>>Governor Issues Executive Order To Prevent Fraud
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz has issued an executive order directing state agencies to increase their efforts to prevent, detect, and combat fraud across Minnesota government programs. This order includes new data sharing laws passed in the last legislative session. The order includes strengthening oversight of the Department of Human Services and Medicaid providers and claims. The governor is also asking for a statewide Inspector General Coordinating Council led by the BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) to enhance data sharing and coordinate investigations. This executive order takes effect 15 days after it’s filed with the Secretary of State.
>>Mankato Frat House Fire Ruled Arson
(Mankato, MN) — A fire at a Mankato fraternity house Monday morning has been ruled arson, and one man is now facing charges. Authorities say 32-year-old Mitchell Thompson was caught on surveillance video setting fire to bedsheets on the porch of the Phi Kappa Psi house near the Minnesota State University Mankato campus. All eight residents escaped safely, thanks to working smoke detectors and quick action from police officers who helped evacuate the home. Damage is estimated at $50,000. Thompson, who lives in a nearby group home, is being held on a half-million-dollar bail. He’s due in court on September 25th.
>>Georgia Fugitive Arrested in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — On Monday afternoon, Duluth Police responded to reports of a burglary in progress. A perimeter was set up, and officers chased a juvenile male who fled the scene on foot. He was caught and arrested without incident, but continued to give false names to investigators. On Tuesday, analysts determined that the burglary suspect was from Atlanta, Georgia, and had a warrant out for his arrest. The juvenile was wanted for homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, hijacking a motor vehicle, and theft. He is now in the Arrowhead Juvenile Center, awaiting extradition back to Georgia
>> Fundraiser Held Today for Annunciation Church and School
(Minneapolis, MN) — A statewide fundraiser is underway today to support Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, following a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of two children and injured more than 20 others. Papa Murphy’s restaurants across Minnesota are donating 50% of all online sales made today(WED) to the church. Customers are encouraged to use the promo code HOPE at checkout to ensure their purchase contributes to the cause. Organizers say the donations will help provide support for victims, families, and recovery efforts.
>>Weekday Traffic Backups Along North Shore
(Duluth, MN) — If you’re planning a trip up the North Shore to catch the fall colors, be prepared for some weekday delays along Highway 61. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has temporary signals in place at the Silver Cliff Tunnel and in Tofte, where the Department of Natural Resources is working on the Gitchi-Gami Trail expansion. These projects will continue through the fall but won’t impact traffic on Friday afternoons or weekends. Further north, culvert replacement work between Grand Marais and Grand Portage is also causing backups, with bypasses and signals in place until early October.
>>MSP Airport Ranked Best for Customer Satisfaction
(Bloomington, MN) — Minnesotans may be a bit spoiled when it comes to air travel. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has once again been named the best mega airport for customer satisfaction in the newly released J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. This marks the third time in four years that MSP has earned the top spot among mega airports, a testament to its consistent excellence in traveler experience. MSP ranks as the 18th busiest airport in North America, welcoming 37.2 million passengers in 2024. It offers nonstop service to 168 destinations through 16 commercial airlines. The airport is also the second-largest hub for Delta Air Lines and serves as the home base for Sun Country Airlines.
>>Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley to Headline Winstock 2026
(Winsted, MN) — The Winsted Country Music Festival is out with the lineup for next summer’s two-day event. Luke Bryan is the headliner on Friday, June 19th, and Dierks Bentley is the main act on Saturday, June 20th. Supporting artists include Maddie & Tae, Rafe Carlson, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Carly Pearce. Tickets went on sale this morning (Wed) at winstockfestival.com.
>>Twins and Yankees Play Rubber Game at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Twins and Yankees play the series finale tonight (Wed 6:40 pm) at Target Field. New York won the second game 10-9 last night while Minnesota shut out the Bronx Bombers 7-0 in the opener on Monday. Taj Bradley is the starting pitcher for the Twins tonight against Luis Gil (heel) of the Yankees. The Twins have an off day tomorrow (Thurs) before Cleveland comes to town this weekend.
