THUMBS DOWN Political violence on the rise On Wednesday, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered while giving a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem. This is just the latest in politically motivated violence. In June, Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were ...

Earlier this week, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Health to expand its efforts to safeguard vaccine access in the state in response to federal actions restricting vaccine availability. The order also directs the state epidemiologist to ...

THUMBS UP HermannFest back with the Hermann 5K Saturday, New Ulm is celebrating Hermannfest, the festival that commemorates Arminus’ (Hermann’s) victory against three Roman legions at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest over 2,000 years ago. The entire celebration is held in Hermann and ...

THUMBS DOWN Country unwilling to make changes to address school shootings The return to school was marred by a school shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School Wednesday. Two children were killed with another 17 wounded after the shooter fired into the church windows during morning Mass ...

THUMBS UP 3 area amateur baseball teams advance in state tournaments Last weekend three local Region 2C amateur baseball teams — Leavenworth, Hanska and Courtland — won the first rounds of the Class C State Baseball Tournament. While many amateur baseball teams make the tournament, it is ...

Farmfest continues to be a great bellwether for the economy  In Minnesota, the first week of August is always dedicated to agriculture, whether it is through county fairs or Farmfest. One of the best agricultural events of the year. The event brings ag producers from across the state and even ...