State News

Cottage Grove, MN (Learfield)  --  Cottage Grove police say a 15-year-old Park High School student who was arrested had shoved, punched and bitten school staff members last week. The teen's name hasn't been released because he is a juvenile...

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Diocese of New Ulm has filed for bankruptcy protection, becoming the 14th diocese nationwide to file for reorganization after claims of sexual abuse by clergy.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A central Minnesota homeowner who killed two teenagers who broke into his home on Thanksgiving Day 2012 is claiming his life sentence is unconstitutional and he's asking to be released.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — A Moorhead man is accused of torturing and killing three cats.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ten incoming college freshmen will be chosen to participate in a seven-year program that guarantees acceptance into the University of Minnesota medical school. The Minnesota Daily reports that school leaders started the new program to ensure that students work as physicians in the state after graduation...

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Leaders of a Minnesota nonprofit that works to help Somali youth knew the stakes were high when they rejected $500,000 in federal funds this month. Ka Joog executive director Mohamed Farah says the group is proud of its decision...

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Walz says he's weighing a bid for Minnesota governor.

Bemidji, MN (Learfield) -- A 39-year-old man is scheduled to be sentenced February 24th in the death of his foster child who drowned in a shower at their home in Bemidji.

Minneapolis, MN -- The leader of a Muslim civil rights group in Minnesota says his organization is taking a new approach to countering hateful messages - and he's asking non-Muslims to get involved. Jaylani Hussein is executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations...

HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) — A southeastern Minnesota sheriff's department will resume collecting DNA samples from people who have been charged with certain violent crimes but have not yet been convicted.

Mankato, MN (Learfield)  --  Based on information given by a friend, investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension think a 33-year-old teacher shot to death by a Mankato police officer may have been high on drugs at the time.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota will not ask prospective students about felony convictions starting in fall 2018 after pressure from student leaders and the Obama administration. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that vice provost Bob McMaster says asking future students about their criminal history can discourage them from finishing their application, and that felons who are admit

Minneapolis, MN (Learfield) -- Although Macy's hasn't confirmed it will close its massive downtown Minneapolis property, the Ohio-based retailer is said to be in talks with a developer.  Stock holders want Macy's to sell. Published reports in October indicated it was looking to close the store, or at least downsize its operation...

Denver, CO (Learfield)  --  Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison says he may leave his post in the House of Representatives to become chairman of the Democratic National Committee.   Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean surprised a group of state Democratic Party chairs in Denver when he announced he wouldn't seek to hold onto the chairmanship...