>>MN Lawmakers Heading into First Session Without Melissa Hortman
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Legislature convenes today with both chambers set to gavel in before joining together for a memorial honoring the late House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Lawmakers from the House and Senate will gather in the House chamber to pay tribute to Hortman, who served as Speaker from 2019 to 2023 and remained a central figure in DFL leadership. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said the joint memorial reflects Hortman’s legacy of bipartisanship and respect across the aisle. “You’ll see a very meaningful memorial and bringing together Democrats and Republicans in the House chamber along with our Senate colleagues,” Demuth said. Over in the Senate, lawmakers will welcome back Senator John Hoffman, who returns to the Capitol for the first time since being injured in the June 14th shooting. Hoffman is expected to speak when the chamber opens its session.
>>Teddy Roosevelt’s Family Urging GOP to Protect the Boundary Waters
(Ely, MN) — Members of Theodore Roosevelt’s family are calling on Republicans to help protect the Boundary Waters. Ted Roosevelt IV(Fourth) says his great-grandfather would be “appalled” by new efforts to allow mining near the long-protected wilderness. Roosevelt and several relatives recently sent a letter to GOP senators, urging them to oppose any plans that would permit mining near the Boundary Waters. The area is a vast landscape of glacial lakes and dense forests, one of the nation’s premier destinations for canoeing, hiking, and backcountry exploration. During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt protected roughly 230 million acres of public lands, a legacy his descendants say is at risk today.
>>Search Continues for Missing West Fargo Woman
(Battle Lake, MN) — Another search is planned to look for the body or other evidence in the disappearance of 24-year-old Isadora Wengel of West Fargo.
Wengel was reported missing by her father in early January. Police say they believe she was murdered by her boyfriend, 21-year-old Joshua Hite of Fargo, between January 3rd and January 6th. There are indications that Hite dismembered Wengel’s body. Investigators say Hite had two black plastic totes delivered to his apartment, and only one has been recovered. The upcoming search is planned for 12-4 Sunday in Battle Lake, Otter Tail County, with people meeting at Lions Park on State Highway 78. A Facebook group called “Bring Isadora Wengel Home” is organizing the search.
>>Teen Stabbed During Altercation Monday in Mankato
(Mankato, MN) — Police in Mankato are investigating a stabbing that sent a teen to the hospital. Officers were called to a disturbance on Monday afternoon involving two juveniles. One of the boys had been stabbed and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System for treatment. The other teen was taken into custody. Investigators say the weapons involved in the incident were found at the scene.
>>Authorities Investigating Collision Between Car and Train Near Kasson
(Kasson, MN) — Authorities are investigating a collision between a car and a Canadian Pacific Kansas City train near Kasson early Monday morning in Dodge County. The crash happened just off Highway 14 between Kasson and Dodge Center. A car was found in the ditch near the tracks, and the train was stopped for a time before being moved. It’s still unclear whether anyone was injured.
>>State Officials Warning About Dangerous Ice Conditions After Two Drownings
(Undated) — State officials are urging caution on Minnesota’s lakes, ponds, and rivers as rapidly melting ice leads to dangerous conditions. Over the past few days, at least three people have fallen through the ice, and two have died. The Minnesota DNR warns that no ice is ever 100-percent safe, since thickness and stability can vary widely even within a few feet.
>>After Reopening Briefly, Apostle Islands Ice Caves Close Again Due to Snowstorms
(Bayfield, WI) — The Apostle Islands Ice Caves are closing again, just one day after reopening, because of incoming winter storms. According to the National Park Service, the caves will shut down today while rangers reassess ice conditions. Officials say the closure could last several days. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area from 6 p.m. today through noon Thursday, with forecasters predicting five to eight inches of snow for northern Bayfield County.
>>The Red Cross is Urging Minnesotans to get Certified in CPR and First Aid
(Undated) – The Red Cross is urging Minnesotans to get certified in CPR and first aid. Executive Director Kyle Kriegl says more than 300,000 people experience a cardiac emergency outside a hospital each year in the U.S., and having someone nearby who knows what to do can save a life. Kriegl says the Red Cross offers in-person, online, and blended courses, covering everything from CPR and AED use to first aid and choking response. He notes that the training is regularly updated, and practicing the skills is key because you never know when you’ll need to put them to work. For more information, visit redcross.org.
