>>Police in Duluth ID Victim in Deadly Shooting Last Friday
(Duluth, MN) — Police in Duluth are identifying the man fatally shot early last Friday. Officers say 35-year-old Chazz Toney was found dead of a gunshot wound. Investigators asked people in the Central Hillside neighborhood to check their surveillance cameras for video or more information about the shooting. No arrests have been made in Toney’s killing.
>>Authorities in Alaska Find Body of Missing Minnesota Radio Station Owner
(Girdwood, AK) — Authorities in Alaska are confirming a body found Monday is one of the owners of Mankato Radio and Lakeland Media. The Alaska Department of Public Safety reports the body of 39-year-old David Linder was located in a log jam on an area river. Linder, 38-year-old Jeremy Lief of Golden Valley, and 39-year-old Charles Eppard from Montana went missing after an avalanche while heli-skiing in March. Alaska Wildlife troopers said they were buried under at least 40 feet of snow, up to a depth of 100 feet. The search continues for Lief and Eppard.
>>White Bear Lake School Board Addresses Enrollment Fraud
(White Bear Lake, MN) — White Bear Lake Area Schools officials are investigating how a 22-year-old man fraudulently enrolled in one of the district’s high schools. The issue was a focal point at Monday night’s packed school board meeting. According to the district, Kelvin Luebke used falsified identification and documents to gain admission. Officials maintain that the enrollment process followed state law and was conducted thoroughly. Police say several female students reported that Luebke contacted them via text and social media. Investigators have searched his phone for evidence related to criminal sexual conduct, solicitation of a minor, and child pornography. Luebke has a prior conviction from two years ago for sending explicit images to a 15-year-old girl. He was arrested last week for violating probation stemming from that case.
>>Former Fargo Salon Worker Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement
(Fargo, ND) — A Fargo woman is pleading guilty after she was charged with embezzling money from her former employer. After changing her plea, Alexis Engelking was sentenced to three years in prison, but will serve 30 days in jail and 18 months of probation. Engelking’s employer, Salon Professional Academy, told police she approved a $12,000 private loan so she could close on a house, but Engelking gave herself two $12,000 payments.
>>AG Ellison Sues 2 Contractors for Fraud
(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing two unlicensed contractors accused of defrauding Minnesotans out of at least $1.6 million. Ellison says Earl Rode and Ryan Pietron took large pre-payments for home renovations, did little or no work, and refused refunds. The lawsuit says the men claimed to be licensed when they had been banned from even applying for a license until 2030. One homeowner had to demolish his childhood home after Rode abandoned the job. Ellison urges anyone defrauded by either contractor to file a complaint with his office.
>>Ahead of MEA, Minnesotans Frustrated with Fed. Gov. Shutdown
(Undated) – Minnesota lawmakers are speaking out in frustration as the federal government shutdown reaches its second week, causing concerns before the busy MEA travel weekend. Leah VanDassor, President of St. Paul Federation of Educators, says, “Families dealing with the stress of travel and travel delays, it’s not the most grave thing happening right now. But it’s yet another example of how the MAGA Republicans are choosing billionaires over working people and impacting all of our lives.” The Trump Administration is blaming Democrats for the possible changes to airport operations, as well as the shutdown. This comes after Fox News reported that a video began airing at airports on Thursday of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem saying, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this…most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”
>>MSP Anticipates Nearly 20% Surge in Travelers Over MEA Weekend
(Bloomington, MN) — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is bracing for a significant increase in passenger traffic during the upcoming Minnesota Educators Academy (MEA) break. The upcoming long weekend, running October 16th-19th, traditionally prompts a spike in family getaways. Airport officials project a 19% rise in travelers compared to typical fall volumes. Thursday is expected to be the peak travel day, with approximately 52,000 passengers passing through security checkpoints. To help ensure a smooth experience, travelers are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights.
>>Northfield to Host 2026 Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener
(Northfield, MN) — Northfield will host the 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. The Cannon River town is 150 years old and was ranked one of America’s best places to live in 2024. Governor Tim Walz says it was chosen for its public lands, scenic beauty, and strong community support. The event runs through October 9th and 10th.
