>>Paynesville Man Died During Police Encounter Died of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound
(Paynesville, MN) — Authorities say an 80-year-old man who died during a police response in Paynesville Monday night took his own life. Larry Alstead, a former longtime Minnesota State Trooper, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though he also had multiple gunshot injuries. The BCA says Sgt. Paul Orvis of the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office fired his weapon during the incident. He’s now on critical incident leave. Deputies were responding to a domestic assault call and found Alstead’s wife with non-life-threatening injuries. Alstead appeared at the bottom of the stairs with a handgun before shots were fired. A gun and shell casings were recovered. The BCA investigation is ongoing.
>>Bicyclist Dies in Collision with Minivan
(Whitefield Township, MN) A bicyclist is dead following a collision with a minivan in central Minnesota. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office says it happened just after 7:30 Wednesday evening in Whitefield Township south of Willmar. A 54-year-old man from Lake Lillian was biking eastbound when a 59-year-old woman, also from Lake Lillian, attempted to pass him in a minivan. Authorities say that as she entered the westbound lane, the bicyclist also veered into that lane and was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol.
>>Mapleton Faces 2nd Degree Murder Charge in Father’s Stabbing Death
(Mapleton, MN) — A Mapleton man is now charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of his father. Blue Earth County prosecutors say 47-year-old son Troy Almhjeld stabbed 71-year-old Lars Almhjeld multiple times early Tuesday morning following an argument. Deputies found Lars leaning against a washing machine covered in blood with stab and puncture wounds to his chest and significant head and facial injuries. Authorities also located a yellow-handled knife that appeared to have blood on the blade and handle. Troy was arrested after crashing his father’s vehicle and fleeing the scene.
>>Minnesota Senators Slam Proposed Federal AI Regulation Moratorium
(St. Paul, MN) — Senators Matt Klein and Erin Maye Quade are condemning a proposed Trump administration and Republican congressional budget plan that would block states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years. They say the federal moratorium would strip Minnesota of its ability to protect residents, especially children, from harmful uses of AI. Senator Klein called it “an egregious overreach” that would undo state efforts like those banning nudification tech and criminalizing AI-generated child sexual abuse images. Senator Maye Quade added, “Minnesota is leading the way on AI safety, but instead of national action, this proposal would tie our hands and endanger children.” Both lawmakers urged Congress to reject the measure and support stronger protections against the misuse of AI.
>> Sandy Hook Promise Honors Klobuchar, James for Bipartisan Work on School Safety
(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representative John James (R-MI) were honored Wednesday night at Sandy Hook Promise’s annual Promise Champions Gala in Washington, D.C., for their bipartisan leadership in preventing gun violence and supporting school safety. The event brought together lawmakers, business leaders, and advocates to recognize efforts aimed at protecting children from violence. Sandy Hook Promise co-founder Mark Barden praised both lawmakers for advancing policies that unite rather than divide. Klobuchar was recognized for her continued support of the STOP School Violence Act, first passed in 2018 after the Parkland school shooting. She also helped secure an additional $300 million in STOP grant funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
>>Craig Helps Introduce End Corruption Now Legislative Package
(Washington, DC) — Congresswoman Angie Craig is co-sponsoring legislation that would prevent the president, executive branch officials, and members of Congress from personally benefiting from their offices. The End Corruption Now package was introduced on Wednesday by Craig and six other Democrats. She also reintroduced a resolution to ban members of the U-S House from serving on corporate boards while in office. Craig said in a statement, “Elected officials are elected to serve their constituents, not their self-interests.”
>>Immigrant Rights Groups Demanding Answers From MPLS Mayor
(Minneapolis, MN) — Immigrant rights groups are demanding answers after a heavily armed law enforcement operation on Lake Street this week. Dozens of officers from local and federal agencies, including ICE and DHS, were involved in Tuesday’s raid in the heart of Minneapolis’ Latino immigrant community, despite city and county policies against cooperating with immigration enforcement. Leaders call it a violation of sanctuary city promises and are holding a press conference today (Thursday) at 4 p.m. outside Mayor Frey’s office at City Hall.
>>Business Leaders Gather in St. Cloud for Educational Conference
(St. Cloud, MN) — More than 70 business leaders from across Minnesota are in St. Cloud today (Thursday) for the Dual-Training Pipeline conference. The Minnesota Dual Training Pipeline helps develop the workforce in seven key industries: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, childcare, healthcare, information technology, transportation, and legal cannabis. Pipeline Manager Dan Solomon says the event is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and connect with employers across the state. Solomon says the Dual Training Pipeline is always trying new things to find the best way to reach people and share information about all their programs.
