>>Minnesota Prepares to Lay Off Up to 100 State Health Workers Amid Federal Shutdown
(St. Paul, MN) — As the federal government shutdown continues, the Minnesota Department of Health is preparing to lay off up to 100 employees as early as December 2nd. The shutdown has halted federal funding for key state health services, including inspections of health care facilities and nutrition and breastfeeding support programs for new mothers and infants. The affected workers are primarily in the department’s regulation division, which oversees compliance with licensing requirements and federal standards for hospitals and nursing homes. Without restored funding from Washington, these employees could receive layoff notices tomorrow.
>>Otter Tail County Settles Inmate Lawsuit
(Fergus Falls, MN) — Otter Tail County will pay a $200,000 settlement to a former inmate who says he was denied basic care while in custody. 33-year-old Ramsey Kettle filed a lawsuit last year, accusing jail staff of keeping him in solitary confinement for days in a cell smeared with human feces. The suit claims he was denied food, water, and medical attention, even as his physical and mental health deteriorated. Kettle is a resident of Otter Tail County and a tribal member of the White Earth Nation. As part of the settlement, the county has agreed to revise several policies, including a new requirement that officers report when food or water is withheld as punishment.
>>U-of-M Celebrates Renovated Chemistry and Teaching Lab
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota has officially opened its renovated Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories at Fraser Hall, a 144.7-million-dollar upgrade serving over 5,000 students annually. The modern facility features 18 labs, tutoring spaces, and classrooms, replacing outdated infrastructure with collaborative, tech-forward learning environments. University President Rebecca Cunningham called it a “landmark investment” in students and Minnesota’s future workforce. The project was funded by state support, private donors, and the University.
>>Appleton Receives Small Cities Grant
(Appleton, MN) — Senator Torrey Westrom says Appleton is getting a big boost for housing and infrastructure. The city in western Minnesota will receive $1.2 million from the state Department of Employment and Economic Development to upgrade stormwater facilities and rehabilitate 42 multi-family housing units. Westrom congratulated Appleton leaders for their work in securing the grant, saying it will “give a big boost to the local economy and the entire community.” Westrom also said he’s hopeful the Appleton Prison can reopen soon under state or federal use. This year, the state is providing more than 20 million dollars in grants to 33 cities and counties across Greater Minnesota.
>>Fergus Falls Veterans Home Welcomes New Administrator
(Fergus Falls, MN) — Kalie Crayton has been appointed Administrator of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. She began her new role this week. Crayton is a licensed nursing home administrator and health services executive. She brings years of experience leading long-term care facilities across multiple states, with a focus on improving resident care and regulatory performance. She previously managed facilities in Bemidji and Warren and holds a degree in Health Management from the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
>>2nd District Republican Candidate Kistner Hosting Campaign Kickoff
(Lakeville, MN) — Second District congressional candidate Tyler Kistner is hosting a campaign kickoff event tonight (Wed) in Lakeville. Kistner was the G-O-P nominee in 2020 and 2022 but lost both races to Congresswoman Angie Craig. She’s running for U-S Senate next year. Kistner will face state Senator Eric Pratt for the Republican nomination. Senator Matt Klein of Mendota Heights, former Senator Matt Little, and Representative Kaela Berg of Burnsville are seeking the D-F-L nomination.
>>Sun Country Airlines Unveils Summer 2026 Schedule
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines has released its flight schedule through summer 2026, offering service to 100 airports across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean. Popular routes from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport includes Anchorage, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Mountain destinations like Bozeman, Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, and Asheville are also part of the summer lineup. The airline is boosting service to coastal cities such as Charleston and San Diego, and continuing flights to Canadian hubs like Vancouver and Toronto. Off-the-beaten-path options include Traverse City, Kalispell, and Missoula. New for 2026: direct flights to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Cancun begin in May.
>>Wolves and Lakers at Target Center on Wednesday Night
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves play the Los Angeles Lakers tonight (Wed 8:30pm) at Target Center. The Lakers beat the Wolves 128-110 Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. L-A is still missing 21-time All-Star LeBron James, while Wolves guard Anthony Edwards is out for the second straight game with a hamstring injury. Both teams have 2-and-2 records to start the season.
