minnesota

Midwest agriculture industry stronger now than it has been in recent years, experts say

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The coronavirus pandemic has impacted every industry in one way or another. Agriculture is no exception. Even so, some experts say producers in North Dakota and Minnesota are doing better now than they were at this time last year. “We had strong commodity prices toward the end of 2020, and they’ve persisted into 2021. That’s certainly…

Minnesota waiting on more than 45,000 doses of J&J vaccine

ST. PAUL, Minn. – State health officials say more than 45,000 doses of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine should arrive in Minnesota this week. Minnesota Department of Health spokesman John Schadl says the order for the first shipment of the single-dose J&J vaccine was placed on Sunday night. He says it usually takes a couple of days…

ND & MN Senators React To The Return of Tom Vilsack as Ag Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack was confirmed by the Senate this week as the next Agriculture Secretary, a job he held previously for 8 years. Minnesota and North Dakota lawmakers were asked about what’s in store for agriculture under the Biden administration. In a 92-7 vote Tuesday, Vilsack was confirmed to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture….

FDA approves Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. now has a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two. Health experts have anxiously awaited a one-and-done option to help speed vaccinations. The FDA said J&J’s vaccine offers strong protection against what matters most: serious…

Gov. Tim Walz announces next steps in Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccine plan

People with specific high-risk health conditions and targeted essential workers will be eligible in April

MINNESOTA (KVRR) – Minnesota’s vaccine plan moving forward focuses on those who’ve been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic: the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, BIPOC communities, and essential workers. Gov. Tim Walz says he wants 70% of Minnesotans 65 years and older vaccinated by the end of March. Vaccine eligibility will be expanded once that goal is reached. “This…

Moorhead Schools encourages students to get Covid-19 tests every two weeks

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Health officials with Moorhead Area Public Schools approve of the Minnesota Department of Health’s recommendation for students to get tested for Covid-19 every two weeks until the end of the school year. State health officials say 17 percent of the state’s Covid-19 cases have come from those under the age of 20. Moorhead district officials say they…

State asks Minnesota families to get tested every 2 weeks

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota public health officials are asking families to get tested for the coronavirus every two weeks from now until the end of the school year, in an effort to limit impact of the disease. The state Department of Health Campaign is asking families, health professionals, schools and youth organizations to help encourage regular COVID-19 testing. State officials say…

Governor Walz to Discuss Path Forward for Vaccinating Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will announce Thursday the next priority groups to get the COVID-19 vaccine. According to health officials, nearly 42% of Minnesota seniors have had at least the first dose. Walz will wait until 70% of senior citizens get the COVID-19 vaccine before expanding eligibility. Earlier this week, Walz said he was considering whether…