>>No Agreement Yet on Special Session for Gun Violence
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders remain at an impasse over a proposed special session on gun violence. Walz had suggested the session begin Monday, but as governor, he alone holds the authority to call it. His goal: to have all lawmakers publicly declare their stance on an assault rifle ban. “I’m not asking them—I think they should vote for it. I think the data shows it. I would like them to vote for it, but they need to vote their conscience. But to simply stop us from having this discussion, to be able to run it out, to be able to do that is very, very frustrating.” Republican leaders responded by calling for a more comprehensive approach. They want any special session to include committee meetings and public hearings on proposed legislation—not just a vote.
>>Former Sen. Mitchell Reports to Ramsey County Corrections
(St. Paul, MN) — Former State Senator Nicole Mitchell reported to Ramsey County Corrections this morning (THURS) to begin her six-month jail sentence with work release privileges. Mitchell, a Democrat from Woodbury, was convicted of breaking into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home in April 2024. She initially claimed she was trying to retrieve family mementos, like her late father’s ashes, but later testified she wanted to check on her stepmother, who has Alzheimer’s. At sentencing, Mitchell said she had secured a job at a fast-food restaurant.
>> No Charges Yet Against Fake White Bear Lake High School Student
(White Bear Lake, MN) — Prosecutors have yet to charge a 22-year-old man accused of posing as a 17-year-old student at White Bear Lake Area High School. Police say the suspect remains in custody on unrelated charges. Students say he was known as K-J, played cornerback on the football team, and recently attended the homecoming dance. School officials believe he used to fake identification and documents to enroll, but aren’t releasing any other information. At least one state lawmaker is calling for the White Bear Lake superintendent to resign in response to this incident.
>>Parents Charged in Roseville Toddler’s Death
(Roseville, MN) — The parents of a toddler who died after falling from a Roseville balcony are facing charges. Hanad Jama and Aisha Ali are each charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter. Fifteen-month-old Hiba Hassan fell to her death on July 6th. The couple was charged by summons and is scheduled to appear in court on November 5th.
>>St. Charles Woman Arrested in Juvenile Assault Case
(Rochester, MN) — A St. Charles woman is in custody following a juvenile sexual assault investigation. The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office says 42-year-old Megan Cogswell was arrested after an interview with investigators and an evidence review. She’s being held on suspicion of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving fear of great bodily harm. Due to the involvement of a juvenile, officials say no further details are being released at this time.
>>Best Man Opens Fire at Maplewood Wedding
(Maplewood, MN) — A wedding celebration in Maplewood turned violent over the weekend when the best man allegedly shot a guest in both legs. The incident happened Saturday evening at Keller Regional Park. Authorities say the 34-year-old best man from South St. Paul got into an argument with one of the guests before opening fire. He fled the scene but was arrested on Wednesday evening. Two guns, one of them stolen, were seized from the truck the suspect was in. The 36-year-old victim was hospitalized but will survive his injuries.
>>Grandma’s Marathon 2026 Weekend Sells Out in Record Time
(Duluth, MN) — The 2026 Grandma’s Marathon weekend has officially sold out, and it didn’t take long. Marketing Director Zach Schneider says more than 19,000 participants registered within just 12 hours. “The half-marathon was sold out in an hour and 15 minutes,” Schneider said. “The 5K followed shortly after that in just under two hours. And then we woke up to the news this morning that the marathon had sold out in 12 hours. So, certainly good news for us.” Organizers anticipated high demand, as next year would mark the 50th running of Grandma’s Marathon. Schneider says the milestone will make for a memorable celebration in June.
>>Fridley Tax Preparer Charged with 18 Felonies
(St. Paul, MN) — A Fridley tax preparer faces 18 felony charges for alleged tax fraud. Prosecutors allege that Mubarak Jama filed false tax returns for himself and his clients, failed to report income, and submitted altered invoices during audits. The Minnesota Department of Revenue (MDR) states that Jama owes over $76,000 in unpaid taxes. Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
>>Gov. Walz’s Chief of Staff Chris Schmitter Steps Down
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is saying goodbye to Chief of Staff Chris Schmitter, who’s stepping down after nearly seven years, the longest tenure in state history. Walz says Schmitter played a key role in shaping major policy wins, including Minnesota’s nation-leading Child Tax Credit, expanded access to pre-K education, and universal school meals. He also praised Schmitter’s leadership during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and called him a “steady hand” in tough negotiations. Schmitter will serve as a senior advisor to Walz and his reelection campaign. Walz named longtime aide Patrick Tanis as his new chief of staff. Tanis has worked with Walz since 2005 and served as deputy chief of staff since 2019.
>>Lynx All-Star Collier Suffered 3 Torn Ligaments in Ankle, Shin
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota Lynx All-Star forward Napheesa Collier is recovering from a Grade 2 tear of three ligaments in her ankle and a muscle in her shin. Collier was injured in a collision with Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas in Game 3 of the W-N-B-A Semifinals. Her injury will require a recovery period of at least six weeks. No foul was called on the play, and Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was suspended for her reaction to Collier’s injury. She’s scheduled to play for the Lunar Owls of the Unrivaled League in January.
