>>Mangione Pleads Guilty in Federal Case
(New York, NY) — Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione(Man-gee-oh-knee) admitted to following Thompson to a New York City conference before fatally shooting him in December of 2024. Thompson’s family called the plea an important step toward justice and urged the court to impose a sentence reflecting the seriousness of the crime. Mangione is scheduled to be sentenced December 18th. His attorneys are also seeking dismissal of a separate New York state murder case on double jeopardy grounds.
>>Investigation Underway in Red Lake Officer-Involved Shooting
(Red Lake, MN) — An investigation is underway following an officer-involved shooting Thursday morning on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. The Red Lake Nation Department of Public Safety has not said whether anyone was injured or released details about what led to the shooting. The department says it is working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies and is withholding additional information to protect the investigation. Officials say there is no immediate threat to the public and are asking residents to avoid speculation until more information can be released.
>>Owatonna Man Charged After Faribault Head-On Crash
(Faribault, MN) — An Owatonna man is facing several charges after authorities say he caused a head-on crash in Faribault while driving with a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal limit on Monday afternoon. Thirty-nine-year-old Jacob Boyd is charged with criminal vehicular operation, DWI and open bottle possession. Two people in the other vehicle were hospitalized with injuries, including broken ribs and a fractured sternum. Officers say they found several open alcohol containers in Boyd’s vehicle.
>>Rabid Bat Found Near Lanesboro Elementary School
(Lanesboro, MN) — State health officials are asking anyone who may have touched a bat found near Lanesboro Elementary School in southeastern Minnesota’s Fillmore County to contact the Minnesota Department of Health. The bat was discovered on August 5th and has tested positive for rabies. Officials say bat bites can be extremely small and may leave little or no visible wound. Anyone who may have had physical contact with the animal should call the state rabies team for an assessment. (651-201-5414)
>>Record Primary Voting Could Signal Strong November Elections
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota voters set a new state record for primary election turnout this week, with more than 1.1 million ballots cast Tuesday. DFL Senator Aric Putnam of St. Cloud said the surge could reflect widespread frustration among voters across the political spectrum. Putnam says dissatisfaction and anger can motivate people to head to the polls regardless of party affiliation. Minnesota voters will return to the polls for the general election on November 3rd.
>>Minnesota National Guard Marks 30 Years of Partnership with Croatia
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota National Guard will celebrate three decades of partnership with Croatia during a formal dinner tomorrow evening. (Sun 6 PM) The relationship began through the Pentagon’s State Partnership Program after Croatia gained independence in 1995. Since then, Minnesota Guard members and Croatian forces have taken part in regular exchanges and joint training exercises. Earlier this summer, Minnesota soldiers and airmen trained in Croatia during Combat Power 26, which included about 3,500 service members from several nations.
>>Minnesota Wild Rice Season Opens with Strong Early Outlook
(St. Paul, MN) — Early reports suggest Minnesota could be in for a strong wild rice harvest this year. The wild rice harvesting season begins today (Sat) with the DNR reporting conditions ranging from fair to excellent. DNR wildlife lake specialist Ann Geisen says the overall crop appears to be above average, although conditions will vary from lake to lake. The DNR is also reminding harvesters to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Canoes, paddles and other equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before moving between wild rice waters. Harvesters are encouraged to check DNR regulations and lake conditions before heading out.
>>Minnesota Artists Selected for 2027 Trout, Salmon and Walleye Stamps
(St. Paul, MN) — Two Minnesota artists have been selected as winners of the state’s 2027 fish stamp contests. Minneapolis artist Melissa Mickelson won the trout and salmon stamp contest with an acrylic painting of a lake trout. Virginia artist John Barnard won the walleye stamp contest with an oil painting of a walleye. Money from walleye stamp sales supports stocking efforts, while trout and salmon stamp revenue funds fish management and habitat projects across Minnesota.
