>>Minnesota Title IX Violation
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Department of Education says Minnesota violated Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports, putting federal funding at risk. Federal officials say the Minnesota Department of Education and the State High School League permitted biological males to participate in girls’ teams across several sports, including skiing, lacrosse, track, and softball. The ruling follows a high-profile case involving a transgender softball player who helped lead Champlin Park to a state title. The state has 10 days to comply or face enforcement action. State Senator Carla Nelson of Rochester praised the decision, saying girls deserve fair competition and protection for their scholarships, records, and privacy. Nelson added that Title IX opened doors for her—and should continue to do so for future generations.
>>Moorhead Teen Arrested After Being Located Near Loaded Gun
(Moorhead, MN) — A 17-year-old was arrested in Moorhead just before 3:30 p.m. Monday. Police say the juvenile was located after leaving the Moorhead Career Academy following a disturbance. Police searched the area and found a loaded gun near the juvenile. They were transported to the West Central Regional Juvenile Center. The juvenile is being held on a felony charge of Possession of a Firearm by a minor. The incident is still under investigation.
>>CAIR-MN Calls for FBI Investigation After Fire at Minneapolis Mosque
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) is urging federal authorities to investigate a possible bias motive after a fire broke out Monday evening at a Minneapolis mosque. Security footage reportedly shows an unidentified individual exiting the mosque’s basement moments before flames erupted—steps away from a daycare facility inside. While no injuries were reported, CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein praised a young man whose quick actions may have prevented tragedy. “His quick response to the incident, recording and alerting it to the leadership of the mosque at the time, may have saved a tragedy,” Hussein said. “That fire is literally steps away from where children were gathered.” Despite the circumstances, Hussein says Minneapolis police and fire officials left the scene quickly, asked no questions, and deemed the fire likely accidental. CAIR-MN is now calling on the FBI to conduct a further investigation.
>>St. Cloud Airport Unveils New Name: Sky Central
(St. Cloud, MN) — St. Cloud Regional Airport is officially taking flight under a new name. The facility will now be known as St. Cloud Sky Central Airport, a rebranding effort aimed at better reflecting its geographic and strategic significance. Airport Authority Chair Brian Myres (rhymes with “tires”) says the new name captures the airport’s central location in Minnesota and its growing role in regional connectivity. “Over time, Sky Central really defines who we are—both central in the state of Minnesota, central to the three counties, and then central to the United States,” Myres said. “So we really feel the new branding will reflect the future that we’re trying to get to.” The airport currently hosts commercial service from Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines, and sees more than 100 takeoffs and landings daily across all types of aircraft.
>>Energy Assistance Applications Open for Minnesota Heating Season
(St. Paul, MN) — As temperatures begin to drop, Minnesota families are encouraged to apply for help with heating costs through the state’s Energy Assistance Program.
Michael Schmitz with the Minnesota Department of Commerce says the program provides critical support to thousands of households each year. “Our benefits average about $550 per household,” Schmitz said. “They can be more if you have higher energy costs. But again, we’re encouraging folks to apply now so we can get you all qualified before winter comes.”
Applications are now being accepted online through the Minnesota Department of Commerce website or via local county service providers.
>>Plymouth Doctor Named President of Minnesota Medical Association
(Minneapolis, MN) — Dr. Lisa Mattson of Plymouth begins her one-year term today (WED) as the 159th president of the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA). The retired O-B/G-Y-N was installed during the M-M-A’s Empowering Physicians event in Minneapolis. Mattson has been active with the organization since 2008 and currently serves on several committees and boards. The M-M-A, a nonprofit, represents over 10,000 physicians, residents, and medical students statewide.
>>Forest Service Offers Free Firewood and Gravel Permits in Brimson Fire Complex Area
(Duluth, MN) — In an effort to support recovery and restoration following the Brimson Fire Complex, the U.S. Forest Service–Superior National Forest is offering free firewood and gravel permits to residents and property owners in St. Louis County. The firewood permits are available to the general public for personal use within the affected area near Brimson. These permits will be valid for up to three years and can be obtained through the Superior National Forest permits webpage or in person at the Laurentian Ranger District office. Additionally, property owners within the 28,000-acre fire zone may apply for a free gravel permit, which allows access to up to 100 cubic yards of material from designated gravel pits. The gravel permits are also valid for three years and are intended to assist with land restoration and rebuilding efforts.
>>Golden Gopher Men’s Hockey #7 in USA Hockey Preseason Poll
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota men’s hockey team is ranked number seven in the new USA Hockey/The Rink poll. The Golden Gophers were eighth in last week’s U-S College Hockey Online poll. Minnesota lost to U-Mass in the N-C-A-A Regional last spring in Fargo. This year’s Gophers open the 2025-2026 season Friday night at home against Michigan Tech.
>>Wild Skate Past Jets in Preseason Matchup in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Wild skated past the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 in preseason play Tuesday night at Grand Casino Arena. Kirill Kaprizov (KUH’-rill kuh-PREEZ’-off), Matt Boldy, and Marcus Foligno (FUH’-lee-noh) scored for Minnesota. The Wild wraps up the exhibition schedule on Friday at the Chicago Blackhawks. They open the regular season on Thursday, October 9th, in St. Louis.
