>>St. Paul Mayor Says Harassment, Retaliation Allegations Unsubstantiated
(St. Paul, MN) — St. Paul Mayor Kaohly (Kuh-Lee) Her says an outside investigation found allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation against her were unsubstantiated. The investigation began after Police Chief Axel Henry filed a formal complaint earlier this year alleging inappropriate conduct toward city employees. Her says the investigation did find that some of her communications were too informal and crossed lines under the city’s workplace conduct policy. She apologized for causing discomfort and says she will comply with recommended corrective steps. The full investigative report has not been publicly released.
>>Ellison Issues Updated Voting-Rights Guidance as Minnesota Voting Begins
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is reminding voters of their legal protections as absentee voting begins today for the November 3rd general election. The Attorney General’s Office released updated guidance covering voter intimidation, election misinformation, assistance for voters and interference at polling places. Minnesotans can now cast absentee ballots by mail or in person through November 2nd. The Secretary of State says ballots returned by mail must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Ellison says voters who experience problems can contact the Secretary of State’s Office at 1-877-600-VOTE.
>>Minnesota Federal Judge Criticizes Immigration Enforcement Operation
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota’s chief federal judge says the government’s actions during last winter’s Operation Metro Surge created what he called a “grave threat to the rule of law.” Judge Patrick Schiltz told The New York Times Minnesota’s federal courts were overwhelmed by more than one thousand challenges to immigration detentions. Schiltz had previously criticized ICE for repeatedly failing to comply with court orders. The Justice Department criticized the judges for discussing the administration publicly and said it would continue to comply with court orders.
>>Driver Arrested After Truck Crashes into Rochester Business
(Rochester, MN)—A driver was arrested on suspicion of DWI after a truck crashed into a Rochester business Thursday night. The truck struck the Viking Electric building. People were inside the building at the time, but no injuries were reported. The driver was taken into custody following the crash. Police are continuing to investigate.
>>Minnesota Exports Rebound as Tariff Concerns Persist
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota exports rebounded during the second quarter despite continued uncertainty over U.S. trade policy. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek says exports of Minnesota goods increased 14 percent compared with the same period last year, following several quarters of declines. Varilek says future trade could be affected by the escalating tariff dispute between the U.S. and Canada. Minnesota officials say the state’s Trade Office will continue working to maintain strong business relationships with Canadian partners.
>>New Bird Flu Cases in Minnesota
(Undated) – Three more Minnesota poultry operations have been hit by bird flu. Avian influenza took a three-and-a-half-month break over the summer, but it has returned. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says on September 15th a commercial meat bird operation flock of 55,701 was hit in Big Stone County. On September 10th bird flu was diagnosed in a flock of 44,352 turkey meat birds in Becker County, and a commercial breeding operation with 18,000 birds was hit in Otter Tail County. Experts believe the bird flu is carried by wild birds as they migrate south in the fall and return in the spring.
>>I-394 Eastbound Closed This Weekend in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — Drivers heading into downtown Minneapolis will face a major detour this weekend. Eastbound I-394 is closed from Highway 100 to downtown through 5 a.m. Monday. Traffic will be detoured to Highway 169 and eastbound I-94. Westbound I-394 will remain open. MnDOT says the closure is part of a project repairing more than 30 bridges and ramps along I-394 and I-94.
>>Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum Plans Civil War Saturday
(Little Falls, MN) — The Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum is bringing the state’s Civil War history to life next weekend. Civil War Saturday is September 26th and will feature artillery and infantry demonstrations, historic exhibits, period photography and guided tours of the museum’s Civil War Gallery. Visitors can also meet a President Lincoln reenactor, participate in military drills and take bus tours to the original Fort Ripley site. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
