>>Former Minnesota State Trooper Sentenced to 27 Years in Child Pornography Case
(Minneapolis, MN) — A former Minnesota State Trooper will spend 27 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child pornography. 31-year-old Jeremy Plonski of Shakopee pleaded guilty last year after investigators said he produced 23 videos involving the sexual abuse of a minor. Prosecutors say Plonski was wearing his State Patrol uniform in some of the videos and later distributed the material online. He’ll also serve 15 years of supervised release after prison. Plonski still faces a separate first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge in Scott County.
>>Monticello Man Charged with Murder in Deadly Dispute Over Cat
(Monticello, MN) — A Monticello man is charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his sister’s boyfriend. Prosecutors say Steven Stahlberg killed 57-year-old Daniel Ferdelman last week following a dispute inside the home they shared. Court documents say the confrontation began over a cat and escalated into a physical fight. Ferdelman was later found dead in his bed from a shotgun wound to the chest. Stahlberg was arrested hours later near Remer in Cass County, where investigators say a loaded shotgun was found in his vehicle.
>>Forest Service Research Facilities in Minnesota to Remain Open
(Washington, DC) — Three U.S. Forest Service research facilities in Minnesota will remain open as the agency moves ahead with a nationwide reorganization. Senator Amy Klobuchar says the Forest Service will retain facilities in Ely, Grand Rapids and St. Paul. The Ely and Grand Rapids locations had previously been under consideration for closure. The Forest Service conducts research in Minnesota on forest health, management and ecosystems. Klobuchar says she remains concerned about how the broader reorganization could affect federal forest research.
>>Flanagan Accepts Invitations for Two October U.S. Senate Debates
(Undated) — DFL U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan says she has accepted invitations to two debates with Republican nominee Michele Tafoya this fall. Flanagan’s campaign says MPR News in St. Paul would host one, while the other would originate from Duluth and be televised through a KBJR-FOX 9 partnership. Dates and broadcast details have not been finalized, and both debates are awaiting Tafoya’s acceptance. Flanagan and Tafoya won their respective August primaries and are competing for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Tina Smith.
>>Minnesota Republicans Press Walz Over Group Home Fraud Allegations
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota’s four Republican members of Congress are pressing Governor Tim Walz for answers over suspected fraud involving group homes linked to a Liberian government official. Representatives Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, Michelle Fischbach and Brad Finstad sent Walz a letter following an investigation into companies linked to Sekou Dukuly that received $36 million in state payments over the past decade. Minnesota has since suspended Medicaid payments to Dukuly-affiliated facilities, citing credible fraud allegations. State health officials also moved to shut down three group homes over licensing and safety concerns.
>>Morrison Calls on VA to Clarify Clothing Benefit for Women Veterans
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure women veterans with post-mastectomy prosthetics can receive a clothing allowance. The Third District Democrat says her office has heard from women veterans who have had difficulty accessing the benefit when prosthetics or other devices related to a service-connected mastectomy damage their clothing. Morrison, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is asking VA Secretary Doug Collins to clarify the eligibility guidelines and ensure women veterans aren’t denied benefits they qualify for.
>>Higher Minimum Wages Take Effect for Minnesota Nursing Home Workers
(St. Paul, MN) — Thousands of Minnesota nursing home workers will be covered by new minimum wage requirements beginning Thursday. Starting September 10th, the statewide minimum wage will be $19 an hour for general nursing home workers, $22.50 for certified nursing assistants, $23.50 for trained medication aides, and $27 for licensed practical nurses. The wage standards were established by Minnesota’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board and are moving forward following federal approval of a State Plan Amendment in August.
>>St. Louis County, U.S. Marshals Partnership Leads to More Than 50 Fugitive Arrests
(Duluth, MN) — A partnership between the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service has led to more than 50 fugitive arrests since January. The Sheriff’s Office assigned a full-time deputy to the North Star Fugitive Task Force at the beginning of the year. The unit primarily tracks people wanted for violent felony offenses, including suspects who have fled Minnesota. Authorities say investigations have also resulted in the seizure of 15 firearms, more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, 1,200 grams of cocaine, 250 grams of fentanyl, and nearly $75,000 believed to be connected to drug trafficking.
>>Pine Island Manufacturer Closing, 55 Workers to Lose Jobs
(Pine Island, MN) — Fifty-five workers will lose their jobs as Lincoln Industries prepares to close its manufacturing plant in Pine Island. Most layoffs are expected by October 29th, with the plant scheduled to permanently close April 1st. Lincoln Industries has operated the facility since acquiring DS Manufacturing in 2015, producing aftermarket motorcycle accessories. The Pine Island Economic Development Authority says it had no advance notice of the closure and is now working with the state to assist displaced workers.
>>Faribault Shelves Varsity Boys Hockey for 2026-27 Season
(Faribault, MN) — Faribault High School is putting its varsity boys’ hockey program on hold for the upcoming season because of low player numbers. The decision interrupts a 50-year run of varsity hockey at the school. Officials say Faribault will instead attempt to field a junior varsity team for the 2026-27 season to rebuild the program. Faribault finished last season 3-and-16. School officials hope enough players eventually return to support varsity competition again.
>>Minnesota State Fair Draws Nearly Two Million Visitors
(Falcon Heights, MN) — More than 1.9 million people attended the 2026 Minnesota State Fair. Fair officials say Labor Day attendance of 159,101 brought the 12-day total to 1,923,325. The fair also drew more than 38,000 entries in agricultural and creative competitions, with nearly $2.5 million in prize money awarded. The Miracle of Birth Center welcomed 160 newborn animals, while Grandstand events attracted more than 102,000 fans. The Great Minnesota Get-Together returns August 26 through Labor Day, September 6, 2027.
