>>Calls for Independent Investigation into Capitol Breach
(St. Paul, MN) — Following a weekend security scare at the Minnesota State Capitol, Democratic Senator Heather Gustafson of Vadnais Heights is calling for an independent investigation. She says, “As a Senator, I can tell you those doors are locked and I assume pretty secure, so I’m just really curious as to how he was able to gain access, and hopefully those answers will come out soon.” Gustafson has formally requested the Office of the Legislative Auditor to review how a man managed to enter the Senate chamber after hours. She wants a full report detailing how emergency information was shared, what security measures were in place at the time, and what improvements are needed to keep lawmakers and staff safe both inside and outside the Capitol.
>>Air Quality Alert
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for central, east central, west central, north central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota through tomorrow night. (11 PM) Northwest winds will push dense smoke from wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Acceptable particle levels are expected to reach the red AQI category, meaning air quality will be unhealthy for all.
>>UnitedHealthcare Dropping some Medicare Advantage Plans
(Eden Prairie, MN) — UnitedHealth Group plans to scale back its Medicare Advantage offerings, a move that will affect over 600,000 enrollees. The company, based in Eden Prairie, is also considering pulling out of certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces where individuals purchase insurance with federal subsidies. UnitedHealthcare, the insurer’s health benefits division and the largest Medicare Advantage provider in the U.S., is making these changes in response to rising medical costs and financial challenges earlier this year. Executives say the company underestimated the cost of care in both Medicare Advantage and ACA markets, prompting a reevaluation of pricing and coverage strategies.
>>Rochester Axe Murder Released from Prison to Twin Cities Halfway House
(St. Paul, MN) — A man convicted in the 1988 axe murders of his parents and siblings in Rochester while he was 16 is no longer in prison. Fifty-three-year-old David Brom was found guilty of killing his mom, dad, brother, and sister and given three life prison sentences. But a Supreme Court ruling found life without parole for juvenile offenders is unconstitutional, and a 2023 state law allows minors sentenced to life to have their cases re-evaluated. The Department of Corrections says Brom will be on a work release program through a Twin Cities halfway house. He was released from the Lino Lakes state prison this morning (Tues).
>>564 Minnesotans Died from Gun Violence in 2024
(Minneapolis) – A new report from Protect Minnesota shows that 564 Minnesotans lost their lives to gun violence in 2024. The report, based on state death certificates compiled by the Department of Health, shows 72 percent of gun deaths were suicides. Homicides accounted for 26 percent of the deaths. Males made up the majority of victims. When it comes to Greater Minnesota, nearly 60 percent of the suicide victims lived in rural areas, and one in four were over the age of 65. Maggiy (Maggy) Emery, Executive Director of Protect Minnesota, says the study is a tragic reminder that gun violence is still happening in every part of Minnesota. The number is higher than in 2023, when 530 Minnesotans died from gun violence.
>>Task Force 1 Back in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Task Force 1 is back in Minnesota after helping with Texas flood search efforts. “Minnesota Task Force 1 is one of the state’s two urban search and rescue teams and is returning from a two-week deployment to help in Texas. Governor Tim Walz authorized the deployment after Texas made a request following the July 4th flooding. The deadly flooding killed at least 136 people.
>>Minnesota State Patrol Unveils New Rescue Helicopter
(Burnsville, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol is showing off its new rescue helicopter. Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger says the aircraft marks a significant leap forward for the State Patrol. Chief pilot Lieutenant Craig Benz says one area in particular it will help with rescue missions, and with the new helicopter, they’ll be able to reduce the time of a rescue from an hour to about 15 minutes. The helicopter was made possible through a $14 million investment from the Minnesota Legislature.
>>Wisconsin Bear Attack Search Efforts
(Undated) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is wrapping up efforts to trap a bear involved in an attack in northwest Wisconsin. The mother bear and cub haven’t been observed since the attack earlier this month in Barron County. The DNR, Barron County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Department of Agriculture had monitored a series of live traps and cameras since the attack, without results. 69-year-old Karen Frye was attacked in her backyard near the town of Comstock. She’s continuing her recovery at a local hospital. Although trapping efforts have ended, the DNR will continue to monitor the area.
>>Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, Steve Earle Added to Farm Aid Lineup at U of M
(Minneapolis, MN) — Country star Kenny Chesney is being added to the lineup at the 40th Farm Aid concert at the University of Minnesota. Organizers say Chesney, Wynonna Judd, and Steve Earle are joining the performers on September 20th at Huntington Bank Stadium. The lineup features Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Billy Strings, Margo Price, Duluth’s Trampled by Turtles, and Nathaneil Rateliff & the Night Sweats. Tickets are available at farmaid40.org.
