>>Russian National Convicted in Minnesota Crash Back in Federal Custody

(Washington D.C.) — A Russian national convicted in a deadly Minnesota crash is back in federal custody. The Department of Homeland Security says ICE arrested Georgii Gabiev on June 9th in New York. Gabiev pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in the March 2024 crash that killed Chippewa County truck driver Tim Tarnowski north of Maynard in western Minnesota. Investigators said Gabiev ran a stop sign while watching a YouTube video on an iPad, causing the fiery collision. Tim’s widow, Tammy Tarnowski, says the arrest brings her family closure after Gabiev served just 120 days in jail before his release.

>>Orr Man Arrested in Hit and Run Crash near Buyck in Northern St. Louis County

(Buyck, MN) — A hit-and-run crash near Buyck(Bike) in northern St. Louis County ended with a pickup truck engulfed in flames and the driver behind bars. Deputies say 66-year-old Randy Johnson of Orr allegedly struck another vehicle around 4:20 p.m. Monday and fled the scene. No injuries were reported. A short time later, authorities found a burning pickup matching the suspect vehicle’s description in a nearby driveway. Johnson was later located, denied being injured, and was taken into custody.

>>Duluth Man Arrested Following House Party and Shooting

(Duluth, MN) — A 20-year-old man is jailed following a shooting late Monday night in Duluth. Police say officers responded to a home where a party had gotten out of control and several people were asked to leave. Investigators say 20-year-old Isaac Brenny fired multiple shots into the residence as he left, striking a 20-year-old woman in the arm. She was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Brenny was later arrested by the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office and is being held pending charges.

>>Alexandria Hosts MSHL Clay Target League Championships

(Alexandria, MN) — The world’s largest clay target shooting competition continues today in Alexandria as hundreds of student athletes aim for the Minnesota State High School Clay Target League Championship. Organizers say hosting the nine-day competition takes months of preparation. Alexandria Shooting Park owner Tyler Notch says crews set up nearly 60 vendor areas and work behind the scenes to keep the event running smoothly, including replenishing roughly one million clay targets used throughout the tournament. The championship draws teams from across Minnesota and highlights the growing popularity of clay target sports among high school students.

>>Grants available to help landowners reforest properties

(Undated) — Minnesota landowners have an opportunity to turn former cropland into new forests with help from the state. The Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for its “Field to Forest” cost-share program, which reimburses up to 75% of eligible tree-planting costs. To qualify, landowners must enroll at least three acres and plant a variety of tree species. The effort supports Minnesota’s goal of reforesting one million acres by 2027. DNR officials say restoring forests improves water quality, provides wildlife habitat, and helps communities better withstand drought and flooding. In some cases, participants may also qualify for an additional $500 per acre after planting is completed. More information is available on the Minnesota DNR website.

>>MN250 Scavenger Hunt

(St. Paul, MN) — Looking for a summer road trip with a dose of Minnesota history? The state Historical Society has launched its new MN250 Road Trip scavenger hunt, featuring 10 themed itineraries that guide participants to historic sites and landmarks across the state. Themes include “Historic Vistas,” “Iron and Industry,” and “North Star Politics.” Each itinerary includes 10 stops, with participants earning points along the way through the Goosechase app. Those who complete an itinerary and collect 250 points can receive a limited-edition MN250 pin. The scavenger hunt runs through mid-October, and organizers say virtual and transit-friendly options are also available.