>>Minnesota Stepping Up Efforts on COVID, Other Vaccines
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz already issued an executive order for the Minnesota Department of Health to safeguard vaccines following federal guidance that could restrict availability. During a healthcare roundtable Tuesday, Walz said with misinformation coming from Washington about vaccines Minnesota is stepping up its efforts. The governor told reporters, “the bottom line is it’s always been and always should be your doctor and your provider make the decisions on the vaccines that you’re going to get that are safe and we’re making sure that stays as it’s always been.” Walz says the state is keeping medical providers, insurers and the public updated on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and availability.
>>Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service is Sunday at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service is this Sunday on the State Capitol grounds. Hopkins Fire Chief Dale Specken says it’s a time to honor the 255 Minnesota firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. He says they’re adding six firefighters who have died in the line of duty to the memorial this year. The service includes a roll call of fallen firefighters and a bell ringing ceremony. Laura Zumbusch-Wood of the Victoria Fire Department, Andrews Karels of the Amboy Fire Department, and Goodview Fire Chief Jason Gruett died in 2025. Gary Schroeder, Junior of the Zumbrota Fire Department died in 2023, Rolland Limpert of the Goodview Fire Department died on Halloween 1965, and Assistant Duluth Chief Frederick Granzow died back in September 1915.
>>Fravel Requests New Trial in Murder of Madeline Kingsbury of Winona
(St. Paul, MN) — The man serving life in prison for the murder of Madeline Kingsbury of Winona is asking for a new trial. Adam Fravel was found guilty of first- and second-degree murder in the 2023 killing of his ex and the mother of his two children. His attorneys argue the judge should not have allowed prosecutors to present evidence about past abusive behavior, that the state’s domestic violence expert was unreliable, and they question the medical examiner who examined Kingsbury’s body. She went missing in March of 2023 and her body was found that June after months of extensive search efforts.
>>State Suspends Savage Daycare License Following Infant Death
(Savage, MN) — The State of Minnesota is suspending the license of Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare in Savage after the death of an infant at the facility on Monday. The suspension by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, cites findings that children at the daycare were “at an imminent risk of harm.” A second incident involving another infant requiring emergency medical care occurred just days earlier. Savage police urged families with kids in the daycare to “closely monitor their children and seek immediate medical attention” if they notice symptoms such as altered mental status, unusual behavioral changes, or other concerning signs.
>>Injured Camper from Iowa Rescued from the Boundary Waters
(Cook, MN) — A camper from Iowa is hospitalized in northeastern Minnesota after being rescued from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. On Tuesday evening, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office got word of an S-O-S alert sent from deep inside the B-W-C-A. Authorities say a man injured his leg with an axe and was using a tourniquet and bandages to stop the bleeding. Deputies say Christopher Banfield from the Davenport, Iowa area was transported to Cook Hospital for treatment. Sheriff’s officials are reminding anyone heading into the B-W-C-A to be prepared, just like Banfield was—and to know how to administer first aid because emergency medical help can be hours away.
>>Minnesota DNR and Department of Health Using Wasps to Battle EAB
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota D-N-R and Department of Agriculture are taking a unique approach to battling the state’s emerald ash borer problem. M-D-A Entomologist Angie Ambourn says they are using three species of wasps to help stop the spread of E-A-B. She says the wasps will lay eggs in the larvae or emerald ash borer, which in turn kills them. Ambourn says the wasps are small and people don’t have to worry about being stung by them. More than 84 hundred wasps have been released in the state over the last two summers.
>>Minnesota’s International Owl Center Mourns Loss of Beloved Owl
(Houston, MN) — The International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished residents. Uhu, a Eurasian eagle-owl passed away from heart disease at the age of 13. Uhu was a beloved teaching bird who captivated and educated more than 100,000 visitors during her time at the center. Known for her majestic presence and engaging personality, she played a vital role in the center’s mission to promote owl conservation and education.
>>Minnesota Lynx Fall to Phoenix Mercury in OT in Game 2 of WNBA Semifinals
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Lynx blew a 20-point lead in the third quarter and fell in overtime to the Phoenix Mercury 89-83 at Target Center in Game 2 of the W-N-B-A Semifinals. The Lynx were up 59-39 midway through the third before being outscored 54-20 by Phoenix last night. Napheesa Collier led Minnesota with 24 points, Kayla McBride scored 21, and Courtney Williams had 20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and seven turnovers. The best-of-five series is tied 1-1 and moves to Phoenix Friday night for Game 3.
