>>Walz, US Senators to View Wildfire Sites in Northeastern Minnesota

(Two Harbors, MN) — Governor Tim Walz and U-S Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are in northeastern Minnesota this morning (Fri) to see visit the wildfire sites and survey the damage. They are stopping at the Incident Command Center in Two Harbors, the Two Harbors Fire Station, and traveling to the Brimson area to meet with fire officials and volunteers. There is more in rain in the forecast today for the area.

>>Northeastern Minnesota Wildfire Update

(Duluth, MN) — Officials say the rain that moved through northeastern Minnesota Thursday made a positive impact on the wildfires. The Jenkins Creek fire expanded a bit due to higher winds before the rain hit but the town of Hoyt Lakes was spared from evacuation orders. Strong winds re-ignited some areas of the Camp House Fire, but crews were able to shore up fire lines along the eastern edge. The Munger Shaw fire is now 25 percent contained and mop up in some areas has begun. The evacuation order for that fire was lifted early Thursday evening and residents are being allowed to return to their property. The National Weather Service says more rain showers and cooler temps should help to limit further spread of the fires.

>>DFLers Protest Budget Agreement for Cutting Health Care for Immigrants

(St. Paul, MN) — The new state budget agreement from Governor Walz and state legislative leaders is not sitting well with Democrats. Many D-F-L members oppose cutting health care benefits for undocumented immigrants. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth says it had to be done to balance the budget. Demuth said, “It’s not a measure of being uncaring. Those that are here illegally can still join the private markets.”  Democrats argue the cuts will strip 20,000 Minnesotans of their Minnesota Care benefits in January.  D-F-L Senator Alice Mann of Edina says this will cost the state and hospitals more money and put the health care system in disarray.  The budget includes a compromise that would provide health care for children of illegal immigrants, but not adults.

>>DOC Commissioner Schnell Address Proposed Closing of Stillwater Prison

(Bayport, MN) — Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell is talking about the plans to close the Stillwater state prison by the end of June 2029.  He says a recent study revealed it would cost $1.3 billion to replace the current prison by bringing its design up to modern standards.  Schnell said, “the decision made by legislative leaders and the governor, while difficult, reflects the commitment to safety and to sound fiscal management.”  Schnell says the phased closure will save Minnesota $40 million annually.  It will be weeks before the prison’s 1,200 inmates begin transferring to other state facilties.

>>Study Finds Medical Cannabis Helps Ease Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

(St. Paul, MN) — A new Minnesota study finds that medical cannabis can improve the quality of sleep for people with obstructive sleep apnea. Jim Walker of the Office of Cannabis Management says they analyzed the data of 31-hundred patients from August 2018 through July of 2023. He says about 40 percent showed considerable mitigation of their symptoms and were able to hold that off for around four months. Walker says this is the largest-ever study conducted on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with cannabis. Disturbed sleep and fatigue were the most common symptoms reported among patients.

>>State Trooper Plonski Indicted on 4 Federal Child Pornography Charges

(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minnesota state trooper jailed for production of child pornography is now facing new federal charges. Prosecutors say 29-year-old Jeremy Plonski of Shakopee was charged Thursday in a four-count indictment for production and distribution of child pornography. Investigators said they found cellphone videos of Plonski sexually assault an infant girl. A conviction would carry a mandatory 15-year sentence and up to life in federal prison. Plonski remains in custody pending his federal trial and was placed on leave by the Minnesota State Patrol.  He also faces state charges in Scott County.

>>How to Avoid Bear Encounters on Minnesota Trails

(Grand Rapids, MN) — With the expansion of bear country, it’s not unlikely Minnesotans could stumble upon one while out hiking this time of year. D-N-R BearWise coordinator Franklin Whittaker says avoid leaving out food trash or scraps, as it helps bears associate that trail or campsite with a food reward. Whittaker says if you do come across a bear while out, don’t approach it, stand still, and then calmly back away. If the bear does see you, back away slowly and don’t turn your back on it. But if the bear approaches you, hold your ground and make yourself as big as possible. More tips for dealing with bear encounters can be found at the D-N-R’s website.

>>Lynx Open Regular Season at Dallas Wings and Face Rookie Paige Bueckers

(Arlington, TX) — The Minnesota Lynx open the regular season tonight (Fri 6:30 pm) on the road against the Dallas Wings. The Lynx are coming off a 2024 W-B-N-A Finals loss to the New York Liberty. Hopkins native and first overall draft pick Paige Bueckers is making her W-B-N-A debut for the Wings. Minnesota will be missing All-Star guard Kayla McBride for tonight’s opener. The league’s general managers picked the Lynx as the favorite to win the W-N-B-A title this year, forward Napheesa Collier as the M-V-P, and Bueckers to win rookie of the year.