>>North St. Paul Police Search for Missing Teen
(North St. Paul, MN) — North St. Paul police are searching for a missing 17-year-old. Aoki Cleaves was last seen leaving for a walk on foot on Monday afternoon. She’s described as Black, five feet five inches tall, 170 pounds, with black hair with an orange braid and brown eyes. Cleaves was last seen wearing glasses, a red hoodie, gray sweatpants, slides, and a silver necklace.
>>Two Nurses Attacked at Duluth Medical Center
(Duluth, MN) – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) says it is outraged and saddened to learn that two nurses were assaulted by a patient at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. A spokesperson says both nurses required treatment in the Emergency Department following the attack, and it happened during an overnight shift. The MNA says the patient was taken into custody. The MNA is calling on Essentia Health to take immediate action to implement safety reforms and address staffing and protocol to protect workers.
>>MN BCA Releases 2024 Crime Report
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says violent crime held steady in 2024, with a slight uptick in the Twin Cities and a drop in Greater Minnesota. Murders fell to 170 statewide, but firearm use rose. Rape reports increased 5%, with nearly 40 percent of victims being minors. Carjackings rose slightly, while motor vehicle thefts dropped 19% Larceny hit a 56-year low. Officer assaults and police firearm discharges also increased. You can find the full report online at the BCA website.
>>Inactive Medicaid Providers Disenrolled by MN DHS
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is tightening oversight of its Medicaid program by disenrolling providers who haven’t billed for services in over a year. The Department of Human Services says about 800 inactive providers were removed this week, with more rounds to follow. This round doesn’t include 621 inactive housing stabilization services providers because the program ends on October 31st. Officials say the move reduces fraud risk and ensures Medicaid resources go to active providers. The change aligns with Governor Tim Walz’s executive order to strengthen program integrity. Affected providers can appeal if they believe the decision was made in error.
>>AG Ellison Asks to Intervene in Federal Court Review
(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison is joining a coalition of 13 attorneys general in asking a federal court to intervene in a $14 billion antitrust settlement involving Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks. Ellison says the deal was influenced by lobbyists and political pressure, and fails to address the harms predicted by the Department of Justice. If approved, the merger would leave HPE and Cisco controlling over 75% of the wireless LAN market. The coalition is also asking the court to hold a public interest hearing under the Tunney Act.
>>Sen. McEwen Talks Gov. Shutdown and Impact on Duluth
(Undated) – The U.S. Senate has once again failed to pass a funding bill to end the government shutdown. This is affecting residents in all corners of Minnesota. State Senator Jen McEwen met with people today who work in healthcare and childcare in her home district of Duluth. McEwen says they’re looking at thousands of people in Duluth who will lose their healthcare or basic food support because they’re income is “really squeezed.” With today’s failed vote, the government shutdown is expected to extend into next week.
>>DNR Highlights Free Family Activities During MEA Break
(Undated) – The MEA break is underway, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says it’s a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors with the family. Parks and Trails Division public relations supervisor Sara Berhow says they have a guide detailing multiple free activities people can print off for families to do together outside. A full calendar of events can be found on the DNR’s website.
>>Minnesota Ranks #2 for Kids’ Well-Being
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz says Minnesota is the second-best state for children, according to a new SmileHub report. The state ranks first in support systems for families, third in work-life balance, and top five for child well-being and life expectancy. Walz credits investments in early learning, child care, and programs like Paid Family Leave and the Child Tax Credit. He says when Minnesota puts kids first, the whole state benefits.
