>>Suspicious Mailings Target Minnesota Election Officials and Lawmakers
(St. Paul, MN) — Suspicious mailings containing unidentified substances have been reported at Minnesota government offices. The Minnesota Department of Administration says a threatening letter containing white powder, addressed to Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office, was intercepted before delivery. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Minnesota office also reported a suspicious mailing, along with the district office of U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison in Plymouth. The incidents are part of a broader series of suspicious mailings reported at government offices across the country. Investigations into the mailings are ongoing.
>>Bertha Man Charged in 1995 Iowa Cold Case Murder
(Bertha, MN) — A Minnesota man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of an Iowa woman more than 30 years ago. 59-year-old Kelly Grant of Bertha was arrested Friday. According to the criminal complaint, investigators believe 37-year-old Angela Buck of Waterloo may have been killed because Grant and another man suspected she had stolen from them. Buck’s body was discovered along a creek bank in rural Black Hawk County on August 11th, 1995. An autopsy determined she died from a gunshot wound.
>>USDA Sending $825 Million to Minnesota Farmers and Landowners
(Minneapolis, MN) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is delivering about 825-point-7 million dollars in farm safety net and conservation payments to Minnesota farmers, ranchers and landowners. The funding includes payments for the 2025 crop year through federal Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, along with annual conservation Reserve Program payments for 2026. Minnesota Farm Service Agency Director Kurt Blomgren says the money will help producers cover operating costs, buy supplies and equipment, and support businesses in rural communities.
>>Ellison Warns Veterans About Bankruptcy Claim Deadline
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is warning veterans and their families about a deadline to seek money they may be owed from a company that helps people apply for VA disability benefits. Trajector Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July. Consumers who paid the company for services and who believe they are owed money have until October 31st to file proof of claim. Claims can be submitted online through Verita Global, the bankruptcy claims administrator. Consumers should include the amount they believe they are owed and any supporting documents. Filing a claim does not guarantee payment.
>>Minnesota Wages Not Keeping Up With Inflation
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota workers’ average hourly earnings failed to keep pace with inflation over the past year, putting pressure on household purchasing power. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Angelina Nguyen says average hourly earnings in Minnesota showed no growth, compared with a 2.9-percent increase nationally. Meanwhile, inflation rose 3.7 percent over the same period, meaning prices increased while wages largely stood still.
>>Cybersecurity Awareness Month
(St. Paul, MN) — October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Don’t Make it Easy for Them.” The campaign encourages people to build everyday habits that protect personal and financial information from cybercriminals. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommend keeping software updated, using strong and unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and watching for phishing messages. Officials advise using passwords at least 16 characters long and avoiding suspicious links or unexpected messages.
>>Independence Man Arrested After Alleged Shotgun Incident
(Independence, MN) — An Independence man is accused of firing several shotgun rounds at another man during a fight Thursday night. Authorities say a 23-year-old man surrendered and was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault and reckless discharge of a firearm. No injuries were reported. The incident prompted a shelter-in-place alert for the area.
