>>SNAP Funding Facing Deadline
(Washington, D.C.) – House Democrats, including U.S. Representative Angie Craig, have sent a letter to the Trump Administration demanding that the Secretary of Agriculture authorize the SNAP contingency fund to provide food assistance for November. This is in response to the government shutdown. All 214 House Democrats signed the letter addressed to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, demanding she use the roughly $5 billion contingency fund so 42 million American seniors, veterans, and families with children at risk can put food on their tables. The government shutdown is approaching its second month.
>>New Case of Bird Flu in Meeker County
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is confirming a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Meeker County. More than 132,000 turkeys are affected at the commercial operation. Dr. Shauna Voss says the poultry industry has made major strides in detecting and containing the virus since the devastating outbreak in 2015. “The good news is that the industry is pretty conscientious about looking for clinical signs and getting the birds tested. And once we identify a case, we do a lot of surveillance around that area to make sure there is no other virus that’s circulating.” Bird flu was also confirmed this week in Otter Tail and Swift counties. The virus re-emerged in Minnesota in mid-September, following a five-month lull.
>>National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
(Undated) — The 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is tomorrow(Sat 10-2). You can safely and anonymously drop off expired or unwanted medications. The event, led by the DEA in partnership with nearly 4,000 law enforcement agencies—including dozens right here in Minnesota- aims to keep prescription drugs out of the wrong hands and protect our lakes, rivers, and drinking water from pharmaceutical contamination. For more info or to find a drop-off location nearest you dea.gov.
>>Nearly 100 School Districts Seeking Funding this November
(Undated) — More than 90 school districts across Minnesota are asking voters to approve funding measures this November. Districts are proposing a mix of operating levies, capital project levies, and bond referendums to support everything from classroom operations to major building upgrades. Altogether, Minnesota voters will weigh in on more than $900 million in school funding requests. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th.
>>Minnesota Sees First Snowflakes of the Season
(Undated) — The first snowflakes of the season made a quiet debut in Minnesota on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Duluth. In International Falls, often dubbed the “Icebox of the Nation,” residents witnessed a trace of very wet snow gently falling from the sky. While it wasn’t enough to blanket the ground, the flakes were noticeable, clinging lightly to jackets and sleeves, offering a subtle reminder that winter is just around the corner.
>>Minnesota’s Bear Hunting Season Wraps Up with Strong Numbers
(Undated) — Minnesota’s bear hunting season officially ended on October 12th, and Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News broke down the results. Last year was a record-setter, with 3,500 bears harvested—nearly double the 1,818 taken in 2023. A typical season averages around 2,500 bears. Schmitt noted that hunting activity surged during the final two weeks of the season, significantly boosting this year’s total. Bear harvests during that period were up 40% compared to the same stretch last year. The preliminary harvest total for 2025 stands at nearly 2,900 bears, above average, but short of last year’s record.
