Suspected canine flu outbreak

Happening today

☀️ It’s starting to feel like spring! The high temperature today creeps up to almost 50, and this weekend will feel even warmer. 

⚾ Twins home opener! Minnesota plays the Houston Astros. The first pitch is at 3:10 p.m. 

🐞10,000 lady bugs are being released at Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America to kick off Earth Month

🏛️ The Minnesota Legislature is on break for the Passover and Easter holidays

Governor Walz assigns AG Ellison to take over prosecution in Zaria McKeever murder case

• Zaria McKeever was killed in November 2022 after police say two teens, under the direction of McKeever’s ex-boyfriend Erick Haynes, broke into McKeever’s apartment to kill her new boyfriend. 
• The two teens were offered plea deals that could have only put them behind bars for two years in a youth facility and probation until they turn 21. 
• After an outcry from McKeever’s family, Governor Walz announced he would use his authority to assign Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office to the case.
• A court hearing is set for this morning.

Reacting in a statement, Ellison said, “My request to Governor Walz to assign the prosecution of this case to my office is one I did not make lightly. I requested that Hennepin County refer the prosecution of this case to my office, as the law provides, but they declined to do so. The Governor’s power under state law to assign criminal cases to the Attorney General has been used and should be used very sparingly, and I do not expect to make a request like it again.”

Animal Humane Society closes 3 adoption centers amid suspected canine influenza outbreak

• Approximately 200 dogs have started showing respiratory symptoms in Animal Humane Society locations. No dog has tested positive yet.
• Golden Valley, Woodbury and Coon Rapids AHS locations will close for three to four weeks.
• Canine flu is rare in Minnesota.

There are two strains of canine influenza and both are highly contagious. Dogs will show symptoms within 1-5 days including nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing, and can be sick and contagious for up to 3-4 weeks. The virus rarely transfers to other animals and there is no evidence it can spread to people, according to Dr. Sara Lewis. The majority of animals should recover.

Things to do this weekend

Waconia Wine Hop:
 

• Multiple wineries, Waconia
• Saturday, April 8 from noon to 6 p.m.
• $15 tasting fee at each winery. Register here.

Each winery will offer a wine tasting of four different wines, special wine deals, and food. Check-in begins at noon at each winery. The last check-in time available is at 4 p.m. Choose a winery and time to begin the hop and continue on from there!