>>Six People Die in Wisconsin Plane Crash
(Sauk County, Wi) — Investigators are working to determine what caused a plane crash just west of the Wisconsin Dells, killing six people, including a child. The fixed-wing Piper was flying from Kenosha to Menomonie when it crashed in Sauk County. All five adults and the child aboard were found dead at the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. Officials are looking into the plane’s communications with air traffic control and whether weather played a role.
>>U.S. Secretary of Education Visits Rochester
(Rochester, MN) – U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Rochester as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour. Minnesota is the 44th stop on the national tour. On Wednesday, McMahon visited Great Oaks Academy, a public charter school serving students in grades K-10. Next the secretary toured Dakota County Technical College to see how students are preparing for in-demand industries and observed programs for veterinary technology, process technology and electrical linework. McMahon wrapped up the day at Rochester Community and Technical College. During her day, she met with students, teachers, administrators and community leaders.
>>Minnesota State Approves $25 Million Annual Transfer to Struggling Colleges
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota State is redirecting up to $25 million annually for four years to help financially struggling colleges and universities. The Board of Trustees approved the plan, which will shift money from other institutions in the system, primarily two-year colleges. Officials say the funding is a temporary measure as Minnesota State works to address a $31.5 million structural deficit.
>>Minnesota Prepares for Possible Federal Election Interference
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says election officials are preparing for possible federal interference in November’s election. The Justice Department sent about 20 election monitors to Hennepin and Ramsey counties during the August primary. In September, federal prosecutors indicted 10 people on charges related to alleged illegal voting. Simon’s office is coordinating with election officials in all 87 counties ahead of the November 3rd election.
>>Federal Investigators Subpoena Relatives of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
(Washington, D.C.) — Federal investigators have issued subpoenas to relatives of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar as part of a criminal investigation into possible fraud involving immigration paperwork. According the the Associate Press, more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas have been issued in the investigation. Federal agents also searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., home Monday, using a court-authorized warrant. The investigation’s scope remains unclear. Omar has denied wrongdoing and condemned the search, accusing President Donald Trump’s administration of targeting political opponents and weaponizing federal law enforcement.
>>Xcel Proposes Two-Year Freeze on Electricity Rates
(Minneapolis, MN) — Xcel Energy is offering Minnesota customers a two-year break from electricity rate increases, but the plan depends on approval from state regulators. The utility wants permission to use federal tax credits from planned battery storage projects sooner than expected. Xcel says the move would help offset rising costs for fuel and other supplies. The proposal follows a rate increase approved in June that raised electric bills by 5.8 percent over two years, amid growing concerns about affordability.
>>Moorhead Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Mother’s Death
(Moorhead, MN) — A Moorhead man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his mother in December 2022. Twenty-nine-year-old James Kollie Jr. was found guilty Wednesday by a judge following a court trial in Clay County. Investigators say Kollie stabbed Rebecca Kollie at her Moorhead home. Court documents indicate he purchased a knife, gloves and a face mask the day before the killing. His mother’s blood was later found on his clothing and in her vehicle. Kollie faces life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for December 14th, following a pre-sentence investigation.
>>Concordia College Approves $20 Million Campus Housing Project
(Moorhead, MN) — Concordia College is moving ahead with a $20 million housing project that will add 56 apartments and commercial space to its Moorhead campus. The four-story building will primarily serve juniors and seniors. Businesses will occupy space on the ground floor. The development will replace several existing buildings, including the former Welcome Center and apartments that housed international students.
>>Twin Cities Film Festival Opens Today
(Minneapolis) – Movie lovers, this is for you. The 17th annual Twin Cities Film Fest opens today in two locations and with more than 110 movies set to screen and stream. The film celebration returns for in-person events and screenings at The Shops at West end’s Marcus West End Cinema and Edina Mann 4 Theatre at 50th and France. Stars, including Steve Zahn and Jeremy Swift, are expected to attend. Some films have already sold out but the festival is offering a streaming option on its website where you can watch movies for $10. The film fest runs through October 24th.
>>Eastbound I-394 Closes This Weekend for Bridge Painting
(Minneapolis, MN) — Eastbound Interstate 394 between I-94 and downtown Minneapolis will close at 10 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday for bridge painting. MnDOT says the work requires dry and relatively warm weather, so the schedule could change. Several downtown exit ramps will also close. The work is part of a larger project repairing more than 30 bridges along I-394 and I-94. MnDOT says the project is on track for completion in November. Drivers can check 511 for the latest traffic updates.
