>>Body Camera Audio Released in Fatal Battle Lake Shooting
(Otter Tail County, MN) — The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office has released 15 seconds of body camera audio from a fatal shooting near Battle Lake. Authorities say officers responded September 25th after a family member reported 39-year-old Christopher Olson threatened them with a shotgun and barricaded himself inside a home. After hours of negotiations, Olson allegedly fired at an armored SWAT vehicle before emerging with a shotgun. A Fergus Falls police officer shot and killed him early September 26th. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension continues to investigate.
>>Charges Filed in Eden Prairie Homecoming Football Game Shooting
(Eden Prairie, MN) — An 18-year-old man has been charged in connection with a shooting at the Eden Prairie High School homecoming football game last Friday. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office charged Adam Abdihakeem Adam with two counts of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and one count of second-degree riot. Authorities say one shot was fired, striking two people who received medical care. County Attorney Mary Moriarty says the incident endangered the community and praised Eden Prairie police for their investigative work. Adam’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 12th.
>>U-of-M Launches Healthcare Initiative
(Minneapolis, MN) — University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham has unveiled a new initiative to develop healthcare innovations and improve health outcomes across Minnesota. Cunningham says addressing the state’s nursing shortage is a key part of the effort. The university is expanding nursing class sizes, creating new pathways for American Indian nurses and growing its nursing program in Rochester. Cunningham says the initiative also aims to address healthcare needs in rural Minnesota.
>>Minnesota Pheasant Hunting Season Opens with Bird Numbers Up
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s pheasant hunting season opens today (Sat) Saturday, with hunters seeing improved bird numbers across the state. The DNR reports pheasant numbers are nearly 20 percent from 2025. DNR research biologist Steven Woodley says the increase is likely due to a mild winter and favorable spring conditions. An estimated 58,000 hunters took part in pheasant hunting last year. With more birds reported and thousands of acres of public hunting land available, the DNR says conditions are looking promising for hunters and their bird dogs this season.
>>U-of-M Reports Record Donations
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota Foundation reports a record $541 million in private donations during fiscal year 2026. More than 87,000 donors contributed to support student scholarships, research, academic programs and other university priorities across its five campuses. The foundation also provided a record $336 million to the university, an increase of nearly 13 percent from the previous year. Its endowment grew from $4 billion to $4.8 billion.
>>Minnesota Family Sets Pumpkin Record in Iowa
(Henderson, MN) — A Minnesota man and his two sons drove more than four hours to Iowa and set a record at the 38th annual Anamosa Pumpkinfest. Erik Klehr (Clair) of Henderson brought a 2,497-pound pumpkin, the heaviest ever weighed at the event. Klehr says the pumpkin grew from seeds produced through cross-pollination using his family’s own genetics. The giant gourd will be displayed at the family farm through October. Afterward, they plan to harvest the seeds and donate them to giant pumpkin-growing clubs across the country.
