>>Minnesota Woman Killed in Africa Elephant Attack
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minnesota woman was killed by a charging elephant while on safari in Africa. The tour operator at Kafue National Park in Zambia says 79-year-old Gail Mattson died Saturday when a bull elephant unexpectedly charged at a vehicle carrying six tourists, flipping it on its side. Mattson’s daughter said on Facebook that her mother died in a “tragic accident while on her dream adventure.”
>>Willmar Man Charged in ER Assault
(Willmar, MN) — A Willmar man is charged with two counts of felony assault after police say he stabbed an employee multiple times Monday in the E-R at CentraCare Rice Hospital. Court documents state that officers dispatched for an “out-of-control patient who was being combative” found hospital staff trying to secure 31-year-old Darrick Whelan in a restraint chair. Multiple witnesses said Whelan suddenly came out of his room and immediately attacked the 53-year-old woman, who was sitting in a chair and couldn’t retreat because it was pushed up against medical equipment. The victim reportedly was stabbed in the breast, left chest, left shoulder, and left forearm. CentraCare spokesperson Karna Fronden says, “Events like this are happening far too frequently at healthcare facilities around the country, and we are not immune.” The defendant’s next court hearing is June 11th.
>>U.S. Ag Secretary Visits MSU-Mankato
(Mankato, MN) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says the Biden administration is making a big investment in farming and conservation. Vilsack came to MSU-Mankato for an agricultural roundtable yesterday, telling his audience that small farmers are being forced out of the industry due to policies emphasizing higher production. Vilsack announced that the government plans to invest one-point-five-billion dollars in the Regional Conservation Partnership program. The program is focused on projects that expand conservation using climate-smart agriculture practices. Applications for the program will be accepted through July 2nd.
>>Twins Home Opener
(Minneapolis, MN) — During today’s (Thurs) Twins home opener, special tributes will be paid to the three Burnsville first responders killed in the line of duty on February 18th. Team spokesman Matt Hodson says they will honor all men and women who risk their lives daily. The pregame includes a flyover by a C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing.
>>Powerball Jackpot Grows
(Undated) — The Powerball jackpot keeps growing after there was no grand prize winner in Wednesday night’s big drawing. That pushes the jackpot up to an estimated one-point-23-billion dollars ahead of the next drawing on Saturday. That’s around 595 million dollars for the cash option.
