>>Feds Launch Review of Minnesota’s Unemployment Program
(Washington, D.C.) — The U-S Department of Labor is sending a specialized strike team to Minnesota to review its Unemployment Insurance (UI) program after reports of widespread fraud in state benefits programs. Officials say the review will focus on payment control and integrity functions to ensure fraud isn’t present in U-I or pandemic-related programs. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says any abuse of the system “will not be tolerated.” The department has requested key documents from the state as part of the investigation.
>>Stewartville Community Raises Over $40K for Families Impacted by School Shooting
(Stewartville, MN) — The Stewartville community has rallied together, raising more than $42,000 to support families affected by last week’s tragic school shooting. Authorities say a student was critically injured, and the suspected shooter was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. On Monday, officials identified the shooter as 19-year-old Logan Moyer, a 2024 graduate of Stewartville High School. According to Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, the shooting occurred as the school’s wrestling team was preparing to leave for a meet in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
The fundraiser is organized through a GoFundMe page by the Stewartville Wrestling Booster Club.
>>Kendall Qualls Tops GOP Straw Poll for Minnesota Governor
(Northfield, MN) — Political analysts aren’t surprised that Kendall Qualls won the Republican Party of Minnesota’s gubernatorial straw poll. Carleton College Political Science Professor Steven Schier says Qualls has been playing the “inside game” for months. “He was one of the first, if not the first, to announce. And he’s been working the potential delegates, State Central Committee, and so forth more than any other candidate has. And that, I think, helps to explain how he did so well.” Schier adds that Qualls will need the party’s endorsement to secure the Republican nomination for governor. He also notes that finishing a close second was a strong showing for House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
>>Duluth Teen Receives Stayed Prison Sentence for Assault on Homeless Man
(Duluth, MN) — A 16-year-old Duluth boy has been given an 86-month prison sentence under Minnesota’s Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile program for attacking a homeless man. The sentence will be stayed as long as he complies with probation conditions. The teen apologized to the 61-year-old victim during Monday’s hearing. Prosecutors say the assault happened in August when the boy struck the man in the head with a rock while recording the attack for social media.
>>New Ulm City Leader Launches State Senate Campaign
(New Ulm, MN) – New Ulm City Council President Andrea Boettger is running for State Senate in District 15. Boettger says she’ll fight for rural priorities, fair local aid, and relief from rising healthcare costs. She’s served as council president since 2021 and is executive director of New Ulm Turner Hall. Boettger also co-chairs the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities’ taxation committee and serves as vice chair for the Region Nine Development Commission. She’s lived in New Ulm for 15 years and says she wants to deliver results for families across southern Minnesota. The seat is currently held by Republican Gary Dahms.
>>Scientists Warn Funding Cuts Could Stall Walleye Recovery
(St. Paul, MN) — Scientists say recent funding cuts could jeopardize efforts to restore Minnesota’s walleye population. The state’s Department of Natural Resources relies on advanced computer modeling to study factors affecting walleye survival. But in August, the Trump administration froze federal funding for the project, including money earmarked for researchers. Officials note the freeze is part of a broader push to scale back federal spending on climate-related initiatives.
>>Sartell Student Achieves Perfect ACT Score
(Sartell, MN) — Sartell-St. Stephen High School junior Henry Johnson has joined an elite group of students nationwide by earning a perfect 36 on the ACT exam. The ACT, a college entrance test measuring skills in English, math, reading, and science, awards its highest composite score to fewer than one percent of test-takers. Principal Shayne Kusler praised Johnson as “an incredibly talented individual” who shines not only academically but also in fine arts and extracurricular activities. Kusler added that the entire central Minnesota school community is proud of Johnson’s achievement and the way he represents Sartell-St. Stephen Schools.
