>>Infant Death Investigation at Savage Daycare
(Savage, MN) — Savage police are investigating the death of an infant boy at Rocking Horse Ranch Childcare. Officers responded on September 22nd after the boy was found unresponsive and later died at a hospital. Court documents call the death suspicious, citing two prior medical emergencies involving another infant under the care of the same employee. Investigators say all three incidents share similarities. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner reports no signs of physical injury or common poisons; the final cause of death is pending. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families has suspended the daycare’s license, citing imminent risk of harm. The case remains under investigation.
>>MN’s Kindergarten Measles Vaccination Rate Among Nation’s Lowest
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota health officials report the state has one of the lowest measles vaccination rates for kindergartners in the country. According to the Department of Health, coverage dropped sharply from just over 92% before the pandemic to 86.5%, well below the national average. The decline has been most pronounced in private and charter schools. Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.
>>RV Fire Displaces One in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) – One person is displaced and damage is estimated at $15,000 after an RV fire in Duluth this morning. Duluth firefighters responded around 5 to the fire in an alley. Crews found the vehicle fully engulfed, with flames damaging nearby power lines and a structure. One person inside the RV was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and is now displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting. The cause is under investigation, but not considered suspicious.
>>MN GOP Urge Gov. Walz to Change Trans Sports Policy
(St. Paul, MN) – Congressman Tom Emmer and Minnesota’s Republican delegation are calling on Governor Tim Walz to reverse state high school league policies that let students compete based on gender identity. They argue the rules violate Title IX and jeopardize fairness and safety in girls’ sports. Federal officials recently warned Minnesota could lose funding over the policy. Supporters of inclusion say Minnesota law protects transgender students and that the policy has worked for nearly a decade without issue. This also comes weeks after the state’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of trans powerlifter JayCee Cooper, ruling sports leagues can’t discriminate against trans people, as said in the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Federal courts continue to weigh national Title IX cases that could set precedent.
>>Target Reports Decreased Q3 Earnings, Prepares for Holidays
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis-based Target says third-quarter sales are down 1.5% from last year, totaling $25.3 billion. Digital sales grew 2.4%, driven by more than 35% growth in same-day delivery through Target Circle 360. Food and beverage and hardlines saw gains, while discretionary categories remained soft. Non-merchandise sales jumped nearly 18%. Earnings per share were $1.51, down from $1.85 last year, with adjusted earnings per share at $1.78. Looking ahead, Target plans over 20,000 new holiday items, Thanksgiving meals for four under $20, and lower prices on thousands of essentials.
>>Tomso Named President of St. Cloud State University
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees announced today that Gregory Tomso will be the next president of St. Cloud State University. Tomso currently serves as vice president of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs at the University of West Florida, where he led strategic initiatives to boost student success and enrollment. He succeeds interim president Larry Dietz, who has served since July 2024. His appointment takes effect January 5th. Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson says, “Dr. Tomso has the vision, experience, and leadership skills to lead St. Cloud State University into a bright future.”
>>Minnesota State Extends Chancellor Olson’s Contract
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to extend Chancellor Scott Olson’s contract through July 31st, 2029. Board Chair George Soule praised Olson’s “inclusive, respectful, and collaborative” leadership and his focus on student success and equity. Olson said he was honored to continue serving the system’s students and employees. Minnesota State is a system of 26 colleges and seven universities serving more than 300,000 students across the state.
>>Northern Hawk Owl Joins Raptor Center Team
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota is introducing a rare new ambassador—a northern hawk owl. The six-week-old owl was captive-bred and cannot survive in the wild, so she’ll help educate the public about raptor conservation. Northern hawk owls are uncommon in Minnesota and known for hawk-like traits, including daytime hunting and sharp eyesight. The center is inviting the public to vote on her name through Instagram, and will host a livestream tomorrow at noon on Facebook to share her story.
>>Wild Closes Out Homestand Against Carolina
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Wild wrap up a five-game homestand tonight at 8:55 p.m. against the Carolina Hurricanes. Minnesota is coming off a 3-2 overtime win over the Golden Knights on Sunday and has gone 3-0-1 on home ice. Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start in the net for the Wild. He’s won three straight starts. The Canes beat the Bruins 3-1 in Boston Monday night.
>>Twins and Saints Both to Play in Iowa Next Season
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Minnesota Twins and St. Paul Saints will both play games next season in Iowa. The games will be the same week in August at the famous “Field of Dreams” setting in Dyersville, Iowa. The Twins will meet the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, August 13th, before the two teams travel to Minneapolis to finish the series at Target Field. The Saints will play the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday, August 11th. This is the third year Major League Baseball will play games on the famous movie baseball field in the middle of the Iowa cornfields.
