Oct. 5, 2021

A new federal report says that COVID vaccinations have helped prevent thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths from COVID-19 in older Minnesotans.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human services report says that vaccinations helped prevent around 4,500 infections and 600 COVID deaths between January and May of this year in adults 65 years or older.

In 2020, prior to vaccines, long-term care residents accounted for about 64 percent of COVID deaths in Minnesota. Since January 1, when vaccines began to be administered, that number has dropped to about 42 percent.

The same federal report concluded that — nationwide — vaccinations reduced infections by 265,000 and prevented 39,000 deaths in the same age group.

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St. Paul to host 2022 Major League Soccer All-Star Game

The game will be played Aug. 10 at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United. The league’s stars will play an opponent that will be announced later. They’ll be led by Adrian Heath, the head coach of Minnesota United.

Any signs of the first frost for the Twin Cities?

We're approaching the average date of the first 32-degree temperature of fall.

But when can we expect the first 2021 frost in the Twin Cities?”

DFL House leader Winkler says he’ll run for Hennepin County attorney

DFL House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler says he will run for Hennepin County Attorney next year and will not seek reelection to the House. The seven-term legislator from Golden Valley said he can offer progressive change in the office.

Understaffed and at capacity, Minnesota vet clinics are struggling to keep up

Like many industries during the pandemic, veterinary medicine has been hit hard by staff shortages and increased demand for services. Some vets are advising pet owners to book appointments far in advance and to be patient if they encounter stressed-out staff members.

J&J seeks U.S. clearance for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses

Johnson & Johnson said it filed a request with the FDA to authorize boosters for people 18 and older who previously received the company's one-shot vaccine.

Ex-Facebook employee says products hurt kids, fuel division

A former Facebook data scientist told Congress on Tuesday that the social network giant’s products harm children and fuel polarization in the U.S., adding that its executives refuse to change because they elevate profits over safety. And she said responsibility for that lies right at the top, with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

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Wisconsin DNR defies board, reduces fall wolf quota

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials have scaled back the number of wolves hunters can kill during the state's fall season in defiance of the board that controls the agency. The season is set to start Nov. 6.

Unsealed indictments charge three Lindstrom men with Jan. 6 crimes

The 10-count complaint includes alleged felonies and misdemeanors committed by three men from Lindstrom, Minn., Aaron James, Isaac Westbury and Robert Westbury, at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

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