Minnesota Department of Health Breaks From CDC on Immunization Schedules

The Minnesota Department of Health is changing how it issues immunization guidance, aligning its recommendations with professional medical associations rather than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The move follows recent federal changes to the childhood immunization schedule that state officials say did not reflect the best available science. Health Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham says medical association schedules are evidence-based and provide clearer guidance for families and providers. Minnesota will now follow recommendations from groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. MDH says vaccines remain covered by insurance and available through state programs. More information is available on the MDH immunization website.

Minnesota Department of Human Services Announces Freeze

The Minnesota Department of Human Services will freeze new Medicaid provider enrollment in 13 service categories most vulnerable to fraud.

The 13 categories deemed high risk for fraud in this action are: adult companion services, adult day services, adult rehabilitative mental health services, assertive community treatment, community first services and supports, early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention, individualized home supports, integrated community supports, intensive residential treatment services, night supervision services, nonemergency medical transportation services, peer recovery support services and recuperative care. Minnesota discontinued Housing Stabilization Services as a program in October 2025.

The freeze, directed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is expected to last six months, though a start date has not been announced. Current providers may continue serving clients, and client enrollment will not be affected. More information and updates are available on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

Minnesota DNR Hosts Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series

Webinars on Indigenous crafts, ice fishing for walleye, bat boxes and Hmong hunting heritage highlight this winter’s Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series from the Department of Natural Resources. The free, live webinars are held at noon and last an hour or less. Topics include Indigenous porcupine quillwork and deer hide tanning on January 14, walleye ice fishing on January 28, bat boxes and new DNR guidelines on February 11, and Hmong hunting traditions on February 25. All sessions are live-captioned and require pre-registration. Recorded webinars are available online. Details and registration information can be found on the DNR’s Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webpage at mndnr.gov/discover.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention month. Keeping kids safe online and in the community is an essential goal of National Human Trafficking Prevention month in January.

Youth who experience low self-esteem, behavioral health challenges, and homelessness are more susceptible to trafficking and exploitation. Parents are encouraged to talk with youth about healthy relationships and set safety measures together.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota connects youth in Northwestern Minnesota who have been exploited or trafficked to safe housing, resources, and non-judgmental support. Help is available 24 hours a day and accessible by calling 866-824-3770.

Peterson Running For MN Senate District 4

A Hawley School Board member is running for a new job in 2026:  Minnesota State Senator.  Austin Peterson announced last week that he will run as a Republican for the Senate District 4 seat currently held by DFL Senator Rob Kupec.  Peterson says another Minnesota lawmaker suggested he run for the Senate.

Peterson went on to say that the events of the past week in Minnesota have tarnished the state’s image.

He also points out that Minnesota is competing with North Dakota and South Dakota when it comes to attracting businesses.

Minnesota’s Sun Country Airlines Being Acquired by Allegiant in $1.5B Deal

Minnesota’s Sun Country Airlines is being acquired by Allegiant in a one-point-five-billion-dollar deal. On Sunday, Allegiant announced the deal and a pledge to maintain a significant presence at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. 

CEOs of both companies said the acquisition would ultimately benefit air travelers and Minnesota. 

If approved by regulators and investors, the Twin Cities will be without a scheduled service commercial airline for the first time since the Great Depression.