>>Nursing Homes and Children
(St. Paul, MN) — A major Minnesota commerce package is now headed to Governor Tim Walz after lawmakers approved measures ranging from expanded meat raffle limits to new restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in health insurance claim denials. But one emotional proposal was left behind before the legislative deadline. DFL Senator Liz Boldon pushed to extend a law protecting home nursing care for medically fragile children, calling it unacceptable that families must battle insurance companies to keep lifesaving care in place. The proposal also gained support from Republican Senator Jim Abeler, who said many parents are overwhelmed and fearful about losing care for their children. Despite a last-minute effort, the measure failed to make it into the final package before the midnight deadline.
>>Stewart Trail Wildfire Update
(Two Harbors, MN) — The Stewart Trail wildfire north of Two Harbors is now 62% contained as firefighters continue making steady progress on the 355-acre blaze. Crews spent Sunday strengthening containment lines, extinguishing hot spots, and monitoring flare-ups caused by shifting winds. Officials say evacuation zones have been reduced in some areas as conditions improve and threats to public safety decrease. A temporary flight restriction remains in place, and officials are reminding the public not to fly drones near the fire zone. Meanwhile, Highway 61 remains closed between the Stewart River and Silver Cliff Tunnel, with detours in place between Silver Bay and Two Harbors. Residents are urged to continue following evacuation guidance from Lake County officials.
>>Stray Bullet Injures Man near Eden Valley
(Eden Valley, MN) — A southern Minnesota man is recovering after being struck by a stray bullet while driving in Meeker County on Friday afternoon. Authorities say 78-year-old James Poirot of Sherburn was traveling south on Highway 4 near Eden Valley when a bullet hit him in the face and head area. A deputy nearby immediately provided aid before Poirot was taken to a hospital in Paynesville and later airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators say the bullet came from someone target shooting on private property nearby. Evidence was collected through a search warrant, and the case remains under investigation.
>>Man Arrested for Shooting at Fire-Bomber Plane in St. Louis County
(Orr, MN) — A man from northeastern Minnesota is accused of shooting at a fire bomber plane that was assisting with a wildfire near Orr. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says 48-year-old Daniel Pettit was arrested Sunday night at his home in Portage Township. He’s jailed pending reckless use of a firearm, second-degree assault, and felony criminal damage to property charges. The aircraft was hit while scooping water from a lake on Friday night. The pilot wasn’t hurt, but there was damage to the plane.
>>Man Injured in Car-Deer Crash on I-94
(Fergus Falls, MN) — One person was injured after a vehicle struck a deer on Interstate 94 near Fergus Falls Sunday night. The Minnesota State Patrol says the eastbound vehicle hit the deer around 9:15. Forty-year-old Garrett Pillatzki suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Lake Region Healthcare for treatment. The driver and another passenger were not hurt in the crash.
>>Wyoming Man Accused of Trying to Kill His Wife
(Wyoming, MN) — A man from Wyoming(MN) is accused of trying to kill his wife during a violent attack inside their home. Court documents say an Amazon delivery driver stepped in after hearing screams and seeing the suspect holding a hammer while the injured woman sought help. Deputies say the victim suffered significant head injuries and was treated at the scene. Investigators allege the 72-year-old suspect later admitted he had been planning the attack and claimed financial concerns and fears over reduced Social Security income motivated his actions. He is now charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.
>>The Smashing Pumpkins Playing Grand Casino Arena this Fall
(St. Paul, MN) – The Smashing Pumpkins are bringing their ‘The Rats in a Cage Tour’ to Minnesota this fall. The Grammy Award-winning alternative rock band is playing Grand Casino Arena on October 13th. They will be performing the ‘Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness’ album to celebrate its 30th anniversary, and one set of hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites. Tickets for the Smashing Pumpkins in St. Paul go on sale to the public on Thursday, with a presale beginning Tuesday.
