>>Appleton City Council to Discuss Prison Agreement
(Appleton, MN) — The future of the Appleton prison is back before city leaders tonight. (WED) The Appleton City Council is expected to continue discussions over an agreement with CoreCivic, which will operate the former Prairie Correctional Facility as a 1,600-bed federal immigration detention center. CoreCivic has offered the city about $1.2 million a year to help offset property tax revenue lost after the federal government purchased the prison. City leaders have supported the proposal but are seeking stronger protections, including six months’ notice if CoreCivic ends the payments. The facility is expected to begin receiving detainees later this fall.
>>Highway 58 to Be Dedicated in Memory of Zumbrota Officer
(Zumbrota, MN) — A stretch of Highway 58 in Zumbrota will be formally dedicated Saturday in memory of longtime police officer and firefighter Gary Schroeder Junior. Schroeder served the Zumbrota community for 18 years before medically retiring from the police department in 2020. He later became an advocate for mental health services for first responders while battling job-related PTSD. Schroeder died by suicide in 2023. The Legislature approved the roadway the Gary L. Schroeder, Jr. Memorial Highway earlier this year. Saturday’s dedication begins at 11 a.m. at the Zumbrota Fire Station.
>>Nearly Two Dozen Arrests in Brooklyn Center Hotel Raids
(Brooklyn Center, MN) — Nearly two dozen people are under arrest following a massive law enforcement operation targeting four Brooklyn Center hotels. Police Chief Garett Flesland says the investigation began about a year ago and eventually grew to involve local, county, state and federal agencies. More than 250 personnel executed 31 search warrants today. (WED) Police reported at least seven guns and about a pound-and-a-half of drugs were recovered. Authorities say suspected offenses include sex trafficking, promotion of prostitution, drug possession and manufacturing, and illegal firearm possession. Police stress the arrests and potential charges remain preliminary.
>>Minnesota DNR Launches 2026 Fall Color Finder
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s fall color season is getting underway, and the DNR is launching its annual Fall Color Finder to help people track the changing leaves. The online tool provides updates on fall colors at state parks, recreation areas and trails throughout Minnesota. DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen says autumn is a great time to explore the state’s public lands, whether hiking, camping, fishing or paddling.
>>Public Comment Period Extended for NorthMet Mine Permit
(St. Paul, MN) — The public will have more time to weigh in on the proposed NorthMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has extended its public comment period through September 27th on a new federal permit application from NewRange Copper Nickel. The application follows the 2023 revocation of the project’s previous wetlands permit. NewRange is proposing a new location for storing mine tailings along with other design changes.
>>Takeaways from 2026 Minnesota State Fair Poll
(Undated) – Nearly 10-thousand people took part in this year’s Minnesota State Fair Poll, offering a snapshot of voter attitudes on major issues. Hamline University political science professor David Schultz says the fair poll remains valuable because it reaches a broad cross-section of Minnesotans. More than 75 percent of respondents support a ban on semiautomatic military-style assault weapons, a finding Schultz says mirrors national polling. The survey also found growing concern about artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, with many respondents worried about their impact on jobs and society.
