>>Fraud Raids Held in St. Louis Park and Edina
(St. Paul, MN) – Agents with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and federal law enforcement executed search warrants at two autism-services entities in St. Louis Park and Edina. The Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services and FBI were included in the searches at Iska, Inc. in St. Louis Park and Bright Horizon Therapy Center in Edina. Attorney General Keith Ellison says both provide autism services and other Medicaid-funded services. Ellison said this is part of the ongoing efforts to fight fraud and hold fraudsters accountable.
>>Minneapolis Sets Early Voting Record
(Minneapolis) – With just days until Election Day, a record setting number of Minneapolis voters have made their voices heard by already casting their ballots. Minneapolis Elections and Voters Services has accepted 52,661 ballots as of close of business yesterday (Wednesday). The previous record was set in 2018 when 52,313 early/absentee ballots were cast. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
>>Moorhead Candidate’s Use of Fire Truck in Parade Under Review
(Moorhead, MN) — A Minnesota administrative judge is reviewing a complaint against Moorhead City Council candidate Sarah Opitz over her use of a fire truck displaying campaign signs during a homecoming parade. The complaint, filed by a representative of the Moorhead Firefighters Union and a city council member, alleges a violation of campaign law. The union says it provided the truck but did not help turn it into a campaign vehicle. Opitz said she was unaware of the law and quickly corrected the situation. A judge will decide whether the case proceeds to another hearing or is dismissed.
>>Woman Killed in Fatal Accident Near Cosmos
(Near Cosmos, MN) – A Cosmos woman is dead after a semi-SUV crash early this morning west of Cosmos. The state patrol says it was reported at 2:29 a.m. on Highway 7 in East Lake Lillian Township. A Mitsubishi Outlander, driven by a 33-year-old Cosmos woman, was westbound on Highway 7 and the semi was eastbound when they collided. Portions of the highway were briefly closed while the crash was investigated. The semi driver, 41-year-old Roger Jennings of Cottonwood, and his passenger, 23-year-old Jose Trochez of Willmar were not injured. The name of the woman who died won’t be released until Monday. The state patrol says she was not wearing a seatbelt.
>>Pedestrian Bridge Over I-35 To Re-Open Saturday
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth’s new pedestrian bridge over Interstate 35 is expected to open by 5 p.m. Saturday. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says construction is complete, but a material delay has pushed installation of the decorative metal railing to next spring. A temporary fence will remain in place throughout the winter. The bridge replaces an older structure as part of a statewide effort to replace aging bridges.
>>Mississippi River Locks in Minneapolis Closing for the Season
(Minneapolis, MN) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close two Mississippi River locks in Minneapolis for the season starting November 1st. The closures at Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1 will end the 2026 navigation season in Minneapolis. Locks and dams farther south will remain open for at least another month. Lock and Dam 2 near Hastings and Lock and Dam 3 near Welch are scheduled to close December 1st for maintenance and repairs, with work expected to be completed before the 2027 navigation season.
>>Minnesota’s Fall Colors Nearing Their End
(St. Paul, MN) — Fall colors are winding down across much of Minnesota, but some late-season scenery remains, particularly in southeastern Minnesota. The DNR’s Fall Color Finder highlights Great River Bluffs State Park near Winona, where visitors can take in views of the Mississippi River Valley. The Great River Ridge State Trail also offers opportunities to enjoy remaining foliage, fall grasses and colorful sumac. The DNR updates its color map using reports from state parks and trails staff, helping visitors find the best places to catch the final colors of the season.
>>Animal Humane Society Encourages Pet Adoptions Ahead of Holidays
(Golden Valley, MN) — With the holidays approaching, the Animal Humane Society is encouraging Minnesotans to consider adopting a pet. Jackie McCollough says there’s a steady need for adopters, foster families and volunteers to help animals find loving homes. For families struggling to afford pet care, the Golden Valley-based organization also offers services to help keep pets with their owners. McCollough says there are plenty of animals looking for homes, and the organization is offering 50% off critters through Halloween.
>>Minnesota Celebrates Third Annual Beer Day Sunday
(Undated) — Minnesotans are invited to raise a pint Sunday, for the third annual Minnesota Beer Day. The Minnesota House and Senate established observance in 2024. Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Director of Government and Industry Relations Bob Galligan says the state’s craft beer industry has leveled off after rapid growth in the early 2000s, with breweries both opening and closing. Some breweries will offer special promotions and Minnesota Beer Day pint glasses. A map of participating breweries is available at mncraftbrew.org.
>>Minnesota Timberwolves Partner with Twin Cities Libraries
(Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Timberwolves have partnered with Hennepin County Library and Saint Paul Public Library to introduce special-edition library cards. The cards are designed to inspire reading, celebrate local creativity and strengthen community connections across the Twin Cities. The library cards feature original artwork from Minneapolis native Reggie LeFlore and Saint Paul-based Delia Touche. The Timberwolves have made a commitment to education and community impact.
