Minnesota

Minnesota health department reports state’s 1st mpox cases of 2023

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2023

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Minnesota health department reports state’s 1st mpox cases of 2023

CDC warns mpox resurgence is “likely substantial,” urges vaccination to prevent summer surge

01:53

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Health says it has confirmed the first two cases of mpox in the state for the year 2023.

The virus, which was recently renamed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was at the center of a nationwide outbreak last summer. In Minnesota, there were 234 cases of the disease included in MDH’s tally last year, 10 of which resulted in hospitalization. There were no documented cases of mpox-related deaths, though.

The virus is spread by prolonged close contact, usually skin-to-skin, and results in rashes, scabs and, in a number of documented cases, a significant amount of physical pain.

The state reassured that there remains ample supplies of the mpox vaccination. More information about the virus and how to get vaccinated can be found on the MDH Mpox website.

“The JYNNEOS vaccine is an important tool to prevent mpox infection, particularly after receiving two doses, as recommended,” Jayne Griffith, lead epidemiologist for surveillance at MDH, said. “Minnesota has an ample supply of the vaccine, and we encourage those at elevated risk to get both doses.”

The CDC last month reported that they were once again bracing for the possibility of a resurgence of the virus over the coming months. Health officials said recent outbreaks have primarily involved men who have sex with men.

“The risk of near-term clusters and outbreaks is substantial and the outbreaks could be large, especially in the warmer months, with planned gatherings that may have the potential for skin-to-skin contact and increased sexual activity,” Braden said.

In an unpublished study that has yet to be peer-reviewed, the CDC reported mpox strains had turned up with signs of resistance to tecovirimat, the main antiviral drug used to treat patients. One of those worrying mutations was also detected “in a cluster of cases” around Los Angeles. That suggests drug-resistant mpox can be transmitted person-to-person in at least “rare cases.”

WCCO Staff

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Minnesota

Family of Minnesota woman sentenced for drug trafficking says she got caught up with cartel after getting stuck in Mexico

Published

8 hours ago

January 15, 2025

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Family of Minnesota woman sentenced for drug trafficking says she got caught up with cartel after getting stuck in Mexico

Former CIA agent opens up about cartel connections in Minnesota

02:00

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Several events in Minnesota have had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, including a Minnesota woman who was sentenced to more than 26 years in prison.

“Obviously, she messed up… but she does not deserve to sit that much time,” said Tanja Tilleskjor, mother of Macalla Knot.

Friends and family of Knott, or “Calla,” say she’s not what you think after Knott pleaded guilty to distributing nearly $10 million worth of drugs from Mexico to the upper Midwest.

“I understand there are consequences for her actions, but I have seen people’s lives transformed,” Ashley Schlichting, a longtime friend of Knot, said.

Knott moved south of the border in March 2020 after being laid off. Her family says she tried to come back but didn’t have a passport to do so.

“I think it went dark really fast, went downhill very quickly and was stuck in a situation she couldn’t get out of,” Schlichting said.

Former CIA Agent Jack Rice explained how this can happen.

“Imagine what happens when somebody says, ‘How would you like $100,000?Look how easy this will be. It’s a couple of hours work. It’s nothing.’” Rice said.

Knott’s sentencing happened just days before three were charged in a Cartel-related kidnapping in St. Paul.

“They are much more difficult to actually control than smaller organizations in the Twin Cities and elsewhere. These are powerful multi-national operations with huge resources” Rice said. “The cartel is here to make money. The cartel is here to make profit.”

Frankie McLister

Frankie McLister, originally from Middletown, Maryland, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.

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Minnesota

‘Attempted coup’: Chaos reigns in half-empty Minnesota House

Published

16 hours ago

January 14, 2025

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Chaos reigns in half-empty Minnesota House

Chaos reigned over the House on the first day of the Minnesota legislative session – with Democrats not showing up in an effort to prevent a quorum, and Republicans assuming power and pushing forward. FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard has the latest developments.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota appears to be in a constitutional crisis on day one of the legislative session.

Constitutional crisis

What we know:

The war over control of the House saw its first air strikes on Tuesday, with Democrats staying away and Republicans seizing control.

A half empty House greeted Secretary of State Steve Simon as he launched the 2025 session.

But after a roll call, Simon said there weren’t enough members to do any business.

“There being 67 members present, there is no quorum as required by the Constitution of the state of Minnesota,” the Secretary of State said. “The House may not conduct any further business and the House of Representatives is adjourned.”

“The House is not adjourned,” interjected Rep. Harry Niska, (R-Ramsey). “You do not have authority over the House of Representatives.”

MN House Republicans override Simon, declare a quorum [RAW]

After Secretary of State Steve Simon sent the House into recess after saying there wasn’t a quorum presence, the 67 Republicans present moved to remove Simon and instate Paul Anderson to take the roster. Anderson then declared there was a quorum, and Republicans voted Simon’s adjournment out of order. Republicans proceeded with business, with no Democrats in the chamber. Democrats had made good on their promise not to show up on the first day of the Minnesota Legislature.

‘Attempted coup’

Dig deeper:

As Simon walked away, Republicans took over and ran the day’s session as if nothing had happened.

They cast a unanimous vote for Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) as Speaker of the House, which would make her the state’s first person of color in the role.

The DFL caucus watched it happen from 30 miles away.

“What we saw today was an attempted coup,” said Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis).

DFL leaders explain absence from MN House

Saying they are protecting the “will of the voters,” leaders with Minnesota’s Democratic party explain why they were absent from the House of Representatives on Tuesday during the start of Minnesota’s legislative session.

Dozens of members made Shakopee headquarters for the day.

They called the Republican session a sham, but they recognize people across the state may have strong feelings when they see video of their empty seats.

“I would imagine that Minnesotans are irritated with both of us,” said Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park). “I would imagine that they’re irritated with us for not being there. And I would imagine they’re irritated with Republicans for wanting to throw out a duly elected member, especially on the day that the courts ruled that he clearly won.”

Room for agreement?

Big picture view:

Democrats have offered to give Republicans majority control until they’re no longer a majority, likely in February, instead of for a full two years.

Republicans say every offer they’ve heard is unreasonable.

“What we are offering is to come in,” said Rep. Demuth. “I am the Speaker of the House, and we look forward to working with them over the next two years in a reasonable way.”

What’s next:

Republicans say they intend to come every day and go about House business.

Democrats started their day in Shakopee with a judge ruling in favor of Rep. Brad Tabke.

Despite the ruling, Republicans are still threatening to vote not to seat Rep. Tabke.

Democrats will now go to the Supreme Court to stop Republicans from blocking Rep. Tabke and from ruling the House while they’re not around.

They’re hoping a ruling could come within a couple of weeks.

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Minnesota

NEXT Weather: Minnesota forecast from Jan. 14, 2025

Published

24 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

NEXT Weather: Minnesota forecast from Jan. 14, 2025 – CBS Minnesota

Watch CBS News

WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames says Tuesday will be sunny, with a high in single digits and a wind chill of 5 degrees below zero. A warmup is coming, but it won’t last long.