>>Fatal Pedestrian Incident Under Investigation in Otter Tail County
(Otto Township, MN) — Just after 8:00 Wednesday night, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in Otto Township, south of New York Mills. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult unresponsive in the roadside ditch. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. The incident remains under active investigation.
>> Minnesota Department of Education Revises Science Standards, Test Scores Drop
(St. Paul, MN) – Science proficiency among Minnesota students has declined following the rollout of new state standards. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, only 26% of students met or exceeded expectations under the updated benchmarks, a sharp drop from nearly 40% in 2024. The new standards, introduced this year, emphasize scientific inquiry and application over rote memorization. Officials say the shift is designed to better prepare students for real-world problem-solving, though the transition may be contributing to the lower scores.
The breakdown by grade level shows:
5th Grade: 26.1% proficient
8th Grade: 16% proficient
High School: 36.1% proficient
>>Healthcare Leaders to Address Gun Violence
(St. Paul, MN) – Healthcare leaders from across Minnesota will hold a news conference today (THU 1:30 pm) at the Capitol to address gun violence, and call on Governor Tim Walz and state lawmakers to pass laws during a special session. These organizations are calling for several proposals, including a statewide ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, new rules for firearm and ammunition storage, and the removal of the current prohibition on local cities and counties enacting their own strict gun laws. Governor Walz has proposed a special session starting Monday, but has not officially called it yet.
>>13,000 Minnesota National Guard Soldiers Go Unpaid During Federal Shutdown
(Undated) — More than 13,000 Minnesota National Guard soldiers are not receiving paychecks as the federal government shutdown stretches on.
Despite the lapse in funding, many Guard members still reported to their armories on Wednesday. Colonel John McRae, Director of Operations, said full-time staff were on site to carry out an orderly shutdown. “So we are in the process of an orderly shutdown,” McRae said. “Full-time employees such as myself reported to work to conduct that shutdown. Additionally, we do have some federal employees who are on a furlough status right now.” McRae confirmed that the upcoming drill weekend training has been canceled due to the lack of appropriations. The shutdown, triggered by a congressional impasse over federal spending, continues to impact military personnel and federal workers nationwide.
>>Minnesota Cannabis Growers Frustrated by Adult-Use Rollout Favoring Medical Dispensaries
(Morgan, MN) — Some small cannabis growers in Minnesota say they’re being left behind as the state’s adult-use market begins to take shape, with medical dispensaries getting a head start on sales. Shawn Weber, owner of Crested River Cannabis Company in Morgan, says the state’s decision to allow medical dispensaries to sell adult-use products goes against the original vision for a locally driven, craft cannabis market. “You need to understand these medical companies are multi-state operators,” Weber said. “They’re traded on the stock exchange. They care about their shareholders, and the State of Minnesota handed them the industry against all legislative intent.” Weber says he finally received his state cultivation license on Wednesday, but worries that small growers like him are already at a disadvantage. While medical dispensaries are selling adult-use cannabis, some new dispensaries are sourcing products from tribal nations, adding another layer of competition for local producers.
>>AG Ellison Sues DOJ Over Crime Victim Services Rule
(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison and 21 other attorneys general are suing the D-O-J (U.S. Department of Justice) to protect federal funding for crime victim services. The rule, to be instated at the end of the month (10/31), bars states from using the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Byrne JAG grants (Byrne Justice Assistance Grants) to serve undocumented immigrants. Ellison says the policy is unconstitutional and “wrong, both legally and morally,” as survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may not have access to legal documents. VOCA has awarded Minnesota over 87 million dollars in victim assistance grants over the past four years.
>>Duluth Police Launch Pink Patch Project
(Duluth, MN) — Throughout October, members of the Duluth Police Department are showing their support for individuals affected by cancer by wearing pink patches, bracelets, and shirts as part of the annual Pink Patch Project. In addition to raising awareness, the department is selling pink patches, koozies, silicone bracelets, and specially branded t-shirts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Launched in 2021, the Duluth Police Pink Patch Project has already raised over $6,800 to support the fight against all forms of cancer.
>>Former Gopher Defenseman Erik Johnson Retires from NHL
(Denver, CO) — Veteran N-H-L defenseman and Bloomington native Erik Johnson is retiring after a 17-year career. The 37-year-old former Golden Gopher retired Wednesday as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. Johnson won a Stanley Cup with the Avs in 2022 and played 14 years in Denver. He was drafted number one overall by St. Louis in 2006 out of the University of Minnesota. Johnson played more than a thousand games in the league.
