>>Bird Flu Hits Three More Minnesota Turkey Farms
(St. Paul, MN) — Three additional turkey operations in Minnesota have been impacted by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. On Tuesday, officials confirmed outbreaks in Kandiyohi County: 30,430 commercial turkey breeder hens, Meeker County: 92,021 commercial turkey meat birds, and Stearns County: 61,038 commercial turkey meat birds. The virus, which is spread by migrating wild birds, began resurfacing about a month ago. Dr. Shauna Voss with the Minnesota Poultry Testing Lab in Willmar is urging producers to maintain strict biosecurity measures—keeping wild birds and visitors away from their facilities. While a vaccine for bird flu does exist, it is not approved for use by the USDA. International trading partners have expressed concerns about purchasing vaccinated birds, which has stalled its adoption.
>>Minnesota Sees Fewer Measles Cases Than National Average
(St. Paul, MN) — While measles cases surge across the U.S., Minnesota has fared better, with just 15 confirmed cases recently. According to Department of Health Senior Epidemiologist Jayne Griffith, swift action helped prevent further spread. “So, while we’re relieved that we think this flurry of cases is over, we have to remain on high suspicion because another measles case could be introduced from a traveler at any time,” Griffith said.
Health officials urge residents not to travel unless they’ve received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Nationwide, nearly 1,600 measles cases have been reported.
>>MDA Adds Three New Weather Stations in Southern MN
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is expanding its Ag Weather Network with three new stations in the southern part of the state. Officials say the goal is to provide real-time, hyperlocal data within 20 miles of all farmland statewide. New stations are near Leota, Luverne, and between Elkton and Adams. Commissioner Thom Peterson says the data helps farmers make decisions about irrigation, crop health, and soil management. Nearly 20 new stations were added this year, with more planned through 2026.
>>DWI Suspected in Crash near Lake Vermillion in St. Louis County
(Tower, MN) — Authorities in St. Louis County say alcohol was likely a contributing factor in a crash Wednesday night near the shores of Lake Vermillion. The sheriff’s office received a report that an S-U-V slid down a steep embankment and came to rest in some trees northeast of Tower. Deputies say the 58-year-old St. Paul man driving the vehicle was taken to a hospital in Virginia with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash is still under investigation.
>>Cabin Total Loss After Fire in St. Louis County
(St. Louis County, MN) — A deer shack is a complete loss after a fire in St. Louis County on Thursday. Deputies and fire crews from North Star and Normanna Townships responded to the report around 8 p.m. A passerby called 9-1-1, noting large flames from the area. The structure was empty, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
>>WalletHub Study Shows MN Least Affected by Gov. Shutdown
(Undated) — A new study says Minnesota is the state least affected by the federal government shutdown. The U-S government is experiencing its 23rd funding lapse since 1976—and its 11th actual shutdown—this time a partial one. The personal-finance company WalletHub today (WED) released its report on the states most and least affected by the 2025 government shutdown in terms of five key metrics, including share of federal jobs, federal contract dollars per capita, and families receiving food stamps. Most affected by the shutdown are Washington, D-C, Hawaii, and New Mexico. Least affected, in this order, are Minnesota, Iowa, and Indiana.
>>Cheap Tickets Available for Paul McCartney at US Bank Stadium
(Minneapolis, MN) — Beatles legend Paul McCartney is playing U-S Bank Stadium Friday night, and some tickets are still available for as low as 25 dollars. The lowest-priced seats are on resale sites, including StubHub and TickPick. Some upper deck tickets that were 100 dollars are now 44, and many lower-level seats are going for 71 dollars. Even prices on Ticketmaster have dropped to see Sir Paul McCartney in Minneapolis.
