>>Minnesota Marks 25 Years Since September 11 Attacks
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesotans are joining the nation today in marking 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Nearly three-thousand people were killed, including four with Minnesota ties: Gordy Aamoth Junior, Gary Koecheler, Master Sergeant Max Beilke and Bloomington native Tom Burnett Junior. Burnett was among the passengers who fought back against the hijackers aboard United Flight 93 before it crashed in Pennsylvania. Communities across Minnesota are holding ceremonies today, and tonight the Minnesota 9/11 Tribute will hold its 25th and final remembrance concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis.
>>Minnesota Flags Lowered to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11
(St. Paul, MN) – Flags will fly at half-staff across Minnesota today (Fri) as the nation marks 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed September 11 Patriot Day and ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags lowered at all state buildings from sunrise to sunset. Walz says the anniversary is a time to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks and honor the first responders who answered the call.
>>Brainerd Schools Expand Student Support Following Summer Deaths
(Baxter, MN) — Brainerd Public Schools are expanding mental health and bullying-prevention support following the deaths by suicide of two Forestview Middle School students this summer. Eleven-year-old Ava Starr and 13-year-old Alexis Thornton died about three weeks apart. The district is adding a social worker at Forestview to provide counseling, mental health, and crisis support and help connect families with outside services. The district is also adding an anonymous system for students to report bullying concerns. An independent review will examine the district’s bullying policies and how it handles complaints.
>>Federal Agents Search Red Lake Nation Child Welfare Facility
(Red Lake, MN) — Federal agents executed a search warrant at the Red Lake Nation’s child welfare building Thursday. FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs agents searched, but federal officials have not disclosed the nature of the investigation. Tribal leaders say no arrests were made and there is no known threat to public safety. Red Lake Nation says it is cooperating with federal and tribal law enforcement as the investigation continues.
>>Morrison Joins Supreme Court Filing Over Mail Voting Rules
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison is joining a bipartisan group of current and former lawmakers urging the U.S. Supreme Court to keep new mail-voting restrictions blocked. The group filed a brief challenging rules developed by the U.S. Postal Service under President Trump’s executive order. The requirements include new standards for ballot envelopes and voter information provided to the Postal Service. Morrison and other challengers argue the executive branch is overstepping authority traditionally held by states and Congress. The Trump administration says the changes are intended to strengthen election integrity. A federal appeals court Thursday kept the requirements blocked while the legal fight continues.
>>Judge Weighs Whether Minnesota’s Metro Surge Lawsuit Can Continue
(St. Paul, MN) — A federal judge is considering whether Minnesota’s lawsuit challenging Operation Metro Surge should move forward. Attorneys for the Justice Department argued Wednesday that the case should be dismissed because the federal immigration enforcement operation has ended. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul argue the case should continue because the federal government has not ruled out another immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota. The lawsuit, filed in January, alleges the operation violated federal law and the Constitution. The judge will decide whether to dismiss the case or allow it to proceed to discovery.
>>Minnesota Pheasant Numbers Jump Nearly 20 Percent
Minnesota pheasant hunters are getting some encouraging news ahead of next month’s opener. The DNR’s annual roadside survey shows pheasant numbers are up nearly 20 percent from last year, increasing from about 75 to 90 birds per 100 miles driven. Brood numbers also jumped 39 percent. Wildlife officials credit a mild winter along with warmer, drier spring conditions that provided better nesting and chick-rearing conditions. The strongest pheasant numbers were found in west-central, southwest, south-central, and central Minnesota. The statewide pheasant season opens October 10th.
