Shannon Lee Hill, 40, of Perham, was sentenced to 144 months in prison in Otter Tail County court last week. He was previously found guilty of six counts of criminal sexual conduct. 

According to court documents, the 14-year-old victim’s mother first reported the abuse on Jan. 30, 2025. The victim stated that the most recent incident had happened a few weeks ago but that she did not disclose it at the time. 

The victim lived at a home along with her family and Hill, who was a close family friend and considered an “uncle,” according to the criminal complaint. 

The victim stated that she and Hill had grown closer and that on two occasions she had had sexual contact with him in his bedroom. 

Otter Tail County Deputies also reviewed texts between Hill and the victim, including one in which he wrote, “I guess your fam doesn’t approve of us eventually marrying lol.” The victim told law enforcement that Hill had forced her to delete other text messages. 

Hill, who was arrested in 2025, will receive credit for 273 days served.

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The Isanti County Sheriff’s Office says it received a report of an ATV in a ditch and a body on the ground on Lever Street Northeast in Athens Township at around 5:40 a.m. 

At the scene, deputies found a man suffering from serious injuries. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

An initial investigation found that the man had been driving an ATV south on the 25700 block of Lever Street sometime between midnight and 5:40 a.m. when he lost control and was ejected from the vehicle. 

The victim was not wearing protective equipment at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff’s office. His identity has not yet been released.

Related Articles

• Man gets 12 years for sexually assaulting 14-year-old he talked about ‘eventually marrying’
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Gunfire erupted around 9 p.m. on a Green Line train that was traveling from Stadium Village in Minneapolis toward St. Paul, with police arriving at the stopped train at the Westgate station near University Avenue and Curfew Street.

One victim was suffering from “at least one gunshot wound,” MPD said, noting that Metro Transit police were first on the scene.

Attempts to save the victim’s life, both by paramedics and St. Paul firefighters, failed, and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

No arrests have been made, with police saying the suspect left the train and the scene shortly after the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to leave a voicemail at 612-673-5845 or send an email to policetips@minneapolismn.gov.

Related Articles

• Man gets 12 years for sexually assaulting 14-year-old he talked about ‘eventually marrying’
• Driver pronounced dead at scene of Isanti County ATV crash
• 4 rescued as paddleboat overturns on northwestern Minnesota lake
• Shooting outside Eden Prairie football stadium ‘gang related,’ two teens injured

The Gophers won the Little Brown Jug over the Wolverines for the first time at home since 1977, and the first time anywhere since a win on the road in 2014, as Fleck’s team battled to a 20-14 win in Minneapolis.

Speaking to FOX Sports in the immediate aftermath of the win, a jubilant Fleck said: “I couldn’t be prouder. Besides my marriage and my kids being born, this might be the best day of my life. Row the Bow, Ski-U-Mah, Go Gophers!”

“THIS MIGHT BE THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!”@GopherFootball HC PJ FLECK with an awesome interview with @JennyTaft after beating Michigan pic.twitter.com/o2tck3QKvQ

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 3, 2026

The win lifts the Gophers to 4-1 for the season and 2-0 in Big Ten play after last week’s impressive win in Washington.

Fleck had been at the forefront of the festivities from the start of the day, whipping up the fervor during the morning as he crowd surfed before the cameras of FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff.

Speaking to the press after the game, Fleck thanked the fans – many of whom led a pitch invasion after the final whistle – who had waited so long for a home win over Michigan.

“I want to thank our fans one more time for creating something that we haven’t had here since 1977, with that Little Brown Jug staying right here, right home in the Twin Cities at Huntington Bank Stadium,” he said.

“For all of you alumni, I hope you really enjoy that. Everybody gets to enjoy it here. Rivalry trophies, they all get to enjoy. You’ll all get time with it because that’s what it’s all about. It’s not just about staying in the building. We’re going to do what we do with our rivalry trophies, and that one was really, really big for us.”

“Proud to be 1-0, proud of our players,” he added. “I told them in the locker room: they make my life amazing. I thank them for just making my life amazing, our life amazing. These kids, not only our four kids, but these guys make our lives amazing.”

The emergency unfolded on Eagle Lake, near Frazee, at around 7:30 p.m. when a paddle boat with a trolling motor flipped over.

Three people were found hanging on to the side of the boat, with the other able to make it to shore, according to the Becker County Sheriff’s Office.

A deputy sergeant wearing a lifejacket swam out to the boat and brought one of the stranded boaters – a 70-year-old woman – to shore. She was wearing a lifejacket, but was unresponsive by the time they reached the shore.

Two bystanders, another deputy sergeant, and the Frazee fire chief brought the other two stranded boaters to safety.

The 70-year-old woman, from Bertha, was airlifted to a hospital in Fargo. There is no update on her condition as of Saturday afternoon.

Two other people, a 43-year-old man from Staples and 46-year-old woman from Bertha, were taken to a hospital in Detroit Lakes with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police believe the paddle boat began taking on water as it returned to the dock, causing instability that culminated in it flipping over.

It’s got discounts on a variety of products, some of which are quite alluring while others don’t feel as exciting given how prices have been rising in general. Nonetheless, we’re keeping tabs on the best deals during Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 6 and 7, both from Amazon and other retailers.

Many of the deals are launching early, so here is a look at the discounts you can already grab. This list will be updated throughout the event with new discounts as they emerge.

Prime Day deals on kitchenwear

• Ninja Blender – $70 ($40 off)
• Ninja Pods & Grounds Iced Coffee Maker – $80 ($10 off)
• Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Machine – $142 ($80 off)
• Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator – $175 ($25 off)
• Breville Smart Over Air Fryer Pro – $320 ($80 off)
• All-Clad two-piece nonstick fry pan set – $70 ($30 off)
• Rubbermaid Brilliance food storage containers, 3.2-cup – $23 ($9 off)
• Rubbermaid Brilliance glass storage containers, assorted size set – $60 ($20 off)
• Rubbermaid Brilliace 12-cup food storage container – $11 ($10 off)
• Braun MultiQuick 3-in-1 Immersion Blender and Food Processor – $80 ($30 off)
• Ultrean digital kitchen scale – $7 ($7 off)
• Etekcity digital kitchen scale – $10 ($4 off)
• Yeti 22-ounce insulated travel mug – $28 ($8 off)
• Contigo insulated travel mug – $22 ($8 off)
• Zulay handheld milk frother – $10 ($7 off)

Prime Day deals on tech

• HP 14 laptop computer – $300 (63% off)
• Amazon Fire HD 8-inch tablet – $80 ($50 off)
• Amazon Fire HD 10-inch tablet – $73 ($82 off)
• Amazon Fire HD 8-inch Kids Pro tablet – $90 ($80 off)
• Amazon Echo Spot – $55 ($55 off)
• Amazon Echo Dot Max – $80 ($40 off)
• Amazon Echo Dot – $40 ($40 off)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – $45 ($40 off)
• Amazon Smart Plug – $13 ($12 off)
• Apple AirTag – $24 ($5 off)

Prime Day deals on home goods

• iRobot Roomba 115X Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop – $140 ($180 off)
• IRIS 54-quart plastic storage bins, six-pack – $70 ($30 off)
• Bissell CleanView Max upright vacuum – $150 ($30 off)
• Bissell PowerFresh Vac and Steam vacuum and steam mop – $130 ($70 off)
• Bissell Little Green Proheat portable cleaner – $150 ($60 off)
• Casper Sleep Original Pillow – $57 ($18 off)
• Ugg Adalee Throw Blanket – $72 (436 off)
• Philips Soniccare 5950 rechargable electric toothbrush – $65 ($45 off)
• Colgate Optic White Pro three-pack – $17 ($7 off)

Other Prime Day deals

• Skullcandy Crusher 540 wireless headphones – $120 ($90 off)
• EarFun Free 2S Wireless Earbuds – $33 ($7 off)
• Novilla Bliss King Size Mattress – $284 ($86 off)
• Belkin Portable Charger Power Bank – $38 ($17 off)
• LEGO Botanicals – flower arrangement kit – $62 ($48 off)
• Remington Shine Therapy hair straightener – $28 ($5 off)
• MCGOR motion-sensing under-cabinet lighting – $17 ($5 off)
• Filterbuy six-pack of 16x25x1 air filters – $36 ($4 off)
• Yankee Candle candles – various prices at 19%–32% off

Sale items at Target

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer – $320 ($80 off)
• Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Beverage Carbonator – $175 ($25)
• Bissell Little Green mini portable carpet cleaner – $80 ($10 off)
• Blink Battery Doorbell – $36 ($44 off)
• VEAT00L Wireless Doorbell Camera – $60 ($140 off)
• LumiSource Nesting Ottoman set – $136 ($34 off)
• Threshold Cool Touch Body Pillow – $16 ($4 off)
• IRIS Stackable Plastic Stoarge Containers, six-pack – $100 ($10 off)
• LEGO Botanicals – flower arrangement kit – $62 ($10 off)

Sale items at Best Buy

• HP Ryzen 7 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop – $550 ($150 off)
• HyperX HP Omen 16-inch gaming laptop – $1,400 ($750 off)
• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro – $320 ($80 off)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick – $45 ($40 off)
• Blink Battery Doorbell – $36 ($44 off)
• Amazon Smart Plug – $13 ($12 off)

Sale items at Home Depot

• Novilla 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Queen Mattress – $210 ($230 off)
• DeWalt cordless drill kit – $200 ($50 off)
• Amazon Fire TV Stick – $45 ($40 off)
• Amazon Smart Plug – $13 ($12 off)

Sale items at Walmart

• Vizio 55-inch Mini LED Quantum 4K TV – $250 ($23 off)
• Apple AirTag (2nd generation) – $24 ($4 off)

Other sales

• Amazon Fire HD 8-inch tablet – $80 ($50 off) at Kohl’s
• Amazon Kindle Kid’s – $73 ($107 off) at Kohl’s
• Ninja Blend Boss Personal Blender – $110 ($20 off) at Shark Ninja
• Breville InFixx Fusion beverage carbonator – $180 ($50 off) at Breville
• Braun MultiQuick hand blender – $80 ($30 off) at Braun Household
• Le Creuset Signature Oval Baker – $150 ($80 off) at Le Creuset
• Saatva Classic Mattress – $1,340 ($889 off) at Saatva
• Casper Sleep Original Pillow – $57 ($18 off) at Wayfair
• UnTuckIt – $25% off all wrinkle-free styles at UnTuckIt

Related Articles

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This week, she announced plans for a pair of no-setlist shows at the State Theatre.

Elsewhere, A Perfect Circle is the second concert to hit the 2027 lineup for Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Fontaines D.C. will play The Armory next year, the Bad Plus added a show to December residency at The Dakota, and Greta Van Fleet is returning to Minnesota for the first time since 2023.

Here are the details on those and other shows around that hit the calendar this week.

Concerts announced in the Twin Cities this week:

• Oct. 11: Whitman on Walls! at The Parkway Theater
• Oct. 29: Nachito Herrera at The Dakota
• Nov. 2: Edwin McCain at The Dakota (show added)
• Nov. 4: Arrested Development at The Dakota (show added)
• Nov. 13: AKPL: Aby Wolf, Kavyesh Kaviraj, Pete James Johnson, and Laurels String Quartet at Crooners Supper Club
• Nov. 13: Chalant at Green Room
• Nov. 16: Black Stone Cherry (acoustic) at Underground Music Venue
• Nov. 17–18: Brandi Carlile at State Theatre
• Nov. 21: Erik Koskinen Band with Nieves Del Norte at Turf Club
• Nov. 27: 5th Annual Petty Comes Alive: An All-Star Tribute to Tom Petty at The Parkway Theater
• Nov. 28: Night Moves at First Avenue
• Nov. 28: Minnesota’s Last Waltz: A Tribute to the Band at The Parkway Theater
• Dec. 2: Riders in the Sky: Christmas the Cowboy Way at The Parkway Theater
• Dec. 3: Hunny Bear album release with Heliocene and Astronomy Town at 7th St. Entry
• Dec. 5: Pert Near Sandstone with Feed the Dog, Buffalo Galaxy, and Molly Brandt at First Avenue
• Dec. 5: Lapeche and Endearments at Cloudland Theater
• Dec. 7–8: Asleep at the Wheel at The Dakota
• Dec. 9: Chris Simpson (of Mineral) at 7th St. Entry
• Dec. 13: Ben Cook-Feltz’s 6th Annual Holiday Shindig at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Dec. 13: SosMula with Ricky Hil and DJ Jacky P at 7th St. Entry
• Dec. 19: Gully Boys with 4th Curtis at 7th St. Entry
• Dec. 22: The Bad Plus at The Dakota (show added)
• Jan. 8: Urban Classic presents Earth, Wind and Fire at The Dakota
• Jan. 9: Ninajirachi at The Armory
• Jan. 15: The Last Revel with Wild Horses at First Avenue
• Jan. 16: Antje Duvekot and David Berkeley at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Jan. 16: Swirlies at Turf Club
• Jan. 21: Jon Spencer at 7th St. Entry
• Jan. 22: Iliza Shlesinger at Orpheum Theatre
• Jan. 27: Tara Clerkin Trio at 7th St. Entry
• Feb. 10: La Roux at Fine Line
• Feb. 15: Greta Van Fleet at Target Center
• Feb. 18: Pete Yorn at Fine Line
• Feb. 23: Chelsea Cutler at The Fillmore
• Feb. 23: Twin Temple at Varsity Theater
• Feb. 28: Youth Fountain with Not My Weekend at 7th St. Entry
• March 5: Hot Freaks at 7th St. Entry
• March 7: Northlane at Varsity Theater
• March 9: Jack Kays and His Band with Willowake and Dear Cincinnati at Fine Line
• March 11: Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy and Friends play R.E.M.’s “Document” at First Avenue
• March 12: Wasia Project at Fine Line
• March 26: Manu Delago and Max ZT at The Cedar Cultural Center
• April 8: Team Dresch at Fine Line
• April 18–19: An Evening with Bruce Cockburn at The Parkway Theater
• May 1: Fontaines D.C. at The Armory
• May 7–8: Cory Wong with Blu DeTiger at First Avenue
• May 13: Lizzy McAlpine at State Theatre
• May 14: Hazlett at First Avenue (rescheduled)
• May 16: Trio Mandili at The Dakota
• May 23: A Perfect Circle at Mystic Lake Amphitheater

In an update on Saturday, Eden Prairie Police Department says a “large altercation” unfolded on the west side of Aerie Stadium, which was broken up by police and several individuals were removed from the stadium grounds.

A short time later, gunfire was reported in a parking lot to the north of the high school. Two teenagers of Somali descent, aged 18 and 17, both from St. Paul, were injured in the shooting.

Both were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, with the 18-year-old discharged on Saturday and the 17-year-old still hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

No arrests have been made, but police say the shooting is likely gang-related, with the two victims “known to law enforcement.”

“Based on the investigation so far, police believe the shooting was gang-related,” the Saturday update reads. “Officers are pursuing multiple leads but do not have sufficiently specific suspect information to release at this time. EPPD is working with regional law enforcement partners as the investigation continues.”

Homecoming dance postponed

Eden Prairie High School has postponed its homecoming dance on Saturday in the wake of the shooting, which saw the crowd inside Aerie Stadium evacuated in the second half of the homecoming game against Minnetonka.

The game ultimately finished on Saturday morning, with Eden Prairie running out 20-14 winners, but the shooting has otherwise marred homecoming weekend at the school.

In a Saturday update, Eden Prairie High School Principal Dr. Jaysen Anderson confirmed that the evening’s planned homecoming dance was being postponed.

“As a principal and a parent, I want to acknowledge how hard last night was for our community, and also the feelings and needs that will continue to show up over the coming days,” he wrote. “Due to last night’s tragic and unfortunate event, we will not be holding our Homecoming Dance this evening.

“While we believe we would have the planning, resources and support to make tonight’s event safe and enjoyable, holding a dance less than 24 hours after a trauma in our community feels out of place.

“Too many students, staff and families were directly impacted, and we need to be prepared to adequately support all students and staff when they return to the building on Monday.”

Anderson says he will meet with student leaders and staff at the start of the school week “to determine next steps regarding a dance and other ways our community can come together to care for one another.”

Students and parents in attendance on Friday night were evacuated to nearby Round Lake Park. On Saturday, Eden Prairie PD said that the

Drake Lindsey had a pair of costly interceptions in the first half, but Minnesota responded by forcing three turnovers of its own in the second half. Danny Collins had a bumpy start to his first season as a defensive coordinator last fall, but he has Minnesota’s defense playing at an elite level in 2026, and they carried the team on Saturday.

Gophers fans have been referencing their magical 2019 season for more than half a decade now. There have been numerous opportunities for Fleck and Minnesota to reach those heights in the last six seasons, but they’ve come up short many times. They had a huge win over No. 14 Wisconsin at home in 2021, but this one feels bigger.

Party like it’s 1977. The Gophers have won the Little Brown Jug in Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/iT4bgObWc2

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) October 3, 2026

The Little Brown Jug is the oldest rivalry trophy in major college football. Michigan has dominated the series for 60 years, and Minnesota hasn’t beaten the Wolverines in front of its home fans since 1977, when they still played at the old Memorial Stadium. That all changed on Saturday.

Is Michigan ranked? No. Were they an overrated team to begin with? Probably, but these are the opportunities Fleck has struggled to take advantage of since that 2019 season. The Wolverines came to Minneapolis as a wounded animal and dangerous, but the Gophers weren’t scared.

Lindsey played his worst game of the season, completing 17 of 25 passes for 136 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown. Minnesota’s offense did not play great, but its defense had a dominant performance. Michigan looked completely lost, and it had just 180 yards of total offense.

There were a lot of moments where things could’ve gone wrong against Michigan, but the Gophers did just enough to win. Moments like Saturday are why Fleck is the head coach of Minnesota football.

We are in the age of big media consolidation and content networks. But even with the proliferation of AI, nothing can beat the quality and inherent knowledge of local sports journalism. Our writing room consists of a Wildcat, a Gopher, and even a Mustang. We know the Minnesota towns and the great names that played on its diamonds, courts, fields or rinks. Subscribe NOW to the new Bring Me The Sports newsletter. We would appreciate your readership and support!

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The Minneapolis-based sandwich company from Charlie Hillgoss, Clay Parrish, and Mohamed, the chef behind Nashville Coop and StepChld, has announced that Kaysen has joined the company as an investor and strategic advisor. 

Gallant Tiger sells gourmet PB&J sandwiches at retail locations with house-made jam in flavors like Blueberry Lemon Thyme and Strawberry Cardamom. 

In addition to selling its sandwiches at cafes, gyms, and golf courses, Gallant Tiger has begun popping up in grocery stores like Cub Foods, Coburn’s, and Kowalski’s.

“Gavin has spent his career proving that food made with real craft can reach a lot of people without losing what makes it special. That’s exactly what we’re building at Gallant Tiger,” Mohamed says. “Having him at the table as an investor and advisor sharpens everything we do, from our jam recipes to how and where we show up.”

In addition to running popular restaurants like Mara, Demi, and Spoon and Stable, Kaysen also co-founded KZ Provisioning, which provides custom-tailored food for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lynx, and Wild. 

Related: Multiple people exposed to chemical irritant outside State Theatre after ‘Rocky Horror’ show

Related: 13 of the best ways to celebrate Halloween around the Twin Cities

Related: After surviving a bombing, fires, and a tornado, the Heights Theater turns 100

Related: Duluth’s Best Bread to open first Minneapolis outpost

The crash happened between Industrial Boulvard and Hwy. 280 in the northbound lanes, causing two lanes to close at around 10:45 a.m.

There is no word on how many vehicles were involved and if anyone was injured in the crash.

Bring Me The News reporter Brianna Kelly obtained this picture of the scene.

By 11:35 a.m., a single lane was closed, with traffic flowing more freely.

We will update this story should any more information be made available.

There are a wild number of creeped-out events taking place throughout OCtober, and we’re here to aid your quest to maximize fall fun.

Here are 13 of the best Halloween activities taking place around the Twin Cities this year. (Ok, it’s more than 13, really, but there are just too many fun things to do.)

Twin Cities Ballet presents “Phantom of the Opera”

The Twin Cities Ballet will premiere its new “Phantom of the Opera” on Halloween. It’s a reimagining of the classic story, led by artistic directors Denise Vogt and Rick Vogt and featuring multimedia elements and projections by Peter Morrow. Oct. 31–Nov. 1 at The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St., St. Paul

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

The Minnesota Zoo’s annual trail o’ pumpkins is back with a trivia theme. It’s a distinctive twist on the event, featuring more than 5,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns along a path through the zoo. Many of those are artist-crafted and are stunning in their detail. This year, the zoo will also be offering three adults-only nights on the trail. Sept. 25–Nov. 1 at Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley

“Clue”

The Broadway rendition of “Clue” is not quite a Halloween tale, but it’s a bit Halloween-coded with its murder mystery, black humor, and creepy old mansion. The production, based on the 1985 movie, comes to Minneapolis as part of the Broadway on Hennepin season this month, and it’s well-timed for some fall fun. Oct. 9–11 at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

Travail’s Haunted Basement

The annual haunted dinner at Travail Kitchen & Amusements is back in the Robbinsdale restaurant’s Basement Bar. This go-round, it’s called the “Annual Harvest Supper,” with Halloween-themed antics and the expected multi-course tasting menu. Since it usually sells out, Travail has already added dates, running the event from Sept. 24 to Nov. 7. Travail Kitchen & Amusements, 4134 Hubbard Ave. N, Robbinsdale

Lit-eerie-ary events

The literary-minded aren’t left out of the Halloween festivities. There are multiple book fairs and events that can infuse some horror in your reading regimen.

That includes the Haunts and Horrors Book Fair on Oct. 4 at Bad Weather Brewing in St. Paul, Odd Mart’s 4 Weeks of the Creeps series every Sunday in October, Halloween-themed storytimes for kids at Wild Rumpus Books, and an Oct. 31 Bookstore Horror Day at Next Chapter Books, with giveaways, costumes, and a “not so spooky storytime.” Various locations

First Avenue’s Annual Halloween Party & Costume Party

The Downtown Minneapolis venue’s annual party and costume contest is an institution. It’s a raucous Halloween party and touts a costume contest known for bringing out creative, wild costumes from revelers. The party will be helmed by music from Sophia Eris, Michael Grey, Izzie P, McShellen, and DJ Smitty, with The Current’s Diane as a host. Oct. 31 at First Avenue, 701 N 1st Ave. Minneapolis

Monster Burlesque

Halloween and burlesque are a pairing on par with peanut butter and jelly. Monster Burlesque has a long, long list of performers taking on Halloween-y personas, hosted by “Demented Demon” Musette, and raising money for a community outreach program. Though, there are other burlesque events (and drag shows!) with eerie themes in October. Some are in the events list below. Oct. 17 at Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W 6th St., St. Paul

Haunted Harmonies

Northrop organist Greg Zelek is teaming up with trumpeter Caleb Hudson for a monstrous program. They’re playing pop and classical songs that are appropriately spooked up, from Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre” to “This Is Halloween” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Oct. 27 (with an Oct. 22 preview event) at Northrop, 84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis

Horror Movies

Horror movies pack the theatrical calendar every October, with new runs for classics like “The Shining” and “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” cult classics like “Hausu,” and off-the-beaten-path gems like “Tucker and Dale vs. Evil” or “A Tale of Two Sisters.” You’ll find horror-themed series taking place at the Trylon, Heights Theater, Alamo Drafthouse, Emagine Willow Creek, Landmark Lagoon, and just about every other movie theater. Various locations

Haunted houses, mazes, and hayrides

Enjoy the visceral terror of having a chainsaw-wielding maniac leap from a thicket of corn? You’ve got options. From annual staples like Scream Town and the Dead End Hayride to transformed attractions like Valleyfair’s ValleyScare or the Duluth Haunted Ship, you’ll find viking zombies, Jason Vorhees, and ghost ships aplenty. Bring Me The News has rounded up some of the best ones over here. Various locations

Related: Where to find the scariest haunted houses and trails in Minnesota this year

Halloween bar crawls

You either love to eat on them or you’re one of the reasons they exist. There are many taking place, including one through downtown St. Paul on Halloween, a zombie bar crawl in Minneapolis, and one around Downtown Minneapolis on both Oct. 30 and 31. Various locations

Franconia Sculpture Park’s Fall Family Days

The mighty sculpture park has three family days in October, with the last falling on Oct. 31. That one will include a candy scavenger hunt, costume contests for humans and dogs, and, of course, the chance to walk around the grounds to see its many interactive sculptures. Oct. 31 at Franconia Sculpture Park, 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer

Anoka’s Halloween house decorating contest and parade

Seeing houses decked out in cobwebs and skeletons is one of the best parts of the season. (And the only acceptable presentation of Halloween creep, the phenomenon where Halloween festivities keep starting earlier and earlier in the year.) Anoka, the self-proclaimed Halloween Capital of the World, sets aside two weekends for viewing homes that are entering the contest. It’s a great way to see some elaborately decorated yards.

There are a whole lot of events happening around Anoka in addition to the creepy homes, such as the Oct. 23 Big Parade of Little People for kids and the Oct. 24 Grande Day Parade. Oct. 23–24 and 30–31 around Anoka

More Halloween events in the Twin Cities

• Oct. 3: TeeTime Drag Show presents a Halloween Drag Show at Can Can Wonderland
• Oct. 7: Aliza Kelly’s Haunted Tea Party at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Oct. 7: Berlin and Tylon present Cinema Sorcery feat. Thunderbolt Pagoda and Witching Hour at Berlin
• Oct. 17: Bloodcurdling Book Bash at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
• Oct. 17: Havoc at the Pavek: Local Legends at Pavek Museum
• Oct. 23: Bloody Pulp: Vampires in America w/ Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society at Crooners Supper Club
• Oct. 23: ELnO: Rock Me Tonite Halloween at The Parkway Theater
• Oct. 23–24: Booo-Tepils Halloween Market at Utepils Brewing
• Oct. 23–24: Jeremy Messersmith’s all Hallow’s Eve at The Fitzgerald Theater
• Oct. 24: GraveZig’s annual Halloween Party with Too Late But Still, All the Pretty Horses, VVolf Mask, and Protolith at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Oct. 24: The Haunting of Wickham Hall – a Murder Mystery Paint and Sip at Brit’s Pub
• Oct. 24: Sapphoween: An Exclusively Sapphic Halloween Party at The Hook and Ladder
• Oct. 25: Greyhounds of America Howl-oween Party at Wandering Leaf Brewing
• Oct. 29: Jazz in the Twilight Zone with Larry McDonough Quartet at Aster Cafe
• Oct. 30: Reventón: Latin Halloween Party at The Fillmore
• Oct. 30: Sorry for Party Rocking Halloween at Green Room
• Oct. 30: Skalloween with Space Monkey Mafia at Turf Club
• Oct. 30–31: Wobbleween at The Armory
• Oct. 30–31: Maxxeapolis: Monster Jam at Bryant Lake Bowl
• Oct. 31: Halloween with McNasty Brass Band at Turf Club
• Oct. 31: Festival de las Calaveras 2026 at The Hook and Ladder
• Oct. 31: Boiled in Lead – Slipping into Darkness Halloween 2026 at Crooners Supper Club
• Oct. 31: The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents Halloween Spectacular for Kids at First Avenue
• Oct. 31: Billyween at Surly Brewing in Minneapolis
• Oct. 31: Sips and Slays Halloween Drag Show at Sociable Cider Werks
• Nov. 7: The Calaveras Dance V: A Day of the Dead Celebration feat. Fallingwithscissors, Evernorth, Nuisance, Angelshot, and more at Amsterdam Bar & Hall

Related: 23 of the best concerts to see this fall in the Twin Cities

Related: Minnesota’s sixth IMAX screen opens this week

Related: Here are the 18 locations Spirit Halloween is operating in Minnesota this fall

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Matt Donovan, who graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 2022, was airlifted to a hospital after he was injured running for a one-yard gain early in the third quarter of the NAIA game between Mayville State and Simpson University on Sept. 19.

His father Terry, who is the head coach of the La Crescent-Hokah varsity football team in southeast Minnesota, revealed in a Facebook post that his son opened his eyes on Thursday.

“After everything Matt has been through this week with the surgeries and sedation, today we got something we have been waiting a long time to see,” he wrote. “For the first time since two Saturdays ago, Matt opened his eyes on his own.

“His nurse and I both got to see it. His eyes were open for probably around 20 seconds. Then they closed down to about a quarter open for another 30 seconds or so before he shut them again. He did not open them again the rest of the day.”

“We know exactly what this does and does not mean. Matt is not fully awake or conscious yet,” he continued. “Opening his eyes today does not mean he has suddenly recovered or that we are out of the woods. But it may be another sign that he is beginning to work his way toward wakefulness, and after everything he has been through, that was an incredible moment for us.”

Terry Donovan said his son also squeezed his hand at his urging on the same day.

He didn’t open his eyes again on Friday, Donovan said in another update, but was “moving his arms more freely and bringing them up toward his chest.”

“That could mean a couple different things – some of it may simply be spontaneous movement, and some of it may be him localizing or responding to what is happening around him. Either way, there was more movement today,” Terry Donovan wrote.

A GoFundMe created by Matt Donovan’s sister has so far raised more than $110,000.

The game was streamed live on the Comets Athletics Network YouTube channel. Donovan was injured on a play that looked like any other; he ran the ball to the right and was tackled one-on-one by a linebacker, though there appeared to be incidental helmet-to-helmet contact.

Donovan was slow to get up, prompting someone on the sideline to send the backup quarterback into the game. Donovan, who stood up and was going back to the huddle, then jogged off the field and was out of camera view for about two and a half minutes before the game was stopped — as it became clear that a medical emergency was unfolding on the sideline.

Roughly eight minutes passed from the time of the delay, Donovan being taken away in an ambulance, and the game resuming.

Alexander William Cusey, 21, faces one attempted murder charge and three assault charges in connection with the Tuesday incident. 

According to the criminal complaint, police were called to the University of Minnesota Morris’s Humanity and Fine Arts building just after 4 p.m. on a report of a stabbing. 

A witness led the officer to a room where the victim, identified as a percussion instructor at the school, was bleeding and suffering from an injury to the arm. The witness told police that the victim had come to his office with “blood everywhere” and identified Cusey as the suspect. 

Cusey was arrested nearby while the victim received aid. A knife was also found in a nearby practice room. 

In the hospital, Cusey told the doctor that he was “trying to kill my percussion instructor” and that he “stabbed my pinky a little bit,” according to the complaint. 

He also told an officer that the instructor was a “goodie two shoes” and described the stabbing as “thrilling” and “hilarious.”

Cusey allegedly added that he had had previous violent fantasies involving his parents and his high school.

The Wisconsin State Patrol and Department of Transportation confirmed in a Saturday update that Trooper Bradley Ritger, 29, died on Friday.

Ritger had been responding to a pursuit west of the Dunn County and Eau Claire County line in western Wisconsin on Monday, Sept. 21, when he deployed a tire deflation device on a bridge deck.

As he moved “to a position of cover,” Ritger fell from the bridge onto the road below. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, ultimately succumbing on Friday.

“The entire law enforcement community mourns the loss of a brave and dedicated colleague. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten and while he may not be with us, his legacy will forever be embodied by those who, like him, go to work often placing service above self,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said.

Ritger had served in the state patrol’s northeast region for almost five years, primarily operating in Dunn County. Prior to joining the state patrol, he worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for nearly three years.

“Trooper Ritger was a dedicated public servant whose strong work ethic and positive presence left a lasting impact on anyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” a statement from the department said.

“He approached every situation with professionalism, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. Whether assisting the public, supporting his fellow troopers, or taking on difficult challenges, he consistently demonstrated compassion and willingness to help wherever needed. His dedication to his family and unwavering commitment to his profession will not be forgotten.”

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office says it was called to two attempted abductions on Monday, Sept. 28, in the cities of Ramsey and Coon Rapids, which ultimately led to the arrest of a 20-year-old Ramsey man on Friday.

The first incident was reported in Ramsey at 2:05 p.m., where a teenage female reported that a man in a car had tried to abduct her as she walked near Alpine Drive Northwest and Vicuna Street Northwest.

No suspect was found despite a search of the area. Then, at 10:25 p.m., a report of a similar abduction attempt was made in Coon Rapids.

The victim, again a teenage female, told police that a man in a car had chased her, and then sexually assaulted her near Northdale Boulevard Northwest and Marigold Street Northwest.

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Investigators were able to determine that the two incidents were related and filed search warrants for license plate reader data, eventually identifying a suspect.

He was taken into custody on Friday, but has not yet been formally charged.

“From the first report, multiple law enforcement agencies worked nonstop to apprehend the suspect,” said the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, which credited controversial Flock cameras for helping to track down the suspect.

“It was a joint effort to minimize public threat and prevent the suspect from reoffending. The suspect is now in custody, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”

Eden Prairie Police Department says officers were called to the north side of Aerie Stadium at 8:40 p.m. on a report of shots fired, with two people taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The homecoming game between Eden Prairie and Minnetonka was abandoned part of the way through the second half, with police evacuating the stadium.

The two victims were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, with neither of them a student at either Eden Prairie or Minnetonka high schools.

“The shooting is believed to be targeted. No arrests have been made,” Eden Prairie PD said. “This is an active investigation and additional information will be provided as soon as it’s available.”

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Eden Prairie Public Schools sent a message to families at 9:06 p.m., saying homecoming festivities were being evacuated due to an emergency, and that the postponed game would resume at 11 a.m. Saturday.

At 9:22 p.m., another message to families said Eden Prairie police “secured the area” and that evacuations were ongoing for all attendees. Those still inside the building were initially not allowed to leave, with a “hold” in place until 9:55 p.m.

At 10:15 p.m., everyone still on school property was being directed to Round Lake Park, which was designated as the reunification area for players, marching band members, and other students and families.

“Tonight was a hard night for our community,” a statement from Eden Prairie High School read. “A night that was meant to celebrate all that makes us Eagles was tarnished by the selfish and violent acts of a few. And yet, in this moment, we saw our community shine.”

Governor Tim Walz issued a comment late Friday, saying: “State officials are assisting local authorities to find those responsible after a shooting outside the Eden Prairie football game.

“No homecoming, in any community, should be disrupted by gun violence. Minnesotans are keeping students and families in our thoughts tonight.”

A “disturbance” was reported to police in Beaver Bay, about 50 miles northeast of Duluth along the North Shore, at 12:41 p.m. on Friday, with deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office told that a person had been stabbed.

Police took a suspect into custody, with the victim given care and then airlifted to a hospital in Duluth.

As of Friday evening, there is no update on the victim’s condition, and no further information has been made available as to what led up to the stabbing.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says there is no threat to the public, with the stabbing now the subject of an ongoing investigation.

Beaver Bay is considered the oldest settlement on the North Shore, and at the last Census had a population of around 120 people.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

As patrons left a touring event starring cast members from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” many were exposed to an unspecified chemical irritant, with some getting assistance from EMS on the scene.

“Officers responded to reports of people spraying each other with mace outside a theater,” according to a report from the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). “Officers identified several people affected by a chemical irritant, including a woman who believed she was the target of an assault.”

MPD says that preliminary information suggests a woman sprayed the irritant into a crowd along Hennepin Avenue before fleeing on foot. No arrests have been made.

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A representative for Hennepin Arts, which operates the State Theatre, tells Bring Me The News that the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. across the street from the theater near the corner of Hennepin Avenue and S 8th Street.

“The spray affected people on the sidewalk and carried into the theater’s front lobby,” according to the representative, who adds that the organization has provided information and security footage to MPD.

“No one involved in the incident was connected to Hennepin Arts, the State Theatre, or the performance.”

No other details have been shared, but multiple attendees have posted accounts on social media, stating that they experienced eye irritation, headaches, and skin irritation.

Related: After more than four decades, French Meadow closes Minneapolis location

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Three teens were killed and four sustained life-threatening injuries when the stolen Hyundai Elantra struck and became wedged beneath the trailer of the semi that was exiting I-35W at around 4:10 a.m., as the Hyundai was heading west on Southeast 4th Street.

Police have previously identified the three victims by name, but on Friday afternoon released a heavily redacted police report that also reveals their ages and hometowns.

The three teens killed are as follows:

• Shiya Talise Sargent, 19, of Minneapolis.
• Timitheous Thomas-Christopher Wright, 15, of Minneapolis (driver).
• Calvin Robert Wolfe, 15, of Coon Rapids.

The four who were injured, who Bring Me The News will not be naming, are:

• A 17-year-old girl from Minneapolis.
• A 17-year-old boy from Minneapolis.
• An 18-year-old man, of no known address.
• An 18-year-old man from Minneapolis.

The semi-trailer driver, a man from Cloquet, Minnesota, was not injured in the collision.

The Star Tribune on Thursday reported, citing a person familiar with the investigation, that the teens in the stolen Elantra were “coming from a fight elsewhere in the city that resulted in gunfire.”

The car had been stolen about an hour earlier from the Como neighborhood.

Trevor Wunderlich, 47, was convicted Friday of first-degree premeditated murder, which carries a mandatory life prison sentence without the possibility of release, first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with an established pattern, and second-degree intentional murder.

Washington County District Judge Siv Mjanger said there was “overwhelming proof” in journal entries, photos, and text messages that Wunderlich had abused his mother, Charlene, “on countless occasions.”

Charlene Wunderlich called 911 in September 2024 to report that she had been badly beaten, couldn’t breathe and thought she was going to die. Dispatchers could hear the woman’s adult son shouting and swearing at her in the background toward the end of the call.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the home in Hugo to find Trevor Wunderlich looming over his mother from a chair as she lay on the kitchen floor, telling her that he was going to jail.

Charlene Wunderlich was covered in dozens of bruises and her hair was strewn across the floor from her son ripping it out. She died later that evening at a hospital.

It was later determined that her death resulted from multiple assaults over time, with a final assault hours before she died.

Trevor Wunderlich fled from the home as deputies arrived, sparking a statewide manhunt, but was located the next day in a camper on a nearby property in Hugo.

When he was being arrested, Wunderlich said his mother “couldn’t have died from the injuries I gave her.”

Charlene Wunderlich documented her son’s abuse from 2016 until days before her death in daily planners recovered from her home. Her cellphone contained photos of bruises and other injuries and text messages to her son, warning that he would kill her one day.

“Charlene Wunderlich spent years living in fear of her own son, and she made sure the truth would not die with her,” county attorney Kevin Magnuson said in a statement. “She wrote it down, she photographed her injuries, and she warned him that he would kill
her one day.

“Domestic abuse cases are among the hardest we prosecute, particularly when the victim cannot take the stand. Here, Charlene’s own words, along with autopsy images of her injuries, spoke for her in the courtroom and helped hold her son accountable for years of abuse and, ultimately, her death.”

Prosecutors proved that Trevor Wunderlich planned his mother’s murder, establishing his motive as financial since he stood to inherit property and a life insurance payout upon his mother’s death and needed money for an upcoming balloon payment on a Silver Bay land purchase.

“This was no rash and impulsive act; this was an act that was planned over time,” Mjanger wrote in her ruling.

Wunderlich is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18.

If you know anyone who is affected by domestic violence, you can find more information on services available here, via the Minnesota DPS. You can also call the Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111.

PETA has placed Gerhard’s Brats second on its list, highlighting the vendor’s vegan sausage, made by Field Roast, that is “piled with classic toppings such as sauerkraut, diced onions, hot peppers, and Düsseldorf mustard.”

“Gerhard’s Brats is serving up scrumptious, sizzling sausages that give pigs and cows something to celebrate, too, and burst with bold, plant-powered flavor,” PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk says in a statement.

However, the beloved food truck and caterer offers more than just vegan sausages, which may make that offering a little more notable.

Its menu also includes a variety of real meat sausages, unlike other noted Twin Cities vegan vendors such as the Herbivorous Butcher in Northeast Minneapolis, which only serves vegan “meats” and offers items like Jalapeño Cheddar Brats, Beer Brats, and an Italian Sausage.

The PETA list also features a sausage from across the border, placing Milwaukee’s The Vanguard in the third slot.

Anyone looking to track down a vegan sausage from Gerhard’s Brats can find a calendar of spots it’ll pop up on its website. It’ll also be serving at Twin Cities Oktoberfest on Oct. 9 and 10.

Related: Where to celebrate Oktoberfest around Minnesota in 2026

Related: Tipsy Steer closes in Blaine, citing problems around redevelopment project

Related: Sea Salt Eatery, other Minneapolis park restaurants will close for the winter

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NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) forecasts higher odds than not of warmer than normal temperatures for all of Minnesota in the month of October and for most places in the western United States.

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The consensus in the forecast models too, is for warmer than normal temperatures in October. In fact no model forecasts cooler conditions. They range from just +0.8 deg F to +4.1 deg F. The Canadian model reflects this consensus well: 

What about rainfall, drought improvement? 

We made a nice ‘dent’ in the drought in September with the Twin Cities receiving one-third more than normal rainfall. It was the first above normal month for precipitation since March, but if the CPC is right, it may be back to dry weather. 

The fresh drought outlooks both keep the Twin Cities, central and northeast Minnesota into western Wisconsin in drought through October, which should be no surprise. We’d need to see probably triple normal October rainfall (2.57 inches) to undo the drought. 

The seasonal outlook, which takes us through the remainder of the year, calls for the drought to remain over the Twin Cities but with some improvement, while Northeast Minnesota is largely locked into persistent conditions. 

The consensus in the forecast models is for a quite dry October in fact. Most models give us deficits of 1 to 2 inches. Keep in mind we only average 2.57 inches in October, so essentially we’re forecast to see half of normal or less. 

So, October may continue the mild streak, but unlike September be dry and mild versus wet and mild. If we don’t get good moisture in the ground before it freezes, we’re likely setting ourselves up for spring with drought. 

And what about the snow?

And how about the dreaded or beloved S word? Well, climatologically, we see measurable snowfall in October about 35% of the time since even the year 2000, in our modern, warmer climate.

Folks may recall the somewhat recent October of 2020, when we saw 7.9 inches on Oct. 20.

The forecast models also hint at potentially a little snow before October ends, even in a mild month.

The medium to long range forecast models give us about a 1 in 3 chance of a bit of snow, which pretty much matches climatological statistics.

BMTN Note: Weather events in isolation can’t always be pinned on climate change, but the broader trend of increasingly severe weather and record-breaking extremes seen in Minnesota and across the globe can be attributed directly to the rapidly warming climate caused by human activity. The IPCC has warned that Earth is “firmly on track toward an unlivable world,” and says greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C, which would prevent the most catastrophic effects on humankind. You can read more here.

The Little Falls Police Department responded to the railroad tracks near Ninth Avenue Northwest and Lindbergh Drive Northwest at about 9:45 p.m. after receiving a report of a pedestrian who had been hit by a train.

The pedestrian, identified as Thomas Balaski, of Little Falls, died at the scene. His body was transported to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.

The Minnesota State Patrol, Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Little Falls Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

The chain, owned by TJ Maxx, will hold the grand opening of its store at Duluth’s Burning Tree Plaza on October 24.

The retailer is known for its wide range of discounted activewear, outdoor apparel, footwear, and adventure gear, with prices in the region of 20 to 60% lower than department and specialty store prices.

The grand opening will commence at 8 a.m. and feature a ribbon cutting, giveaways, and “a hidden hang-tag activity featuring gift cards hidden throughout the store.”

Sierra’s other Minnesota stores are found in Bemidji, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Richfield, Rochester, Roseville, St. Cloud and Woodbury.

“We are excited to bring Sierra to the amazing Duluth community,” said Jill Tully, VP of Marketing at Sierra. “As the only off-price retailer dedicated to active and outdoor, we’re committed to making top brands and quality gear attainable at great value, so shoppers can feel confident and ready, no matter how they choose to move.”

The 17,600 sq. ft. store can be found at 5115 Burning Tree Road in Duluth. Its regular store hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hassan Ahmed Husssein, 29, and Ahmed Abdirashid Mohamed, 28, both recently pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in U.S District Court. 

Husssein and Mohamed enrolled Pristine Health LLC as a Medicaid provider under the state’s now-defunct Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program. The company claimed to help seniors and people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders find and maintain housing. 

But the two submitted HSS claims for services that were never provided and significantly inflated other claims for higher reimbursement, according to court documents. 

Pristine Health enrolled around 90 Medicaid beneficiaries in the program, including some who never agreed to receive the services. In total, Pristine Health billed Minnesota Medicaid more than $820,000.

The two face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, with a sentencing date to be set at a later time. 

The HHS program was terminated in 2025 following scrutiny over fraud. A federal probe was even launched after payments rose from $2.5 million in 2020 – the year Minnesota became the first state to offer Medicaid funding for housing stabilization – to more than $100 million in 2024.

Eric Phillip Allen, 41, changed his plea to guilty on Thursday after initially being indicted by first a complaint and then by grand jury in August 2024.

The complaint said that between January and August 2024, Allen photographed or recorded children enrolled in the daycare “for his own sexual gratification.”

He then shared the child sexual abuse material on the internet, accompanying them with “lascivious comments and remarks regarding the minor victims,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Minnesota.

“Today’s guilty plea is one step closer to holding the defendant accountable for his heinous acts against the most vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “There is no higher priority for my office than safeguarding children and prosecuting those who harm them.”

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota BCA, described Allen’s actions as a “vile crime against the most vulnerable members of society, in a place where they should be safe.”

“Today’s guilty plea represents an important step toward accountability, and we will continue working to ensure that those who prey on children face the consequences of their actions,” he said.

Allen is also facing state-level charges filed in Hennepin County, with his next hearing scheduled for November.

Amid the excitement is a barrage of road closures in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which will impact spectators trying to get a view of the race, Vikings fans heading to U.S. Bank Stadium, and anyone else moving around the town over the weekend.

While the major closures will take place on Oct. 4, there are events around the marathon throughout the weekend, resulting in some road closures on Friday and Saturday as well.

Here’s what to expect over the weekend.

When there will be road closures during the Twin Cities Marathon

Streets will begin to close for the marathon at 3:45 a.m. in the area around U.S. Bank Stadium, with three races starting around the Vikings’ home turf. (The Vikings also host the Miami Dolphins in the afternoon, which will add to the congestion throughout the day.)

The closures will take place one block north and south of any east-west roads or one block east and west of any north-south roads along the race route. Roads will begin to reopen on a rolling basis, as the race progresses. Organizers say that early portions of the route could begin to reopen as early as 9 a.m.

Closures will also take place around the State Capitol in St. Paul throughout the weekend. Additionally, Summit Avenue, east of Snelling Avenue, will close on Saturday, as will the Marion Street exit from eastbound I-94.

What’s the route for the Twin Cities Marathon?

The race begins in Downtown Minneapolis and passes along Hennepin Avenue before moving through Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes. It then crosses the Blue Line light rail and follows West River Parkway northwards along the Mississippi River.

After crossing the river, the route hooks back along the Mississippi’s east bank before continuing along Summit Avenue and finishing near the State Capitol.

Commuters can still use Lake Street in Minneapolis, but there may be delays at West Bde Maka Ska Parkwaym where the race crosses Lake Street.

For users of public transit, the light rail will run normally, but there will be some detours implemented for several Metro Transit bus routes on Sunday from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details on when and where those changes are scheduled can be found on Metro Transit’s rider alerts page.

The full route can be seen in the map below. 

When are events taking place during the Twin Cities Marathon?

The main attraction, the marathon, begins at 8 a.m. Sunday

However, there are events and races happening throughout the weekend.

Friday, Oct. 2

• 11 a.m.–7 p.m.: Twin Cities Health and Fitness Expo at Saint Paul RiverCentre

Saturday, Oct. 3

• 7:30 a.m.: TC 10K (Summit Avenue to State Capitol)
• 9 a.m.: TC 5K (State Capitol grounds)
• 10 a.m.–6 p.m.: Twin Cities Health and Fitness Expo at Saint Paul RiverCentre
• 10 a.m.: Medtronic TC Family Events
• All day: TC Loony Challenge

Sunday, Oct. 4

• 7 a.m.: Medtronic TC 10 Mile (Minneapolis to State Capitol in St. Paul)
• 7:40 a.m.: TC Half Marathon for More
• 8 a.m.: Twin Cities Marathon (Minneapolis to State Capitol in St. Paul)
• All day: TC Loony Challenge

Tips for avoiding closures when driving near the Twin Cities Marathon

Organizers have shared the following tips for anyone looking to get around the Twin Cities while roads are closed.

• Use I-94, I-35W and I-35E to move widely across the metro on Sunday, Oct 5.
• To cross Minnehaha Parkway, utilize Nicollet Avenue, 35W, or Hwy 55/Hiawatha Avenue.
• To cross the river, utilize I-94, Lake Street/Marshall Avenue bridge or Ford Parkway bridge.
• To get north or south of Summit Avenue, utilize Ayd Mill Road.

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The alleged break-in happened just before midnight on Sept. 27 at the former Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center, a large building near Lake Minnetonka that’s been empty for six years but is now being transformed into a Nordic spa and hotel.

Police responded to the property after someone reported seeing six white males on security cameras inside the building. Officers encountered the group on the southeast side of the building and had to chase after them.

After the men were caught by police, they allegedly told officers that they learned about the building through urban exploring videos on TikTok and wanted to check it out.

Their names are:

• Dylan Hicks-Burbul of Superior, Wis.
• Thomas Kotval of Shakopee, Minn.
• Braydon Holsclaw of Salon Springs, Wis.
• Michael Pearson of Superior, Wis.

Each of them have been charged with third-degree burglary, a felony, trespassing, and fleeing police, both misdemeanors. Pearson also faces a felony damage to property charge.

According to a criminal complaint, it was determined that Pearson threw a rock through a window to gain access to the building, though he initially claimed it was already broken. Repairs to the window are estimated to cost about $2,450.

A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old were also part of the group and were taken into custody.

One of the unnamed teens told police that the group had been hanging out and drinking alcohol at Kotval’s home in Shakopee before they decided to go to the building. They said it was Hicks-Burbul’s idea, and that he and other members of the group had done it before.

Holsclaw estimated that the group was in the building for seven to 15 minutes. He told police that they panicked and left the building after hearing a beeping sound.

Some of the men claimed that they thought the officers were security guards, so they ran because they were scared.

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The band has announced a 59-date tour for 2027 that will wind through the U.S., U.K., and Europe, including a Feb. 15 stop at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

The tour will support the “Highway Tune” group’s upcoming record, “Palace for the People,” their fourth studio LP and first since 2023’s “Starcatcher.” The album is set for an Oct. 9 release, well in advance of the 2027 tour, which starts on Feb. 3 in Savannah, Ga.

It’ll be the first time the band has passed through Minnesota since a 2023 tour that brought them to Xcel Energy Center.

For their stop at the Target Center, Greta Van Fleet will have Arc De Soleil and Edgehill in the opening slots.

Tickets will be available through an artist presale starting on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. Fans can sign up for advance access through the band’s website. Tickets will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15.

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The company operates three Minnesota locations, including restaurants in Minneapolis and Roseville, but says in a social media post that changes around “the 105th Avenue development and the resulting circumstances affecting the property ultimately made continuing at this location no longer workable for us.”

The restaurant sat at 2025 105th Ave. NE, an area in the midst of significant change as the city and developers work to transform the district with the addition of new businesses, apartments, and a minor league baseball stadium.

Even the building itself has had a tumultuous year. It formerly housed Invictus Brewing as well, but the brewery sold the building in August, according to public records. While it initially planned to relocate, the brewery closed its doors in December.

The building was sold to Bader Management Inc., one of the two developers involved in the ambitious 105th Avenue redevelopment, which will be called The Farm. That project sits near the National Sports Center and will include a 250,000-square-foot Scheels store with a Ferris wheel and a stadium that will house a new American Association of Professional Baseball team.

Representatives for the company did not respond to a request for further comment on the circumstances around the closure.

Nonetheless, the Tipsy Steer may not be done with the city entirely.

“While this chapter in Blaine is coming to an end, we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to this community,” the company’s announcement states. “We’re not announcing anything today, but let’s just say we wouldn’t count Tipsy Steer out of Blaine just yet.”

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Angel Holt was on her scooter handing out invites to her upcoming party when she was hit near North 8th Avenue and Upton Avenue North in the Willard-Hay neighborhood on Sunday.

She instead celebrated the occasion in the hospital, where she remains in the pediatric intensive care unit and is facing “multiple surgeries.”

A GoFundMe has been created to support Angel’s mother, Raelinda Brown, following the crash. Money raised will go toward medical bills, transportation, food and covering time spent away from work. 

“As neighbors, we were there to witness and respond to the traumatizing accident, and we are continuing to do what we can to support Angel and her family. Angel’s mom, Rae, is a single mother,” the fundraiser reads.

“While Rae focuses on being beside Angel, she is also caring for Angel’s baby sister, Aaliyah. We want to strengthen love and hope for Rae and her daughters.” 

Brown told WCCO that she has pushed to make the area safer by adding speed bumps to Upton Avenue to prevent drivers from using it as a speedway off of Olson Memorial Highway.

Here is what’s in Sven’s video forecast:

• A chilly start: MSP finally dropped below 50-degrees a month later than normal
• A beautiful crisp fall day with lots of sun & seasonable temps Friday
• Another cool front increases clouds and winds Saturday with a few late day light rain showers
• A gorgeous Sunday for the Twin Cities Marathon & all outdoor activities
• WARMING TREND next week: highs in the 70s, possibly near 80 by next weekend?
• A pretty dry period other than Saturday’s shower chance for next 7-10 days (at least)

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St. Cloud law firm Resolute Law was enlisted in April to look into claims made by Henry, who reported that the mayor had made inappropriate comments to him and other officers, exhibited behavior that made them uncomfortable, and retaliated against them after complaints were made. The investigation was completed in mid-September, and until this week, only a two-page summary had been made available.

The brief from the city’s human resources department said the investigation found Her acted offensively and inappropriately, but it did not substantiate the allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, including that she made sexual noises while exercising in the police gym.

Though the 73-page report released Thursday is heavily redacted, it still sheds additional light on the apparent communication breakdown that started shortly after the mayor was sworn in for her first term at the beginning of January.

Her told investigators that her relationship with the St. Paul Police Department began to deteriorate in mid- to late January following two arguments about how to respond to Operation Metro Surge, which saw thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents descend on the Twin Cities, enacting an at-times brutal immigration crackdown.

The mayor said her first conflict with a police official, presumably Henry, arose after Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7 and that they argued two days later. She said their first “major argument” occurred on Jan. 12 when she asked how the police department “would draw the line in deciding whether to stand between ICE agents and residents” and that the official said they would intervene if they “saw ICE placing people in chokeholds.”

“She stated that they then had a philosophical disagreement regarding different truths and the disparate treatment of Black and Brown people,” the report reads.

According to Her, another disagreement happened after ICE agents pointed guns at legal observers on Feb. 25, and though police officers responded, they stayed about two blocks away from the scene. She said the official “repeatedly maintained that officers had responded, while she challenged whether remaining two blocks away constituted a response.”

Her also indicated that she believes some animosity among officers came from a detail hire alleging that there were rumors she handpicked that person because they were “involved in something,” as well as when she started digging into the police budget.

Here’s how Her responded to claims by Henry and other officers during the investigation:

• Her denied referring to herself as a “MILF” and said she doesn’t view herself as such.
• Her stated that she may have touched Henry’s leg but denied rubbing his leg in a sexual manner. She said people in the police department are “physically affectionate with her.”
• Her admitted to making comments about police officers being “beefy” but claimed it was “only in the context of everyone talking about their muscles and bodies.”
• Her claimed that two police officials “commented on her body every day” and said she chose not to be offended by it because she learned it was “simply the culture” of the department.
• Her admitted to sending the infamous “Weiner Wednesday” meme but claimed she did not create the text that accompanied the meme, “When she wraps you up in her blanket after you gave her a good weinering.”
• Her claimed that she always asks people for permission to hug them or ask them personal questions.
• Her maintained that no one ever told her that the photoshopped pictures that she shared were not funny and said she would have apologized and not done it again if they had.
• Her denied touching, exposing, or comparing her breasts to a female police officer.
• Her denied making any sexual noises in the gym.
• Her denied telling Henry that her marriage is ruined and said it is not ruined.
• Her explained that she believed gifts that were given to her by a police official, including an engraved cigar holder, affirmed that they were “comfortable with their joking relationship.”

In a statement Thursday, Henry and his attorney called for the release of the full unredacted report, including all emails, text messages, and other evidence.

“If the elected members of St. Paul want to do the right thing, it’s very clear,” attorney Chris Madel said. “They must call for this mayor’s immediate resignation. If they don’t, they condone sexual harassment. It’s pretty simple.”

Days after the two-page summary was released, Henry filed a lawsuit against Her and the city, accusing the mayor again of sexual harassment and retaliation.

“Axel Henry is an honorable man and a dedicated public servant,” Madel said at the time. “He didn’t come forward for attention or advantage — he came forward because what happened was wrong and needed to be reported. We look forward to proving our allegations in a court of law, where all evidence, not some sanitized summary written by the City about itself, can finally be heard.”

The St. Paul City Council voted Wednesday to temporarily hire law firm Fisher & Phillips, at a rate of up to $500 an hour, to defend Her and the city against Henry’s lawsuit.

Council members voiced frustration that they were kept in the dark about the investigation for six months but did not call for her resignation.

“I think it’s really important that she take responsibility for assuring the public that she can continue to lead the city now and into the future so that she has a functional relationship with the police department and with all the other departments in the city,” Council Member Molly Coleman said.

The final day of service for the Minneapolis restaurant arrives on Sunday, Oct. 4, an occasion that will be marked by a drink special and live music.

“Well, folks, the leaves are falling, the patio chairs are giving us that look, and our fryers have put in for some well-earned vacation. It’s time,” the restaurant writes on social media. “Come in one more time for a dozen oysters, a basket of clam fries, and some calamari tacos.”

Along with $3 Chill City Chuggers from Fulton Brewing, there will be live music from Another Heaven, Ukrainian Village Band, Bottle Rocket, Taylor James Donskey, Rusty Buckle, Liza Scott, and Nate P.

Sea Salt isn’t the only restaurant in the city’s park that is ready to call it a season. Bread and Pickle at Lake Harriet will close on Oct. 4, and The Painted Turtle at Lake Nokomis will shut down for the year on Oct. 5.

Related: After surviving a bombing, fires, and a tornado, the Heights Theater turns 100

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The City of Dayton, a suburb on the northwestern edge of the Twin Cities metro, voted in late August to suspend all automated license reader programs in the city amid wider national controversy over data privacy concerns and their misuse by law enforcement.

Around three weeks later, the city said it was made of a “maintenance work order by Flock.” On Sept. 18, the city told the company that its Flock program was on hold and no work orders were to be carried out.

“Unfortunately, the city’s direction was not followed, and the camera was placed back into service without authorization,” the city said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Staff conducted a review of locations around the city to determine if any more cameras had been reinstalled, and one more was found during that investigation.

“The police department has been notified, and both cameras will be removed promptly,” the city said.

“We appreciate the resident who brought this matter to our attention and encourage residents with questions or concerns to contact staff directly.”

Dayton is among dozens of Minnesota cities and counties that have taken steps to pause or abandon contracts with Flock in recent months amid concerns from residents, despite appeals from some in law enforcement who say the cameras help them solve crimes.

Other cities that have ditched or paused Flock cameras include Brooklyn Park, Columbia Heights, Crystal, Duluth, Fridley, North Branch, St. Paul, and Plymouth.

Bring Me The News has reached out to Flock Safety for comment on the camera reinstallation in Dayton.

Minneapolis PD named the third victim as Timitheous Thomas-Christopher Wright. Details of the victims’ ages and places of residence have not been released by police, citing government data privacy laws.

The Thursday update did confirm that Wright was driving the stolen Hyundai Elantra, which was traveling west on Southeast 4th Street when he struck and became wedged beneath a semi-trailer that was traveling south on the Interstate 35W exit ramp.

The crash was reported at 4:12 a.m., with the Elantra carrying seven teenagers, all of whom were trapped in the vehicle. As well as the three fatalities, the other four teens were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

The other two teens killed in the crash were identified on Wednesday as Calvin Robert Wolfe and Shiya Talise Sargent.

The Star Tribune on Thursday reported, citing a person familiar with the investigation, that the teens in the stolen Elantra were “coming from a fight elsewhere in the city that resulted in gunfire.”

The car had been stolen about an hour earlier from the Como neighborhood.

The semi driver was not injured in the collision, which remains under investigation.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

If you feel like it’s been around forever, you’re not far off the mark. This month, the Columbia Heights movie theater is celebrating its 100th anniversary, continually operating throughout that century of movies.

Its centennial celebration, which begins on Oct. 1, comes less than a year after Tom Letness sold the theater to the longtime owners of Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, who have taken the reins with an eye on preserving what has made the Heights an enduring cultural landmark in Minnesota.

“It is very clear to me how important The Heights is to the fabric of this community,” says general manager Jeremy Marder, who came to the Heights from the Music Box.

“That’s what I’ve been shown throughout the last year. From people coming in, telling me about stories from their childhood, movies that they remember seeing here, seeing something in a special format, watching the organ play, having weddings here. It’s so clearly a centerpiece of the Columbia Heights community.”

It’s a big legacy to take on.

Outside of the pandemic, the Heights has never closed for more than a week, according to the team, despite surviving multiple fires, a 1933 bombing, and a 1949 tornado. Oh, and don’t forget seismic shifts in the industry, the advent of streaming, and a global pandemic.

Nonetheless, it’s a legacy well-suited to the Music Box team, which stewards a Chicago theater that is only a few years younger, features a nearly century-old organ, and also has projectionists prepared for digital, 35mm, and 70mm screenings.

“We don’t want to train passive moviegoers,” Marder says. “The idea of the idle moviegoing experience, where, it’s a Friday night, I guess I’ll catch a movie. That is being replaced by staying home.

“But what’s not being replaced and what will never be replaced by streaming is attention to detail in terms of the presentation. That means formats that can’t be replicated at home. Whether or not people know that, they feel it when they walk into the space and see an organ that’s raised up five feet off the ground, a real organ that’s vibrating in the walls.”

That versatility isn’t just for movie nerds, but a new generation excited to see 35mm repertory projections or 70mm prints from directors like Christopher Nolan and Ryan Coogler.

“We are seeing a resurgence in that interest from not just cinephiles,” Marder says. “The resurgence in physical formats is being led by young people who are interested in going back and learning what vinyl does, what tape does, watching something on film.”

That’s something that the Heights offers regularly and will feature prominently in its 10-movie centennial series, which includes 35mm and 70mm presentations, as well as movies accompanied by live organ.

The series includes one movie curated from every decade the Heights has been open, starting on Thursday with Billy Wilder’s iconic “Sunset Boulevard” from 1950.

It’ll also present Harold Lloyd’s 1923 classic “Safety Last!” with a live score by house organist Ed Copeland, “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” (1966), “The Shining” (1980), and “Parasite” (2019), which Marder says played an important role in the theater’s story because its pre-pandemic popularity helped the theater survive shutdowns.

The series will run through Oct. 8, the Heights Theater’s official 100th anniversary date. Here are the movies that are part of the theater’s centennial celebration.

• Oct. 1: “Sunset Boulevard” (1950)
• Oct. 2: “The Shining” (1980)
• Oct. 3: “Pinocchio” (1940)
• Oct. 3 and 5: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975)
• Oct. 3: “The Matrix” (1999)
• Oct. 4 and 6: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966)
• Oct. 4: “It Happened One Night” (1934)
• Oct. 4: “Safety Last!” (1923)
• Oct. 5–6: “Chicago” (2002)
• Oct. 7: “Parasite” (2019)
• Oct. 8: “Babylon” (2022)

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The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin says it’s assisting the Winona County Sheriff’s Office in the search for Brian Daley, 60, of Utica, Minnesota, who was reported missing at around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

His boat was found tied off the shoreline near Merrick State Park, on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River, with preliminary information indicating that the boat had run out of gas.

“We are currently trying to account for the owner’s whereabouts and well-being,” the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office said, adding that dive and aerial teams have been deployed to assist with the search.

It’s issued an appeal to the public, asking whether anyone picked up a stranded boat near Merrick State Park, or if they they have seen someone walking in the area of the park of the nearby roads.

Anyone with information should call 608-685-4433.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Abdi Nur Salah was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty in January 2025 to his role in the $240 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, becoming the 31st individual to be sentenced for fraud crimes linked to the Minnesota nonprofit.

Salah, who KSTP reports was fired from his role with the mayor’s office when the allegations against him were announced in 2022, and several accomplices ran a nonprofit meal site called Stigma-Free International that partnered with Feeding Our Future.

After the Minnesota Department of Education announced it was no longer allowing restaurants and for-profit companies to operate food sites, Salah created Stigma-Free to operate as a nonprofit, claiming to provide meals to children during the COVID pandemic.

“Salah transferred ownership of Stigma-Free International to his co-conspirators who used it to open a number of new Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout Minnesota, including in Willmar, Mankato, St. Cloud, Waite Park, and St. Paul,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Minnesota said in a Thursday press release.

Over the 12 months between November 2020 and 2021, Salah’s co-conspirators claimed to have served almost five million meals to children through Stigma-Free sites, with Feeding Our Future paying out over $10 million in federal reimbursements to the sites.

Salah was accused of creating multiple shell companies “to receive and launder his share of the fraud proceeds,” enriching himself to the tune of over $1.6 million, which was spent on homes, real estate, and businesses.

“Abdi Nur Salah and his co-conspirators used taxpayer money meant to support hungry children to buy themselves a life of luxury,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Benni Jonsson.

“In defrauding the Federal Child Nutrition Program of more than $1.6 million, what this defendant bought himself is a federal prison sentence. We will continue to bring fraudsters to justice and defend the American taxpayer.”

Results of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) indicate that about 49% of students are proficient in reading and 45% are proficient in math. Students scored even lower in science, with 25.5% of them meeting standards.

Still, test scores held steady compared to recent years, following a significant decline in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reading and math proficiency dropped from 59% and 55%, respectively, in the 2018-19 school year to 53% and 44% in the 2020-21 school year. Since then, results have remained stagnant or changed about 1% year over year, though the reading assessment was redesigned last school year.

The Minnesota Department of Education applauded students for showing “resilience in their performance” during a challenging 2025-26 school year that was “marked by profound disruption and federal uncertainty.”

An estimated 75% of public schools reported an increase in absences this winter due to Operation Metro Surge, and 80% of administrators believe the Trump administration’s three-month immigration enforcement campaign negatively impacted students’ ability to learn.

“We’re asking more of our students and teachers,” Commissioner Willie Jett said in a statement. “In this data, we see the hard work Minnesota educators are doing to create safe and supportive learning environments and implement new, rigorous standards. We see where students are on their journey toward meeting those standards. And we see the potential for growth. The baseline students have set is encouraging, and Minnesota Department of Education is here to continue supporting educators and students.”

Additional changes to statewide testing could come as a result of a 28-member task force that’s being convened by the education department.

An online tool known as the Minnesota Report Card allows users to see MCA results and other data by school and district.

In an update, the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office says officers were initially called to conduct a welfare check at the property on Cedar Ridge Road on the outskirts of St. Peter, and arrived to find a man “with a rifle outside the residence.”

“Officers established a perimeter for containment and attempted to make contact with the male,” the sheriff’s office said.

“During this incident, the male fired several shots but he was in a location where there was no threat to the public.”

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The man was ultimately taken into custody by deputies, with the investigation into his actions ongoing.

An announcement at about 2 p.m. asked the public to avoid Cedar Ridge Road and the area of Bunker and Washington avenues in St. Peter.

The Minnesota State Patrol helicopter had been called in to provide support and was circling the area around Cedar Ridge Road.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

The St. Louis Park-based restaurant has not made a public announcement about the closure, but a representative confirmed the Sept. 27 closure to Bring Me The News.

The Loop sold the space to the owners of the Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar in Eagan, according to Ben Krsnak, executive vice president of the Eden Prairie-based Hempel Real Estate, which owns the Shops at West End.

“The Loop had strong sales, but they were looking to pass the torch to a new operator and focus on other projects,” Krsnak says. “The Mason Jar guys will be great, offering Minnesota-sourced ingredients and Sebastian Joe’s ice cream.”

The Loop at West End was part of the Rocket Restaurant Group, which also operates a Minneapolis location of The Loop, as well as Five West Kitchen + Bar in Rochester, Smoak BBQ in Rochester, and Pub 42 in New Hope. Those restaurants remain open.

Earlier this year, the restaurant was in the news after an employee was fired when they participated in the January economic blackout protest, known as the Day of Truth and Freedom, a statewide protest against the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge.

Rocket Restaurant Group addressed those concerns at the time, saying that the situation was due to an employee not giving notice before not showing up for a shift. The company said it was “committed to accommodating any employee who requested time off to participate in the demonstrations,” and allowed dozens of employees to take the day off.

“Unfortunately, misinformation surrounding this situation has resulted in hundreds of negative comments on our social media channels, a wave of manufactured one-star reviews, fraudulent online reservations, and harassment and threats directed toward our employees,” the statement said.

A representative for Rocket Restaurant Group adds that the new restaurant is targeting a February opening, which will follow a remodel. Representatives for the Mason Jar did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and have not confirmed details about whether this will be a new concept or another iteration of its Eagan restaurant.

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Indictments were announced Wednesday by Attorney General Todd Blanche, coming amid wider efforts by the Trump administration to restrict voting access due to past claims of widespread fraud, despite no evidence that voter fraud has occurred on such a scale as to change election results.

The charges brought in Minnesota pertain to 10 foreign nationals who the Department of Justice claims attempted to vote in either the 2022 mid-terms, 2024 presidential election, or 2026 primaries.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, responsible for overseeing and administering Minnesota’s elections, says the charges reaffirm that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in state elections.

“Throughout the process of registering to vote and voting, every voter affirms their eligibility multiple times under penalty of law. Violation of that law is a felony. When that law is violated, offenders must face justice, and our office will cooperate in any investigation. In these particular cases, our office complied with subpoenas for certain records as required by law,” he said.

“Minnesota is widely known for outstanding voter participation, election security, and overall election administration. These indictments affirm the fact that noncitizen voting is a vanishingly rare crime. If these indictments result in convictions, that will amount to ten individuals over a period in which around 8.5 million votes were cast in Minnesota.”

The following individuals are facing charges:

• Bhator Konah Bryant, 61, a Liberian national, on one count of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote, registering to vote on Oct.18, 2024.
• Edvile Vaidoto Edmunds, 59, a Lithuanian national, on one count of voting by alien, allegedly casting a vote in the 2022 mid-terms on Nov. 8, 2022.
• Joshua Frederick Kofi Edzie, 63, a Ghanaian national, on two counts of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote and one count of voting by alien. He is alleged to have voted illegally during the primaries on Aug. 11, 2026, and falsely claimed United States citizenship in order to vote on Oct. 23, 2024 and Aug. 11, 2026.
• Alan Barbu Kargbo, 48, a Liberian national, on one count of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote and one count of voting by alien. He is alleged to have voted illegally as an alien in Minnesota and falsely claimed United States citizenship in order to vote on Nov. 5, 2024.
• Paul Kras, 78, a German national, on one count of voting by alien. He is alleged to have voted illegally as an alien in Minnesota on Nov. 5, 2024.
• Fadil Rasim Ozegovic, 58, a Bosnian national, on one count of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote and one count of voting by alien. He is alleged to have voted illegally as an alien in Minnesota and falsely claimed United States citizenship in order to vote on Nov. 5, 2024.
• Aparecido Donizetti Padovan, 62, a Brazilian national, on one count of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote and one count of voting by alien. He is alleged to have voted illegally as an alien in Minnesota and falsely claimed United States citizenship in order to vote on Nov. 5, 2024.
• Chris Adam Pettiquoi, 43, a Liberian national, on one count of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote and one count of voting by alien. He is alleged to have voted illegally as an alien in Minnesota and falsely claimed United States citizenship in order to vote on Nov. 5, 2024.
• Christian Liam Schenk, 47, a Canadian national, on one count of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote and one count of voting by alien. He is alleged to have voted illegally as an alien in Minnesota and falsely claimed United States citizenship in order to vote on Nov. 5, 2024.
• Hester Sophia Weihmann, 69, a South African national, on one count of making a false claim of citizenship in order to vote and one count of voting by alien. She is alleged to have voted illegally as an alien in Minnesota and falsely claimed United States citizenship in order to vote on Nov. 5, 2024.

Earlier this year, ProPublica reported that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota received a notice from the federal government to prioritize investigations into noncitizen voting, amid unverified claims from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), an investigative branch of ICE, that hundreds of thousands of noncitizens were casting ballots and impacting elections.

Despite this, only 150 alleged noncitizen voters were referred for prosecution between January 2025 and May 2026, and only 41 of those were charged with voter fraud or election crimes.

The statement from the Trump administration says the 10 indictments approved by grand juries this week is the result of investigations by HSI.

“Voting in American elections is a privilege of American citizenship,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “Stealing that privilege is a crime. When, in order to obtain a ballot, a non-citizen swears he or she is a citizen, we will prosecute.”

Falsely claiming citizenship to vote can lead to up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Voting as a noncitizen carries up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

The company’s first full-price Adidas shop in the state opens on Oct. 1. It is a version of its latest retail concept, with familiar Adidas products as well as space tailored to Minnesota residents.

It features distinct shopping areas, offering a blend of Adidas Originals and its Badge of Sport collection inside a 9,161-square-foot retail space. However, it’s the City Shop and Made For You areas that make the concept unique.

In the City Shop, Adidas will offer a selection of footwear and clothing focused on Minnesota, including what’s being called the “Anthony Edwards Shop” that centers around the Timberwolves star.

Meanwhile, the Made For You experience presents the chance to personalize products, including the option to add patches, charms, and heat-pressings.

“This best-in-class retail experience will offer our guests an innovative way to engage with the brand through product, customization, and immersive storytelling, creating a shopping experience that reflects the future of retail,” says Carrie Charleston, vice president and head of leasing at the Mall of America.

The new Adidas store opens at Level 2, East on Oct. 1.

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The Workers Drive Minneapolis ordinance passed by a 7-6 vote on Thursday, coming amid the potential arrival of autonomously operated taxi firms such as Google-owned Waymo, Amazon-owned Zoox, and Tesla-owned Cybercab in the Twin Cities.

The narrow margin of the vote left the ordinance at risk of a veto from Frey, who has previously been critical of the proposal, saying regulation should come at the state level, with the council likely to fall short of the 9 votes required to overturn such a veto.

A veto subsequently followed on Thursday afternoon, with Frey saying: “Requiring a driver in a driverless car doesn’t make sense. Minneapolis is open for business, open to innovate technology, and open to a variety of transportation options. Thoughtful regulation for safety is necessary, but not through a backdoor ban.”

The ordinance was proposed in an effort to protect the roles of the estimated 10,000 rideshare drivers operating in the city, who faced losing their jobs and income with the advent of driverless taxi services.

The legislation was introduced by City Council Minority Leader Robin Wonsley, Council Vice President Jamal Osman, Council Member Jason Chavez, and Council Member Aurin Chowdhury, who argued that without regulation at the state level, Minneapolis is “vulnerable to all the negative impacts of commercial AVs without any regulations, enforcement, or accountability mechanisms.”

“Unless the City takes immediate action, thousands of rideshare drivers and their families could begin to lose income to big tech companies and their commercial AVs, which unlike rideshare companies are not currently regulated by the City,” read a memo detailing the ordinance.

“I’m calling on Mayor Frey to sign this ordinance. Don’t veto immigrant jobs. Don’t veto working families. This is about choosing local jobs over Silicon Valley,” said City Council Vice President Jamal Osman.

Romanucci & Blandin announced a pair of civil lawsuits Thursday, with its founding partner declaring that “the day of accountability has arrived for our own U.S. government and its governmental agencies ICE and CBP.”

“Our country cannot tolerate unjustified and excessive use of force – let alone deadly force – on ordinary people who are exercising their rights under the Constitution,” Antonio M. Romanucci said during a news conference.

“Let me tell you, ICE and CBP are not above the Constitution. Federal agents do not get a free pass to use excessive force against ordinary people exercising their rights. There is no such thing as impunity when it comes to violating protected rights. When government power crosses the line, there must be accountability, and our government is not exempt from the rule of law.”

“Our government is killing our citizens without any legal justification,” he continued. “Folks, we live in a democracy, not a dictatorship.”

Good’s family enlisted the Chicago-based law firm shortly after the 37-year-old mother of three was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by ICE agent Jonathan Ross near Portland Avenue and 34th Street.

Video of the incident shows that Good was blocking one lane of Portland Avenue during an apparent ICE operation, and was trying to drive away from the scene when Ross opened fire multiple times, calling her a “f****** b****” as she crashed into parked vehicles nearby.

The Trump administration initially sought to blame Good, alleging that she tried to “ram” the agent despite video contradicting that narrative.

The lawsuits allege wrongful death, conspiracy and other violations in Good’s killing. They were filed on behalf of Good’s widow, Becca, and her brother, Brent Ganger, trustee for the next of kin, both of whom spoke during the news conference Thursday.

“Accountability and change – true accountability and change – is the only way to make sure no other family has to go through what we have,” Becca Good said.

The federal government is accused of committing unconstitutional acts during Operation Metro Surge under the guise of an effort to deport the “worst of the worst” undocumented immigrants.

“What happened went far beyond that scope,” Romanucci said. “It ensnared an inexcusable number of good and decent people, including Renee Good. The world was stunned by what they saw on Jan. 7; our government normalizing and neutralizing what our eyes saw.”

One of the lawsuits claims Operation Metro Surge was the “direct product” of President Donald Trump’s “unmistakable animus” towards Somali people, and was a coordinated campaign to target Somalis and Latinos in Minnesota and silence anyone who protested, including legal observers such as Good.

It names several Trump officials who allegedly conspired to interfere with civil rights, including former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, border czar Tom Homan, former ICE director Todd Lyons, and former Border Patrol leader Gregory Bovino.

Ross and 10 additional federal agents identified as “John Doe” are accused of violating the Fourth Amendment, which protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, and Homeland Security’s use-of-force policies, including one that prohibits agents from shooting someone to stop them from fleeing.

“We are focused on the extraordinary overreach of the federal government and federal agents who have used aggressive tactics that ignore well-established protocols and training for law enforcement officers, and used excessive and unnecessary force, causing countless U.S. citizens and legal residents to become collateral damage,” Romanucci said.

Ross still hasn’t been charged criminally in Good’s death, but the hope is that her family’s civil lawsuits lead to criminal charges.

Romanucci & Blandin previously represented George Floyd’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis, former MPD officer Derek Chauvin, and three others charged in his death, and secured a record $27 million settlement.

The St. Louis Park Police Department says it was called at around 6 p.m. to Highway 100 and Highway 7 on a report of a shooting.

Officers arrived and found a man with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, which followed a shooting that “appears to have been between occupants of multiple vehicles.”

The incident forced the temporary closure of southbound Hwy. 100 between Hwy. 7 and Excelsior Boulevard during the Wednesday evening rush hour.

No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning. Anyone with information is asked to call St. Louis Park PD at 952-924-2600, or leave a tip at Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.

Here is what’s in Sven’s video forecast:

• Latest drought monitor report
• Cooler, breezy today with decreasing clouds after a warm, humid end of September
• Finally dropping below 50-degrees at MSP TONIGHT… a month later than normal.
• Crisp, fall air remains through early next week
• Signs of some summer-warmth late next week?

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Nic Hayes-Johnson — a Red Lake Falls nurse and EMT student — was involved in a head-on crash on Sunday night, leaving her with serious injuries. She was airlifted to Fargo following the crash and remains in the hospital. 

Hayes-Johnson’s family recently created a GoFundMe to support her as she recovers. 

According to the fundraiser, the crash left Hayes Johnson with a broken femur, broken hip, several broken ribs, a cut on her liver, bruised kidneys and a severe concussion. She underwent surgery to repair her leg on Monday.  

Her concussion also left her with memory problems, the GoFundMe adds. 

Hayes-Johnson’s children have been staying with a family member during her recovery.  The GoFundMe is raising money to cover medical expenses, travel and household bills as Hayes-Johnson remains unable to work. 

“Nic is a full-time nurse, is pursuing her EMT degree so she can volunteer with RLF EMS, and is also a full-time mom,” the GoFundMe reads. “She spends her life caring for other people, and right now, she is the one who needs to be cared for.” 

“While Nic focuses on healing, the financial reality of this situation continues to grow. Medical expenses, travel, household bills, and the everyday expenses of caring for a family do not stop simply because life has been turned upside down.

“We have created this fund to help take some of that financial burden off Nic and her family while she faces a long recovery and is unable to work.”

As of Thursday, the fundraiser had reached around $2,400 of its $13,000 goal.

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