office released today body-worn and squad camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting last Tuesday. According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA) preliminary findings, deputies attempted to stop 30-year-old Donald Felver the Third for erratic driving. Felver fled, and a PIT maneuver brought his vehicle to a stop. As deputies approached, investigators say shots were fired from inside Felver’s vehicle. Deputies returned fire, killing Felver. No deputies were hurt. BCA officials say a handgun and spent casings were recovered from the vehicle. The video released by the Sheriff’s Office shows portions of the gunfire exchange. The case remains under review.
>>One Person Found Dead After Rural Bemidji House Fire
(Bemidji, MN) – One person is dead after a house fire north of Bemidji on Monday. Fire crews were called just before 9 p.m. to a home about 15 miles outside the city. When firefighters arrived, they found the residence fully destroyed and collapsed into the basement. After the fire was extinguished, crews located a dead person inside the structure. No firefighters were injured. The home and its contents are considered a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
>>Avon Man Charged After Crash That Injured Pregnant Woman, Killed Unborn Child
(St. Cloud, MN) – A 32-year-old Avon man is facing criminal vehicular operation charges in relation to a head-on crash that critically injured a pregnant woman and resulted in the loss of her unborn baby. St. Cloud police responded around 1 p.m. Friday to an intersection. Officers found both vehicles in a snowbank, with 34-year-old Nastaho Amare trapped inside her minivan as the front caught fire. Witnesses told officers the other driver, Christopher Otte, was traveling “very fast” before the collision. Officials say Otte showed signs of intoxication and had a preliminary breath test result of .201, more than twice the legal limit. Prosecutors say he later told officers, “It was my fault,” and admitted drinking at a sports bar before driving. The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition and underwent surgery for multiple injuries.
>>MDA Weekly Recalls
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture names three products in this week’s recall. Initiative Foods is recalling one lot of “Tippy Toes” brand Apple Pear Banana Fruit Puree due to elevated levels of patulin, which produces molds in various fruits. The product comes in 2-pack plastic tubs with lot number 07174 and a Best By Date of July 17th, 2026. Stellar Bay Shellfish is recalling oysters due to possible norovirus contamination. There was an outbreak in Washington on February 3rd and in California on February 5th. The recall includes oysters with original harvest dates of January 26th-29th. Ambrosia Brands is recalling certain lots of Rosabella Moringa Capsules due to possible Salmonella contamination. The 60-count bottles affected have expiration dates of March, April, May, June, July, September, October, and November.
>>Twins Pitcher Lopez Suffers Elbow Injury in Spring Training Workout
(Fort Myers, FL) – Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez could miss the entire season due to an elbow injury. Lopez left spring training in Fort Myers early Monday, and Twins GM Jeremy Zoll confirmed today that he suffered a significant UCL tear. Zoll said season-ending elbow surgery is an option, but the team is seeking a second opinion. 29-year-old Lopez is starting his fourth season in Minnesota and was also going to pitch for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
>>University of St. Thomas to Start Beer Sales at Sports Venue this Week
(St. Paul, MN) – The University of St. Thomas will begin selling beer throughout its basketball and hockey venues starting Friday. Alcohol sales will be available at the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. Previously, beer was limited to premium seating areas, but it will now be offered throughout the entire arena.
>>Springsteen Opens Land of Hope & Dreams Tour in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) – Bruce Springsteen is kicking off his “Land of Hope & Dreams “ tour in Minnesota. Springsteen and the E Street Band are coming to Target Center on March 31st. The Boss just played an anti-ICE benefit concert across the street at First Avenue on January 30th. Tickets for the Springsteen Minneapolis show go on sale this Friday.
