>>Crews Make Progress On Containing Wood Lake Fire
(Ely, MN) — Crews are progressing as they battle the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness wildfire. Yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service reported that about a quarter of the 27-acre blaze northeast of Ely is contained. Firefighters from Connecticut are now in the area to assist local crewmembers. Federal forestry officials believe humans may have sparked the fire.
>>Film And TV Industry Regaining Traction In Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — The film and television industry is beginning to regain traction in Minnesota. More productions are moving into the North Star State since lawmakers approved annual tax credits of up to 25 million dollars for producers in 2021. Melodie Bahan with Explore Minnesota says, right now, there is an indie film shooting in the southern portion of the state, another project getting started in Duluth, and a couple more indie movies that will go into production later this year. Georgia casting director Bill Marinella says he is setting up a Minnesota agency in preparation for some more projects that are on the way in 2025.
>>Bethel University Cuts Tuition by Nearly $18,000 for New, Continuing Undergrad Students
(St. Paul, MN) — Starting this fall, St. Paul’s Bethel University has announced that it will nearly cut tuition costs in half for new and continuing undergraduate students. Students at the College of Arts and Sciences will go from paying around $44,000 a year to almost $26,000 as financial assistance packages are revised with the new rate. The private Christian university says no current student will see their total cost for the 2025-2026 academic year exceed what it would’ve been without the new model.
>>HCAO Hits Thompson with 5 Counts of 3rd-Degree Murder On Top of 10 Charges in Fatal 2023 Crash
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Brooklyn Park man accused of speeding through a red light, crashing into a vehicle and killing five young women in June 2023, is now charged with five counts of third-degree murder. Derrick Thompson is accused of driving 95 mph on I-35W in Minneapolis, passing a state trooper, and hitting the victims’ car at high speeds. The crash killed Salma Mohamed Abdikadir, Sahra Liban Gesaade, Sagal Burhaan Hersi, Siham Adan Odhowa, and Sabiriin Mohamoud Ali, all ages 17 to 20. Johnson was released from a California prison just six months before the crash for fleeing police, speeding off a highway into city streets, and severely injuring a woman by hitting her with his car. He also faces 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide.
>>Target to Hire 100K Seasonal Workers for Holiday Shopping
(Minneapolis, MN) — Target plans to hire around 100,000 workers at its stores and supply chain facilities this holiday shopping season. Officials say more than half of last year’s seasonal team members were offered positions to stay with Target. The Minnesota-based retailer announced a number of holiday shopping programs and deals today (Monday). Candidates interested in seasonal positions can begin applying on September 25th on Target’s website.
>>MN DNR Confirms Zebra Mussels in Ann Lake
(Sherburne County, MN) — The Minnesota DNR (Department of Natural Resources) has confirmed zebra mussels have invaded Ann Lake, near Orrock in Sherburne County. Water samples from two days each showed high counts of zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, meaning they reproduce in the lake. To help stop the spread, officials remind Minnesotans it’s law to clean watercraft, trailers, and equipment of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species; drain all water and leave drain plugs out for transport; trash unwanted bait; never release bait or aquarium pets into MN waters; and dry docks, lifts, and rafts for 21 days before moving from one body of water to another.
>>MN Twins Activate Left-Handed Orioles Pitcher Irvin
(Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Twins have claimed left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. The 30-year-old Anaheim, California, native played 25 games with the Orioles this season, going 6-5 with a 4.86 ERA, one save, 25 walks, and 76 strikeouts. To make room on the Twins’ 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Randy Dobnak has been designated for release or assignment.
>>Gopher Football DB Brown Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
(Minneapolis, MN) — University of Minnesota defensive back Kerry Brown is being honored as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Brown had his first two career interceptions in the Golden Gophers’ 27-0 win over Nevada Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium. His two picks in the first half led to 10 points for Minnesota. Brown also had four tackles in the shutout victory. The Gophers battle the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday night in Minneapolis for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy.
