Local and Regional News, Thursday 5/21/2026

Minnesota health officials are reminding families to make sure their measles vaccinations are up to date as cases continue to rise across the state. The Minnesota Department of Health says there have been 17 confirmed measles cases so far this year.
Health officials say measles spreads very easily, especially in schools and childcare settings, and outbreaks are more likely when vaccination rates fall below 95 percent. Two doses of the M-M-R vaccine provide strong protection.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that usually starts on the face. Serious complications can include pneumonia, dehydration, brain swelling, and in rare cases, death.
Residents are encouraged to check vaccination records and contact their clinic if they are not fully protected.

Minnesota lawmakers are wrapping up another legislative session with new efforts aimed at cracking down on fraud in state programs. One of the biggest changes is the creation of a new Office of Inspector General, which will investigate misuse of state funds across multiple agencies.
Good-government groups say the new office will have broad authority and its own law enforcement arm when it launches in late 2027. Lawmakers also approved funding to modernize outdated I-T systems to better detect fraud.
Advocates are also praising lawmakers for strengthening transparency rules so the public can better track how taxpayer dollars are being spent. The moves come as sentencing continues this week in the high-profile Feeding Our Future fraud case.

Voyageurs National Park is inviting the public to a special TENT Talk tomorrow evening at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center in International Falls. NASA outreach coordinator Brandi Stewart will present “Other Worlds, Same Waters,” exploring how the landscapes of Voyageurs can help scientists better understand Mars, Europa, and other places across the solar system. The free program runs from 7 to 8 p.m. and is hosted in partnership with Voyageurs Conservancy.

Motorists in Fort Frances are being advised of temporary traffic changes at the intersection of Second Street East and Armit Avenue. City officials say temporary four-way stop signs are now in place after the traffic control signals were damaged in a motor vehicle collision.
The temporary stop signs will remain in place for the foreseeable future while repairs are coordinated. Drivers are asked to use caution in the area and thank you for your patience and cooperation.

In community news, United Way of Northeastern Minnesota’s “Power of the Purse” fundraiser returned to Koochiching County earlier this month and raised nearly 22-thousand dollars for local youth programs. More than 120 guests attended the Wicked-themed event at the International Falls Elks Lodge, with proceeds supporting programs including Buddy Backpacks, Meet Up and Chow Down, Imagination Library, and Lunch Buddies.

The Canada Border Services Agency is also reminding boaters in Northwest Ontario about reporting requirements when entering Canada by water this summer. Boaters can report through telephone reporting sites, in person at the Sand Point Lake port of entry, or through the Remote Area Border Crossing program through September 13th. Additional reporting sites are expected to be announced later this season.

And in Washington, D.C., a proposed federal spending bill is drawing criticism from environmental groups after language was included that would reinstate mineral leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Save the Boundary Waters says the proposal bypasses public input and tribal consultation while advancing mining efforts in the Superior National Forest.