minnesota

Gov. Walz invites Canadians to visit Minnesota during downturn in tourism

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Gov. Tim Walz is extending an invitation to Canadians to visit Minnesota. He says “We want our Canadian neighbors to know they’re not just welcome here — they’re encouraged to visit and continue our long friendship.” Air and vehicle travel from Canada into the U.S. has dropped dramatically in recent months. Some attribute that to negative…

Body of missing Wisconsin grad student found in Mississippi River

Eliotte Heinz/La Crosse Police DepartmentLA CROSSE, Wis. (KVRR) — The body of a missing Wisconsin grad student is discovered in the Mississippi River. The La Crosse Police Department says that shortly before 10:30 this morning they were notified by the Houston County Sheriff’s Department that a body was found. Eliotte Heinz, 22,  has been missing since the early morning hours…

Hawley Woman Reported Missing

Authorities indicate Skyann has not been seen since Friday, July 11.

HAWLEY, MN (KVRR) – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for a woman who has not been seen since she left her residence in rural Hawley on July 11. Skyann St. Claire is 31 years old. She is described as being 5 foot, 5 inches tall, while weighing 145 pounds. She has…

“Merganser Measles” Tormenting Residents Near Pelican Lake

Scientists say this particular parasite is 45 times more virulent than the usual ones that cause Swimmer's Itch.

PELICAN LAKE, Minn. (KVRR) – Swimmer’s Itch is a common ailment for people in Lakes country this time of the year, but those near Pelican Lake say their issue is far worse. They’ve dubbed their strain “Merganser Measles,” as scientists have identified that the parasite responsible for the itch comes from Merganser ducks. They say it’s significantly more prolific and…

Sen. Tina Smith given “clean bill of health” following hospital stay

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Sen. Tina Smith says she’s been given “a clean bill of health” and she’s ready to get back to work fighting for Minnesotans. The Minnesota Democrat was admitted to George Washington University Hospital. Last night, a post on X from her staff says she went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo a more thorough…

Gov. Walz Announces Special Election to Fill Late Speaker Hortman’s Seat

The state representative was killed in her home on June 14.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (KVRR) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. That announcement was made on Friday, July 11. The special election will be held on Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025, for District 34B in Anoka and Hennepin Counties. A special primary election for nominations…

Rep. Fishbach Responds to Protest

The protest took place outside her Moorhead office on Wednesday; an official response was issued on Friday.

MOORHEAD, MN (KVRR) – KVRR has obtained a response from Rep. Michelle Fischbach regarding the protest outside her Moorhead office on Wednesday, July 9. At the time of KVRR’s coverage on Wednesday, there was no comment from Fischbach or her staff. However, on Friday, July 11, we received an official statement from the congresswoman. It says, in full: “Over 275,000…

Dilworth, Cass County Announce Spraying Operations

Cass will begin on Sunday, while Dilworth's spraying is scheduled for Monday evening.

CASS COUNTY, N.D. and DILWORTH, MN (KVRR) – Both the city of Dilworth and Cass County put out releases on Friday, July 11, warning residents of impending mosquito spraying operations. Cass County will begin spraying in Fargo and West Fargo on Sunday, July 13, after 8:00 P.M. They will then move to more rural cities and subdivisions on the evening…

Man Shot at Frazee Rest Stop Identified by Authorities

They say Todd Ole Burris, 36, of Bemidji, is in stable condition at Essentia in Fargo.

FRAZEE, Minn. (KVRR) – Authorities say that on July 9, at about 5:30 in the evening, they responded to a domestic assault call in the 20000 block of Becker County Highway 21. The person who placed the emergency call said an adult male had entered a residence, physically assaulted someone, and stole a firearm. Deputies from the Becker County Sheriff’s…

Protesters Gather Outside Fishbach’s Office After ‘Yes’ Vote on Bill

The demonstration largely focused on potential cuts to Medicaid, but also mentioned the ways it will hurt society as a whole.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – Labor union members and other concerned citizens began their protest outside Rep. Michelle Fischbach’s Moorhead office at about 12:30 on July 9. Fishbach was one of four Congressional members representing Minnesota who voted yes on President Trump’s budget bill. Protesters came from all points on the political spectrum – like Jessica Cain, who voted for Trump…