>>Vikings trade for Arizona QB Dobbs to fill gap from Cousins’ season-ending injury
(Eagan, MN) — The Vikings traded for Arizona quarterback Joshua Dobbs today (Tues) to add depth to a position of need after Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury. Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell says Dobbs will serve in a support role this weekend, with fellow back-up Jaren Hall getting the start in Sunday’s game at Atlanta. O’Connell says Hall has earned the shot. The Vikings gave up two late-round draft picks in 2024 to acquire Dobbs. Minnesota also traded offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland to Jacksonville for a 2024 sixth-round pick.
>>Authorities searching for sex offender who escaped from Watonwan County Jail
(St. James, MN) — Authorities in south central Minnesota continue searching for a man convicted of domestic abuse and third-degree criminal sexual conduct who escaped from the Watonwan County Jail Monday night. Deputies say they haven’t located 46-year-old Leonardo Lopez Junior despite search efforts by multiple agencies. Investigators are asking area residents to review any camera footage they have to see if there’s anything suspicious. Anyone with information about Lopez should call 9-1-1 or local law enforcement, but not approach him.
>>Longtime Voice of MN Twins Dick Bremer Retires from Post
(Minneapolis, MN) — Longtime TV voice of the Minnesota Twins announced today (TUES) he’s stepping away from the microphone after 40 years. Announcer Dick Bremer plans to move to a special assistant role in the Twins’ front office, with the club assuring that “Bremer continues as an ambassador of MN Twins baseball.” Bremer began play-by-play commentary for the Twins in 1983, only taking one year off — making him the longest-tenured TV broadcaster for a single team in Major League Baseball. The team says they’re currently evaluating broadcast options for the 2024 season and beyond.
>>Republicans point to forecast cost overruns for paid family/medical leave program
(St. Paul, MN) — Republicans say a just-released report shows the state’s not-yet-implemented paid family and medical leave program will cost at least 600 million dollars more during its first three years of operation, with tax rates 31 percent higher by year two. House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth warns it’s not sustainable. “Here we sit,” Demuth says, “Higher than expected costs, it’s a mandate on all businesses, but there is time to bring some fixes to this. Democratic Senator Alice Mann from Edina responds costs are well within the guardrails of the bill and paid family/medical leave is “absolutely sustainable.” She says, “This is a small price to pay so that 128 thousand Minnesotans in that first year don’t have to choose between staying in their jobs and taking care of their new baby, or taking care of themselves when they become ill.” Mann says the additional cost is 400 million dollars, not the 600-plus that Republicans claim.
>>Body of missing U-of-M student found, circumstances unclear
(Undated) — The 19-year-old University of Minnesota student missing since October 21st has been found dead, though it’s not clear from various media reports how or when he died. Sumith Maddi of Eagan was reported missing around 2:40 a.m., with University Campus police asking for the public’s help finding him the next day. In Maddi’s obituary, his parents say he died the day he went missing, but cause of death is unclear. A Facebook post from Bruce Legacy, a drowning search-and-recovery volunteer organization in Wisconsin, says last Friday they helped the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office search the Mississippi River, where Maddi’s body was found. Funeral services were held Monday. University Campus Police tweeted that Maddi was no longer missing but made no further comments.
>>Lake City will host 2024 Governor’s Fishing Opener next May
(Lake City, MN) — The announcement today (Tues): Lake City in southeast Minnesota will host the 2024 Governor’s Fishing Opener in May. The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry, and in recent years has served as a kick-off celebration for the summer tourism season. Lake City, nestled on the shores of Lake Pepin, offers 85 different species of fish populating the waters. Anglers from all over travel to this scenic area, known for its abundant walleye, sauger, pike, perch, and white bass populations. Anglers contribute around 4.4 billion dollars to the state’s economy.
>>Trick-or-treat cautions tonight
(Undated) — Be extra careful when trick-or-treating with young children tonight. Dr. James Miner with the University of Minnesota Medical School says don’t assume cars will stop when you’re crossing the street. If you’re in a crosswalk, wait until approaching vehicles completely stop. And Dr. Miner says, “Also with your kids understand that they’re going to be acting a little different than usual because they have a costume on. So they are going to be acting out the character they are dressed as. They are going to be a little outside their normal thing so they might not be as responsive to your direction as normal.” Dr. Miner encourages you to add reflective material to your child’s costume so they’re easier to see in the dark, and dress warmly to combat the chilly weather.
>>Walz authorizes emergency assistance for seven counties hit by spring flooding
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has authorized emergency state assistance for seven counties across Minnesota hit by flooding last April. They are: Cass, Itasca, Lyon, Polk, Ramsey, Redwood and Washington counties. The governor says the state’s emergency management team is coordinating closely with those counties to address damage from this year’s spring floods.
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