>>Woman Beaten to Death by Coworker at Manufacturer in Cokato
(Cokato, MN) — Wright County authorities are investigating the workplace death of a woman in Cokato (KOH’-kay-doh). Deputies say she was found at her workstation at Advanced Process Technologies on Tuesday morning with significant head trauma. First responders tried to save the woman, but she died at the scene. Investigators believe she was assaulted by a male coworker with a blunt force object. The 40-year-old suspect from Watkins was taken into custody without incident.
>>Speech Pathologist Shortage Impacting Minnesota Schools
(Undated) — Minnesota schools are facing a critical shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), leaving many students without timely support. To address the gap, the University of Minnesota is launching telehealth programs in two rural school districts, aiming to provide remote speech therapy services. Experts say the shortage stems from two main factors: fewer graduates entering the profession and an increase in diagnoses among children. Families seeking alternatives can turn to private practice SLPs or university training clinics, which often offer services at reduced rates. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one in 14 children in the U.S. has a communication disorder, underscoring the urgency of expanding access to care.
>>Lakeland PBS Cancels “Currents” Amid Federal Funding Cuts
(Bemidji, MN) — Lakeland PBS announced it is canceling its long-running program Lakeland Currents following significant federal funding cuts. The station says the loss of these essential funds has created a critical budget gap that cannot be closed without major changes. For 18 seasons, Lakeland Currents has featured conversations with local leaders, citizens, and experts on issues important to rural communities. Topics have ranged from cancer treatment and drug addiction counseling to public school funding and family farming. The decision comes after the Trump administration rescinded more than one billion dollars in federal funding previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in July.
>>Mounds View High School Teacher Arrested for Alleged Misconduct
(Arden Hills, MN) — A Mounds View High School teacher has been arrested in connection with alleged inappropriate contact with a student. Authorities say the 58-year-old instructor was taken into custody yesterday at his Minneapolis home. He is accused of engaging in sexual contact with a 17-year-old female student. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave and is being held in Ramsey County Jail. Formal charges are pending.
>>Bystanders Save Mora Woman’s Life
(Mora, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol says bystanders helped save the life of a woman after she crashed her car and it started on fire near Mora just before noon Tuesday. 32-year-old Paige Bentler was driving her Honda Civic westbound on 195th Avenue when she left the road, struck a tree, and the car rolled onto its roof and caught fire. Passers-by pulled Bentler out of the burning car, and she was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis with life-threatening injuries.
>>Target Turns to Artificial Intelligence to Boost Holiday Sales
(Minneapolis) – Minneapolis-based Target is turning to artificial intelligence to boost sales this holiday season, and in its words, “make shopping easier, smarter and more fun this season for our guests.” The retailer is turning to technology called Target’s AI-powered holiday experience. One feature allows a guest to type in information about the person they’re shopping for, and the gift finder will make suggestions for presents for that person. Target says it also has a new List Scanner, which will help with picking out gifts on its wish list. Last quarter, Target reported that in-store sales were down almost two percent, but digital sales increased by more than ten percent.
>>MPD Arrests 4 in Carjacking Cases
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis Police say two juveniles and two adults are in custody after separate carjacking incidents. Chief Brian O’Hara says the arrests show “the effectiveness and commitment” of officers. Between 2 and 8 p.m. Monday, two teens allegedly stole multiple vehicles, including City Council Member Jamal Osman’s SUV, and assaulted a woman during an attempted carjacking. Both were caught after a pursuit; a replica gun was recovered. Hours later, two adults carjacked a Kia at gunpoint at a gas station. Officers tracked the stolen car using cameras and arrested both suspects after a crash and a K-9 search early Tuesday. Officials say no one was seriously hurt.
>>Stevie Nicks Playing Rescheduled Show at Grand Casino Arena
(St. Paul, MN) — Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Stevie Nicks is performing tonight (Wed 7pm) at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. The show was originally scheduled for August 19th, but Nicks suffered a shoulder injury that forced her to cancel several tour dates. Nicks went into the Hall as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist. There are some tickets available for tonight’s show.
>>Meghan Trainor Comes to Cities with The Get In Girl Tour
(Saint Paul, MN) — Pop star Meghan Trainor is coming to St. Paul with her “The Get In Girl Tour.” Fresh off the launch of her seventh album, Toy With Me, the tour kicks off in June and stops at Grand Casino Arena on July 13th, 2026. Presales start on Tuesday, with general tickets on sale next Friday, November 21st, at MeghanTrainor.com.
