(Watch for Updates)
>>Authorities Say Search For Missing Canoeists Now Recovery Effort
(St. Louis County, MN) — The search for two missing canoeists in northern Minnesota has transitioned into a recovery effort. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced yesterday afternoon that they do not believe Jesse Haugen and Reis Grams survived after their canoe went over Curtain Falls on Iron Lake. Search efforts will now focus on areas of the falls where the bodies are likely trapped. Authorities anticipate that search efforts may be limited today due to bad weather in the area.
>>Governor Walz Signs ‘Junk’ Fees Legislation into Law
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill signed into law by Governor Tim Walz bans so-called “junk” fees on tickets, restaurants, hotels, credit card purchases, and other items. The legislation requires that businesses disclose the total price of a product or service, including all mandatory fees, at the beginning of a transaction. Bill author, Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville, says, “Deceptive and anti-competitive junk fees won’t be allowed in Minnesota for much longer.” The new law takes effect in 2025.
>>Mixed Feeling on Proposed Equal Rights/ Abortion Rights Amendment
(St. Paul, MN) — Officials with the state’s largest pro-life group are pleased lawmakers were unable to put a proposed Equal Rights/abortion rights amendment on the election ballot. Cathy Blaeser (of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life says (“And that is exactly what Minnesotans across the state asked for. They did not want abortion up to birth in the constitution. They didn’t want it in the E-R-A on the ballot in 2026. They made that loud and clear.” Megan Peterson of Gender Justice says in a statement, “We are stunned and deeply disappointed that, despite having the necessary votes, the pro-LGBTQ and pro-reproductive freedom majority in the Legislature could not get the job done.”
>>MN BCA Searches for Missing Moorhead Woman
(Moorhead, MN) — The Minnesota BCA is searching statewide for a missing Moorhead woman. 35-year-old Vanita Abbott was last seen leaving the 3000 block of 41st Avenue in Moorhead. Vanita is described as white, 5 foot 9 inches tall, 130 pounds, with red hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a tan T-shirt, pink leggings, and tan sneakers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Moorhead Police Department.
>>Valleyfair’s Soak City Opens for Season
(Shakopee, MN) — Valleyfair’s Soak City is officially opening for the season on Saturday, though the controversial chaperone policy will still be in place. Beginning last year, the chaperone policy requires all guests 15 years old or younger to be accompanied by a chaperone who’s at least 21 years old to stay in the park or be admitted after 4:00 p.m. Opening weekend specials will include sampling from the Boston Beer Company, and Indeed Brewing and Valleyfair is offering free tickets for active and retired members valid Friday through Monday.
>>Minnesota Twins Look to Snap 7-Game Skid in Washington
(Washington, DC) — The Minnesota Twins look to snap a seven-game losing streak when they play the Nationals tonight (Tues 5:45 pm) in Washington, D-C. The Nats pounded the Twins 12-3 in the series opener Monday. Starting pitcher Pablo Lopez allowed seven earned runs over five innings for his fourth season loss. Right-hander Joe Ryan starts this evening for Minnesota.
