>>Goat Kid Tests Positive for HPAI in Stevens County
(St. Paul, MN) — A young goat, also known as Goat Kid, in Stevens County, has tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This is the first time the virus has been detected in any domestic ruminant species (such as cattle, sheep, goats, and their relatives) in the United States. The goat was residing on a farm where a positive HPAI poultry flock was previously found. The poultry on the property had already been quarantined since February when HPAI was detected. Following the confirmation of HPAI in the goat, the Board has quarantined all other species on the premises. This discovery is significant because it highlights the possibility of the virus infecting other animals on farms with multiple species, even during the migration period in spring, which is known to be a higher-risk transmission period for poultry.
>>Walz to Deliver State of the State Address in Owatonna
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Walz is set to deliver his annual State of the State address at Owatonna High School on Tuesday. This tradition of the governor addressing the Minnesota legislature to outline their priorities and accomplishments has been in place for many years. The first speech to be formally called a State of the State address was presented in 1969 by Governor Harold LeVander. This year’s speech will be the tenth to be given at a location outside of St. Paul and the first since Governor Walz’s address in Mankato in 2021.
>>MN Coalition for the Homeless Holds “Homeless Day on the Hill”
(St. Paul, MN) – The fight to end homelessness continues today in St. Paul. Matt Traynor with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless says today’s “Homeless Day on the Hill” showcases the group’s strong leadership at the Capital and its new fellowship program, which “Has four leaders that have lived and experienced that are leading in different legislative priorities.” Traynor says with Minnesota facing historically high evictions and homelessness, now is the time for lawmakers to secure funding to prevent families from facing increased risk of harm to health, educational outcomes, work stability, and more.
>>Home Buyers, Sellers Seeing Market Recovery
(Undated) – Home buyers and sellers are wasting no time this spring. Patti Jo Ritz with Minnesota Realtors says there were 10,555 active listings statewide in February, 17.5% more than in February 2023, noting Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Alexandria, and the Brainerd region saw the largest gains in listing activity, while pending sales rose the most in Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, and Grand Rapids. Ritz says that even though listings are on the rise, demand continues to outweigh supply. Last month’s median home price was $329,000, an increase of 4.4% from last year.
>>MDH Reminds Residents It’s National Poison Prevention Week
(Undated) – National Poison Prevention Week and Minnesota’s Poison Control System remind residents that a poisoning can happen to anybody at any age, anytime, anywhere. Poison Center Educator Mandy Slag says it’s always beneficial to call the poison hotline, “Whether you get bleach splashed in your eye, or a relative takes a double dose of medicine, or your child maybe gets some diaper rash cream in their mouth, we’re here to help you out.” Slag says Minnesotans can reach the state Regional Poison Center by calling 1-800-222-1222, where poison experts are available 24/7.
>>Suspected Drunken Driver Rescued from Vehicle in Otter Tail County Lake
(Underwood, MN) — A suspected drunken driver is hospitalized in Fergus Falls after crashing into an Otter Tail County lake and becoming trapped inside her vehicle. Authorities say the woman called 9-1-1 early this morning to report her car went off the road and was upside down in German Lake near Underwood. Deputies broke the sunroof and firefighters freed the woman from the vehicle. She was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators say alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident.
>>Minneapolis Home Uninhabitable After Fire
(Minneapolis, MN) –A home has been deemed uninhabitable following a fire this morning. Firefighters responded to reports of smoke emanating from a one-and-a-half-story residence in Minneapolis around 9:26 a.m. All occupants escaped unharmed as firefighters extinguished the basement fire. The owner’s cat was rescued and will be evaluated by a veterinarian. Smoke and water damage rendered the home uninhabitable, with investigations ongoing into the cause of the fire.
>>Semi Carrying Hay Bales Hits Underside of Railroad Bridge
(Glyndon, MN) — Railroad inspectors will inspect a bridge on State Highway 9 south of Highway 10 in Clay County near Glyndon after a semi hauling straw bales struck a railroad underpass Tuesday morning. State Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow says it does not appear that the underpass was damaged. No one was hurt.
>>Rep. Craig Urges Health, Human Services Admin. to Protect People in Cyberattack Wake
(Washington, D.C.) — In response to the February 21st cyberattack on Change Healthcare that affected payments going through between hospitals, insurers, patients, and medical providers, Representative Angie Craig is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement new measures to safeguard health providers and patients. Craig calls on HHS to protect operations through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) immediately. She also requests information on HHS’s efforts to alleviate the financial impact of the cyberattack on patients and caregivers, as well as strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
