>>Repubs blame Walz, Dems for “stuck” student test scores
(St. Paul, MN) — “A warning to every parent,” say top Minnesota Republicans about the latest round of statewide testing (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, MCAs) that show student scores remain static, with only about half of students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards in reading and math. State Education Department officials say achievement gaps, among the largest in the nation, also persisted — but they note that statewide, over 74 percent of students attended school at least 90 percent of the time in 2023, up from about 70 percent the year before. Commissioner Willie Jett says, “We are proud of the work our educators have done to… boost attendance and make sure students feel welcomed and supported. ” But Republican Senator Julia Coleman from Waconia says “despite record increases in funding and better attendance, testing scores are stuck.” She says Governor Tim Walz and Democrats at the legislature “have not given teachers and schools the flexibility and accountability they need to get our kids back on track.”
>>Severe weather possible again this afternoon, evening
(Chanhassen, MN) — There’s a chance of severe thunderstorms again this afternoon and evening (Thurs pm) across Minnesota. National Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Dunleavy says the main threats are damaging winds around 60 to 65 miles an hour and one-inch hail. Dunleavy says an isolated tornado is possible in western Minnesota. Some parts of the state had significant damage from storms packing strong winds Monday night and Tuesday morning.
>>Vance booed at firefighters convention in Boston, day after Walz spoke
(Boston, MA) — The day after Democratic V-P candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the group in Boston, Republican rival J-D Vance was met with boos as he took the stage at the International Association of Firefighters convention. Vance got a more friendly reception when he said firefighters were threatened by a “rabid mob,” partly because “people like Tim Walz invited those rioters into Minneapolis.” “We’re gonna put criminals behind bars,” he said, “And we will always stand with the courageous firefighters and the first responders who keep this country safe every single day.” But Vance was soundly booed when said he and Trump are “the most pro-worker Republican ticket in history.” Walz told union members yesterday (Wed) he and Vice President Kamala Harris will fight to protect firefighters’ benefits, compensation and safe working conditions. The group cheered and applauded when he pledged, “President Harris will sign the PRO Act, making it easier for unions to organize.”
>>First joint interview of Walz and Harris tonight
(Undated) — The first joint interview this afternoon (Thurs) for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, which will air tonight (8pm CT) on C-N-N. Republicans have been accusing Harris of avoiding interviews since she received the Democratic nomination. Carleton College analyst Steven Schier says there will be difficult questions about allegations that Harris has changed her position on significant issues, such as the border wall and fracking. He says Harris will have to be “on her best game” and she’ll need Walz’s help to make the interview a success.
>> Trump at town hall tonight in La Crosse
(La Crosse, WI) — Former President Trump is in La Crosse, Wisconsin tonight (Thursday) for a town hall meeting moderated by former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. His campaign is employing the same tactics Democrats used at their national convention in Chicago, when they featured a number of ex-Republicans supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Gabbard, from Hawaii, vied early-on for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, left the party about two years later, and earlier this month endorsed Trump.
>>MN A-G Ellison warning distributors and retailers, don’t sell unauthorized vapes that target minors
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is sending letters to five thousand distributors and retailers, reminding them of state and federal laws that ban sale of unauthorized e-cigs and nicotine pouches — in particular, ones that imitate candy, beverages or school supplies commonly marketed to minors. Ellison says they “really want to get compliance. Sort of our last resort is to have to take legal action.” Mahtomedi High School senior Mason Schultz says for the most part it’s vape and tobacco shops selling to his friends and classmates. He says, “I’ve had friends. I don’t know if I can say their names… They started back in 8th grade…. It’s drained their money. It’s led to their mental health deteriorating. They can’t operate in school. All they think about is the buzz.” Schultz says some people he knows have switched to marijuana or cocaine “just to get that buzz that nicotine once gave ’em.” Officials say some on-line sellers do basically nothing to verify the buyer’s age. They say another problem is older friends and siblings providing e-cigs to minors.
>>U-of-M football Gophers open season tonight at Huntington Bank Stadium, kickoff one hour later due to severe weather
(Minneapolis, MN) — Severe weather has pushed kick-off back to 8 p-m tonight (Thurs) as the U-of-M football Gophers open their season in Minneapolis against North Carolina. U of M athletic director Mark Coyle says, “I’m excited to play. I think we’re athletic. I think we’re gonna catch people by surprise this year. I don’t think we’re getting much love in the preseason polls, which is fine. What I love about college athletics is, you got to play the games.” Kickoff is 8 P-M at Huntington Bank Stadium. Gopher fans are asked to wear gold attire, as this game is a “Gold Out.”
>>MN Aurora FC wants to become “Team of 10,000 Owners”
(Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Aurora FC, the largest community-owned women’s soccer team in the U.S., is looking to become the “Team of 10,000 Owners.” Aurora is opening a new round of community ownership shares just weeks after pulling out of becoming a professional team. The club currently has 3,080 owners as of 2021. Shares are $50 each, with a minimum of $100 offering exclusive perks. Money from the newest round of investors will fund Aurora’s year-round team operations.
>>St. Louis County authorities investigating deadly house fire near Duluth
(Midway Township, MN) — Authorities in St. Louis County continue investigating after a deadly house fire 11 days ago on old Highway 61 west of Duluth. Firefighters from Proctor, Hermantown, Solway, Esko and the Minnesota Air National Guard battled the flames for two hours on August 18th. Sheriff’s deputies say a victim believed to be 61-year-old Michael O’Neil was found dead in the living room. O’Neil’s house is considered a total house and investigators say the fire does not appear to be suspicious. No one else was injured.
