KTOE Noon News 9-23-25
Top Stories for Noon 9-23-25:
- The Minnesota D-N-R, Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Forest Service have expanded a biological control program to slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB). Since 2010, three species of non-stinging wasps have been released at 55 sites statewide. These wasps target E-A-B at different life stages and are safe for humans and the environment. This summer, over 5 thousand wasps were released across 200 acres in the Chippewa National Forest, totaling 84 hundred over two years. No new infestations have been reported in the forest. E-A-B, first found in Minnesota in 2009, kills ash trees by feeding under the bark. The state is home to an estimated 1 billion ash trees, with many more in urban areas.
- Students gathered at Turning Point U-S-A’s first event since the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk had been scheduled to speak at the University of Minnesota before he was shot and killed on September 10th in Utah. Author and commentator Michael Knowles headlined Monday’s event at Northrop Auditorium, stepping in for Kirk. More than 15 hundred students and supporters packed the venue for the sold-out gathering. Kirk was remembered as a defining conservative voice of his generation and a key organizer credited with helping President Trump secure re-election.
- The Westwood Elementary School community is mourning the loss of a young student following a medical emergency last week. Authorities say first responders were called to the school after a report of a student who was not breathing. The child, a 7-year-old boy, later passed away. School officials confirmed the student’s death in a statement released Monday. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the district says no further details will be shared at this time.
- Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old student at Annunciation Catholic School, is making what her family calls a “miraculous” recovery after being shot in the head during the mass shooting last month. Her family shared an update through Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC), stating doctors say she’s “showing promising neurological signs” and will soon move from H-C-M-C to inpatient rehab. Her family credits prayer and divine intervention from Jesus Christ for her survival and healing, calling her a warrior. Two children were killed and 21 others were injured in the August 27th attack.
- A Rochester man is facing serious charges after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl. According to a criminal complaint filed Monday in Olmsted County Court, Rochester police launched an investigation last week after the victim disclosed the relationship to her family. 47-year-old Elijah Newbloom is now charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The complaint states the victim, who is currently 16 years old, told her family that the relationship began when she was just 14.
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Juvenile female rescued from North Mankato house fire passes away
- Former Senator, Democrat Nicole Mitchell, will spend only 180 days in prison for burglarizing her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home. A Becker County judge sentenced Mitchell this morning (TUES) to the roughly 6-month work release, plus five years of supervised probation. She received a stayed 21-month prison term, which she’ll only serve if she violates probation. Mitchell admitted guilt in court, saying, “I deserve to be here today.” Her attorney had requested the felony charges be reduced to misdemeanors.
