>>Royalton Standoff Ends in Arrest
(Royalton, MN) — A Royalton man was arrested Wednesday after a rooftop standoff that triggered a lockdown at a nearby elementary school.
Police tried to arrest 37-year-old Reed Clark on multiple warrants. Clark fled, climbed onto his roof, and refused to come down. With Royalton Elementary nearby, the school was locked down as a precaution. Classes continued, and students were dismissed safely. After hours of negotiations and chemical irritants, Clark injured his arm trying to escape, but eventually surrendered. He was treated at a hospital, then booked into jail. Clark faces charges including fleeing police, obstruction, drug possession, and DWI.
>>Former State Trooper Charged with Production of Child Porn
(St. Paul, MN) — A former Minnesota state trooper has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the production and distribution of child pornography, according to court documents filed Wednesday. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota stated that 30-year-old Jeremy Plonski was arrested in May following allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor. Court records reveal that a Minnesota BCA special agent interviewed Plonski in April. During that interview, Plonski admitted to initiating an online relationship in 2022 through a social media app, which led to the creation and sharing of explicit videos.
>>Man Wounded in Morning Shooting in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — Police in Duluth are looking for the suspect in a shooting this morning (Thurs) that left a man wounded. Officers called to a report of shots fired found a 47-year-old victim with gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The alleged shooter was gone when police arrived. Investigators say they do not believe it was a random incident.
>>Congresswoman Omar Reintroduces the Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act
(Washington, DC) — A bill reintroduced by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar would ensure that federal employees are reimbursed for childcare expenses during the government shutdown. The Minnesota Democrat said, “If we truly value the people who keep our government running, we have to make sure they can care for their children while they do it.” Under Omar’s bill, any federal employee who doesn’t get a paycheck in October and continues to pay for childcare would be eligible for reimbursement. She first introduced the Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act during the 2019 government shutdown.
>>MN Human Rights Department Settles Two Sex Discrimination Cases
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced settlements in two workplace sex discrimination cases. In Bemidji, Lakes Concrete Plus fired a female truck driver, telling her the job wasn’t “women’s work.” The company will pay her $45,000 and make policy changes. In Thief River Falls, Key Lime Air refused to hire a male flight attendant, saying women were “better” for the role. The airline will also pay $45,000 and revise hiring practices. Commissioner Rebecca Lucero says the cases show more work is needed to end gender bias in Minnesota workplaces.
>>Paranormal Investigator Brings Ghost-Hunting Tips to Willmar
(Willmar, MN) — A night of ghostly tales and hands-on tips is in store for Willmar tonight.
Paranormal investigator and author Adrian Lee is appearing at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum at 6:30 p.m., offering a beginner’s guide to ghost hunting.
Museum Director Jill Wohnoutka says Lee is always a crowd favorite. Lee, a London native now living in Minnesota, uses specialized equipment to communicate with spirits—and claims he’s even made contact with the late rock legend Prince.
>>Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear Playing Tonight at Mystic Lake
(Prior Lake, MN) — Reggae legends Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear are playing tonight (Thurs) at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. Ziggy Marley is an eight-time Grammy Award winner and the eldest son of reggae icon Bob Marley. Burning Spear, or Winston Rodney, is an 80-year-old Jamaican roots-reggae singer who started his career in the 1970s. Some tickets are still available for tonight’s “Do the Reggae Tour” show in Prior Lake.
