>>Healthcare Leaders Urge Special Session on Gun Violence
(Undated) — Healthcare professionals across Minnesota are calling on lawmakers to convene a special session to address gun violence, which they describe as a public health emergency. The push follows the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, where Dr. Tim Kummer, Medical Director for Hennepin EMS, was the first physician on scene. Kummer says the issue is often misrepresented. “Gun violence isn’t complicated,” Kummer said. “Blaming mental illness only stigmatizes those already struggling. Most mass shooters are lonely, angry, and isolated, not mentally ill in the way we typically think.” The group is advocating for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, along with stronger firearm and ammunition storage laws.
>>Benefit Planned for Milaca Teen Paralyzed in Crash
(Princeton, MN) — A Milaca teen is getting community support after a life-changing crash. 18-year-old Blayke Mostad was left paralyzed from the neck down after a car accident in Clear Lake on April 9th. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, and multiple broken bones. Now, friends and family are rallying to help with medical costs and home modifications. A benefit is planned for tomorrow from 2 to 8 p.m. at Moonshine Bar & Grill in Princeton. A fifteen-dollar admission includes a pulled pork meal, plus live music, silent and live auctions, and prizes such as Vikings tickets, weekend getaways, and outdoor gear. All proceeds go directly to Blayke and his family.
>>Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Event Set for Saturday in Marshall
(Marshall, MN) — The seventh annual Minnesota Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day will take place Saturday morning at the Red Baron Arena in Marshall. Organized by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the event aims to honor those affected by veteran suicide while promoting healing, education, and fellowship. Kristi Stites, a spokesperson for the department, says the gathering is both a memorial and a call to action. The program will feature speakers, resources for veterans and their families, and opportunities for community connection. Organizers hope the event will raise awareness and ultimately help reduce the number of veteran suicides across the state.
>>Minnesota College Prepares Autistic Adults for Manufacturing Careers
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — A Minnesota college is helping autistic adults build careers in manufacturing. Hennepin Technical College’s Uniquely Abled Academy offers a 10-week training program designed for adults with high-functioning autism. Instructors say many of these students are a great fit for manufacturing roles, thanks to their attention to detail and strong focus. The academy is part of Drive for Five—a statewide initiative aimed at addressing workforce shortages in key industries, including manufacturing, skilled trades, technology, education, and healthcare professions. A $250,000 grant from the program is funding free training for participants, opening doors to in-demand jobs and greater independence.
>>Burnsville Man Indicted for First Degree Murder in Stabbing of Ex
(Hastings, MN) — A man from Burnsville is now facing first-degree murder charges in the stabbing of his ex in May. The Dakota County attorney says 48-year-old Jason Filas (FY’-liss) was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder, and one count of second-degree murder, on Thursday. Officers found 32-year-old Danielle Warren in her home with multiple stab wounds, and she died at the scene. Filas led authorities on a chase before being arrested. He told police that he killed Warren because she was cheating on him.
>>St. Cloud Man Gets Life in Prison for 2018 Killing of Blaine Woman
(St. Cloud, MN) — A St. Cloud man will spend the rest of his life in prison for the September 2018 strangulation death of a woman from Blaine. Stearns County prosecutors say 45-year-old Daniel Kenning was sentenced Thursday for the killing of 45-year-old Jennifer Moy. He was found guilty of first- and second-degree murder last month. Officers say Kenning walked into the St. Cloud Police Department and admitted to murdering Moy in his home.
>>Minnesota State Waives College Application Fees for October
(Undated) — October marks Minnesota State Month, and students across the state have a chance to save on their path to higher education. The Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities, is waiving undergraduate application fees throughout the month. The initiative is designed to make the application process more accessible and less stressful. According to Minnesota State spokeswoman Noelle Hawton, students can apply to multiple schools using a centralized portal, streamlining the process.
Students interested in applying or learning more can visit MinnState.edu.
>>U of M Men’s Hockey Opens Season at Home Against Michigan Tech
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Golden Gopher men’s hockey team opens the regular season tonight against Michigan Tech in Dinkytown. Number seven Minnesota shared the Big Ten Conference title with Michigan State last season. The Huskies and Gophers last met in October 2012 in the Upper Peninsula and December 2011 in Minneapolis. Minnesota and Michigan Tech used to be conference foes in the W-C-H-A.
