>>Heat index over 110 degrees in parts of Minnesota
(Various) — This first Monday of the State Fair has met predictions for a real sizzler, with a heat index around 105 degrees in Saint Paul. Heat indices are well over the 100-degree mark in southeast, south-central and a good part of southwest Minnesota. Topping the list: Saint James and Preston at 118 degrees. The Weather Service says the heat will break, but severe storms are possible first. A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect earlier for west-central Minnesota and tornadoes are possible. What forecasters say will be a “pretty potent” cold front could bring severe storms early tomorrow (Tues). Much cooler by Wednesday, with highs in the lower 70s to lower 80s, except in the mid 60s near Lake Superior.
>>Trump, Vance to campaign in Wisconsin this week
(Various — Former President Donald Trump will be just across the southeast Minnesota border in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Thursday evening for a town hall, and running mate J-D Vance campaigns in the Green Bay area the day before. Meanwhile Minnesota D-F-L Party Chairman Ken Martin says Minnesotans’ “overwhelming enthusiasm for the Harris-Walz ticket” has fueled record-breaking merchandise sales at their booth during the first four days of the State Fair. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz kick off a bus tour Wednesday in Georgia.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says what he’s noticed at the State Fair is that voters are engaged earlier than usual and seem to be paying attention. He says, “We have a booth in the Grandstand where we register people to vote, offer people the chance to check their registration status and the like, and the traffic just at our booth has been off the charts.” Early voting by mail or in person begins September 20th in Minnesota.
>>Students to protest against proposed U-of-M “neutrality policy” on investments
(Minneapolis, MN) — Students demanding the University of Minnesota pull its investments out of companies associated with Israel plan to protest outside tomorrow’s early morning (730am) emergency meeting, when the Board of Regents considers a “neutrality policy” saying social issues cannot factor into investment decisions. U-of-M junior Fae Hodges with Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) says, “It’s a shame that the Board thinks that having the maximum amount of money is more important than upholding the values that they state are the core of this university.” Regents Chair Janie Mayeron says even if the U-of-M community were not divided on the topic of divestment, the feasibility of doing it in the current financial environment is “complicated and… nearly impossible.” Mayeron’s proposed policy acknowledges divestment “may be appropriate in rare cases” of “fundamental incompatibility with the University’s mission and values” and “broad consensus within the University community and beyond.”
>>7-Second Rule for Pets During Excessive Heat Warning
(Undated) — While most people know about the five-second rule, vets and animal advocates alike ask Minnesotans follow the seven-second rule today (MON) due to the excessive heat warning. Before taking your pet out for a walk, place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Officials also recommend getting your pet plenty of hydration and limiting outdoor time when the heat index is this high.
>>16 New U.S. Citizens, State Fair Naturalization Ceremony
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Sixteen immigrants became United States citizens at the State Fair today (MON) during the annual naturalization ceremony. Minnesota District Chief Federal Judge Patrick Schiltz, whose grandparents came to the U.S. as immigrants, celebrated afterward with the newest citizens and their families in front of the International Bazaar stage.
>>St. Paul Man Drowns in Wolf Lake
(Balsam, MN) — A St. Paul man drowned but his cousin survived a Saturday mishap on a northern Minnesota lake. Aitkin County deputies went Wolf Lake in Balsam Township, an hour southeast of Grand Rapids, around 9 p.m. on a report of a missing canoer. The 911 call reported two cousins were on the lake when their canoe capsized. One man made it to the shore but the other panicked and went underwater. Divers found the body of Htoo Shwe 20 minutes. Authorities say both men had been drinking alcohol, and neither was wearing a life jacket.
>>Moorhead Woman Cited for DUI in Fargo Crash
(Fargo, ND) — A Moorhead woman was cited for driving under the influence of drugs following a crash on I-94 in Fargo this morning (MON). The Highway Patrol says around 8:40 a.m., 37-year-old Sheena Kelly ran into the back of a pickup with a utility trailer. Kelly suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The pickup driver and two passengers were unharmed.
>>2 MN Red Lobster Locations Have Closed Due to Company Bankruptcy
(Undated) — Two of Minnesota’s ten Red Lobster locations have shut down after restaurant chain filed for bankruptcy and closed over 50 locations nationwide in May. Locations closed include Golden Valley and Maple Grove. Minnesota locations open are in Blaine, Bloomington, Burnsville, Duluth, Mankato, Maplewood, Oakdale, Rochester, Roseville, and St. Cloud.
>>Foley Police Search for Missing Diabetic Man Without Medication
(Foley, MN) — The police department in Foley in east-central Minnesota is asking for the public’s help finding a missing man. 40-year-old Joshua Woolsey was last seen August 9th wearing a Fox racing shirt, tan cargo shorts, and flip-flops. He’s white, 5-7, 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Woolsey is diabetic without his medication. He’s believed to be in the Twin Cities area. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
>>Minnesota man fatally struck by vehicle in northwest Wisconsin
(Minong, WI) — Authorities in northwest Wisconsin say a Minnesota man is dead after he was hit by vehicle Sunday night in Washburn County. The Wisconsin State Patrol says 20-year-old Gregorio Crespo Pastuna from Minneapolis was standing in the roadway on Highway 63 when he was struck and died at the scene. Troopers say Crespo Pastuna was dressed in dark clothing at the time. The report says the driver was not under the influence of alcohol.
>>Authorities ID Pedestrian Killed in Anoka County Crash
(Blaine, MN) — A pedestrian from Princeton is the victim of a deadly crash Saturday morning in Anoka County. The Minnesota State Patrol says 27-year-old Randy Bjurstrom was walking in the lanes of traffic on Highway 47 in Blaine when he was struck by a car. Despite life-saving aid he was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers say the driver wasn’t hurt and was not impaired.
>>MPD Chief O’Hara Joins PERF as Secretary
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara joins six other chiefs and officers on the Board of Directors for the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Washington, D.C.-based PERF is the country’s “preeminent independent research organization that addresses critical issues in policing.” M-P-D Chief O’Hara says he’s confident his role as PERF’s Secretary will “benefit our department and Minneapolis residents.” Other PERF board members hail from Tennessee, California, Missouri, Illinois, North Carolina, and Canada.
