>>Walz Issues Order Providing National Guard Assistance for Winona County Cyberattack
(Winona, MN) — An executive order issued by Governor Tim Walz provides emergency assistance to Winona County following a cyberattack on Monday. Officials in Winona County requested cyber protection support from the Minnesota National Guard to ensure continuity of municipal operations. The governor’s office says the attack continued Tuesday and is significantly impairing the county’s ability to deliver vital emergency and municipal services. Walz said, “swift coordination between state and local experts matters in these moments.” Winona County officials have been working around the clock with the Minnesota Information Technology Services, the B-C-A, F-B-I, League of Minnesota Cities, and cyber security experts.
>>Minnesota Senate Passes 340B Drug Pricing Protections
(St. Paul, MN) — A bipartisan bill passed by the Minnesota Senate aims to protect hospitals’ access to discounted prescription drugs through the federal 340B program. Senator Matt Klein of Mendota Heights says the funding is critical to keeping hospitals open across the state. He says “Hospitals have never been in such a critical situation in our state, and 340B funding is essential to their ongoing operations and the way they care for Minnesotans. Without these funds, Hennepin County Medical Center would close. Rural hospitals across our state would close.” Klein says he’s optimistic the legislation will now pass in the Minnesota House.
>>Minnesota Hospitals Raise Concerns About Increase in E-Bike and E-Scooter Injuries
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota hospital officials are trying to raise awareness about the dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters. Regions Hospital Pediatric Trauma Program manager Colleen Wood says they’ve seen a sharp and alarming increase in injuries across riders of all ages. She says, “since 2023 e-bike admissions have increased by 800 percent while e-scooter admissions have risen by 80 percent. And any emergency department or trauma provider will tell you these numbers are likely an underestimate of the true scope of the problem as new devices enter the market faster than our hospital tracking systems can adapt.” Wood says nearly 60 percent of e-scooter riders were not wearing helmets, and many suffered traumatic brain injuries or serious head and facial injuries.
>>Hennepin Healthcare Names Interim CEO
(Minneapolis, MN) — Doctor John Cumming is the new chief executive officer at Hennepin Healthcare effective this Friday. This comes after the resignations of the system’s previous co-administrations last week. Board leaders say the move restores operational leadership for Minnesota’s largest safety-net health system as officials work toward long-term financial stability. Cumming previously served as interim C-E-O from 2019 to 2020. He’s a trauma surgeon who trained at Hennepin Healthcare and has held several leadership roles within the system.
>>MnDOT Investing $4.5 Million in Freight Rail Improvement Projects
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is investing nearly $4.5 million in five freight rail improvement projects across the state to boost economic development. The funding comes from MnDOT’s Rail Service Improvement Program, which supports projects that help move Minnesota goods to regional and international markets. Since 2017, the program has awarded $28.6 million to complete 21 freight rail projects statewide. MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger says “These projects strengthen Minnesota’s freight rail network and provide critical connections which help move Minnesota goods and products to markets more efficiently.”
>>First Ocean-Going Vessel of Season Arriving in Duluth-Superior
(Duluth, MN) — The first ocean-going vessel of the season is expected to arrive today (Wed) in the Twin Ports. Jayson Hron (ROAN) of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority says Ocean Ranger 7 sailed from Taiwan and she passed through the Pacific Ocean, the Panama Canal, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System. People are lining up along the Duluth Ship Canal this morning. Hron says the navigation season is off to a challenging start due to ice issues on Lake Superior. Last year’s first saltie arrived in Duluth on April 21st.
>>Two Firefighters Injured Battling Pole Barn Fire in East Bethel
(East Bethel, MN) — Anoka County investigators are trying to determine the cause of a pole barn fire in East Bethel that left two firefighters injured. Officials say heavy smoke and flames were showing from all sides of the building on Saturday, and crews were forced to move to a defensive attack. Two firefighters were treated by paramedics at the scene, and one was taken to the hospital in stable condition. No one else was injured. The building and its contents are considered a total loss.
>>Minnesota DNR Urges Public to Keep Distance from Wildlife
(Undated) — Wildlife across Minnesota is becoming more active as warmer temperatures and longer days signal the change of seasons. The Department of Natural Resources is reminding people to keep their distance—especially from young animals. Wildlife Manager Ali Schmitz says getting too close can interfere with mating and disrupt the bond between mothers and their young. The D-N-R recommends using binoculars to safely enjoy wildlife and reminds the public that leaving animals undisturbed helps ensure a healthy spring season.
