KTOE Noon News 9-15-25

Top Stories for Noon 9-15-25:

• Mankato Department of Public Safety responds to early morning house fire on Lincoln Street

• Average gasoline prices in Minnesota have dropped by 8.9 cents per gallon over the past week, now averaging $3.03. Nationally, the average price of gasoline has declined by 3.6 cents, bringing it to $3.12 per gallon. Meanwhile, the national average price of diesel has fallen by 2.6 cents compared to last week, currently standing at $3.65 per gallon. According to GasBuddy, the seasonal switch to cheaper winter-blend gasoline begins tomorrow(Tues) across much of the country. The company anticipates that prices will continue to trend downward in the coming weeks—provided hurricane season remains quiet.
• The first gun violence prevention working group hearing is underway at the Minnesota Senate Building. The group is made up of senators, both Republicans and Democrats. Today’s hearing will include 13 proposals ranging from banning assault rifles and binary triggers to firearm and school safety, and increasing the penalties for impersonating a police officer. Eight lawmakers are scheduled to unveil their proposals in what is expected to be a three-hour hearing. The next hearing to discuss these proposals is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
• Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is touting the endorsement of Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey in her run for U-S Senate. Flanagan’s campaign says Markey is a pillar of the progressive movement and has spent his entire career taking on special interests on behalf of working people. Flanagan also has the endorsements of fellow progressives, including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, former U.S. Senator Al Franken, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Flanagan and Congresswoman Angie Craig are the frontrunners for the DFL nomination next year.

• Gibbon Man Suffers Minor Injuries in Single Vehicle Rollover Crash Saturday

• Buffalo Lake Man Suffers Serious Injuries in Motorcycle Accident Monday

• Twenty-two people are accused of paying for sex with children in Blaine. Authorities say the sting operation involved officers posing as an underage girl while communicating through text messages with over 460 individuals. The 22 suspects then traveled to a designated spot with the intent of paying to have sex with a juvenile. The defendant was arrested and charged with solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct. The suspects were later released with a future court date. The two-day sting operation took place on September 3rd and 4th.