>>Westwood Elementary Mourns Loss of Young Student
(St. Cloud, MN) – The Westwood Elementary School community is mourning the loss of a young student following a medical emergency last week. Authorities say first responders were called to the school after a report of a student who was not breathing. The child, a 7-year-old boy, later passed away. School officials confirmed the student’s death in a statement released Monday. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the district says no further details will be shared at this time.
>>Annunciation Shooting Survivor Forchas Shows “Miraculous” Progress
(Minneapolis, MN) — Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old student at Annunciation Catholic School, is making what her family calls a “miraculous” recovery after being shot in the head during the mass shooting last month. Her family shared an update through Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC), stating doctors say she’s “showing promising neurological signs” and will soon move from HCMC to inpatient rehab. Her family credits prayer and divine intervention from Jesus Christ for her survival and healing, calling her a warrior. Two children were killed and 21 others were injured in the August 27th attack.
>>Rochester Man Charged with Engaging in Inappropriate Relationship with Teenager
(Rochester, MN) – A Rochester man is facing serious charges after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl. According to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Olmsted County Court, Rochester police launched an investigation last week after the victim disclosed the relationship to her family. 47-year-old Elijah Newbloom is now charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The complaint states the victim, who is currently 16 years old, told her family that the relationship began when she was just 14.
>>Former Sen. Mitchell Avoids Lengthy Prison Sentence
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — Former Senator, Democrat Nicole Mitchell, will spend only 180 days in prison for burglarizing her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home. A Becker County judge sentenced Mitchell this morning to the roughly 6-month work release, plus five years of supervised probation. She received a stayed 21-month prison term, which she’ll only serve if she violates probation. Mitchell admitted guilt in court, saying, “I deserve to be here today.” Her attorney had requested that the felony charges be reduced to misdemeanors.
>>Outdoor Warning Sirens Inadvertently Sound in Mankato Monday Morning
(Mankato, MN) — Authorities in Blue Earth County are trying to figure out why the outdoor warning sirens sounded Monday morning in Mankato. There were no active storm warnings at the time in the area. Residents in parts of North Mankato are also reportedly hearing the sirens. They are only activated by the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center. The Mankato Department of Public Safety is taking the siren system offline temporarily as a precaution.
>>Latest Food Recalls from MDA
(Undated) — More food recalls from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This comes months after the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked 52 food standards, decisions made by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The following products have been recalled for possible listeria contamination: Haifa Smoked Fish’s Cold Smoked Salmon and Cold Smoked Seabass, Trader Joe’s Turkey Gobbler Wrap, and Western United Fish Company’s Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke. More information can be found on the MDA website.
>>St. Cloud Breaks Ground on New Homeless Shelter
(St. Cloud, MN) — A groundbreaking ceremony for Avivo Village Central Minnesota will be held Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Cloud. The new homeless shelter will offer 48 private units, shared spaces, outdoor areas, and 24/7 support services, including healthcare, mental health, and recovery resources. Modeled after Avivo’s successful North Loop facility in Minneapolis, the project is funded by $7.65 million in state aid, plus city and federal support. Avivo, founded in 1960, serves over 11,000 Minnesotans annually through its low-barrier shelter model.
>> Students Honor Charlie Kirk at Turning Point USA Event
(Minneapolis, MN) – Students gathered at Turning Point USA’s first event since the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk had been scheduled to speak at the University of Minnesota before he was shot and killed on September 10th in Utah. Author and commentator Michael Knowles headlined Monday’s event at Northrop Auditorium, stepping in for Kirk. More than 1,500 students and supporters packed the venue for the sold-out gathering. Kirk was remembered as a defining conservative voice of his generation and a key organizer credited with helping President Trump secure re-election.
>>Biological Control Effort Targets Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota DNR, Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Forest Service have expanded a biological control program to slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB). Since 2010, three species of non-stinging wasps have been released at 55 sites statewide. These wasps target EAB at different life stages and are safe for humans and the environment. This summer, over 5,000 wasps were released across 200 acres in the Chippewa National Forest, totaling 8,400 over two years. No new infestations have been reported in the forest. EAB, first found in Minnesota in 2009, kills ash trees by feeding under the bark. The state is home to an estimated 1 billion ash trees, with many more in urban areas.
