>>Blistering heat wave has already started in southwest MN
(Various) — Southwest and south-central Minnesota are getting a sample of what a good part of the rest of Minnesota could see by Wednesday, with temperatures nearing 90 degrees and high dewpoints. In Tracy in southwest Minnesota, an 88-degree temp paired with 82-degree dewpoint has pushed the heat index to 108 degrees. The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning through Thursday for portions of southern to central Minnesota. Forecasters say the metro area could hit 100 degrees by mid-week.
>>In Fargo, U-S Attorney General Merrick Garland salutes slain officer, injured comrades
(Fargo, ND) — “We are here gathered in the wake of last month’s horrific ambush,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in Fargo today (MON) before meeting with law enforcement, less than a month after Officer Jake Wallin (wah-LEEN) was fatally shot and two other officers and a civilian wounded by a heavily armed man. Garland said, “I speak for the entire Department of Justice in expressing my deepest condolences to Officer Wallin’s loved ones, who have suffered a terrible loss.” Garland met with Wallin’s fiance, Winter Malone, saying there are no words to describe the pain and sorrow she must be going through. He commended Officers Andy Dotas (DOH-tuss), Tyler Hawes (HAWZ) and Zach Robinson, wishing the two injured officers good health and heralding Robinson’s bravery that he says “saved countless lives that day.”
>>Minnesota, Wisconsin asking feds for $1B to replace aging Blatnik Bridge between Duluth and Superior
(Duluth, MN) — Governor Tim Walz and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (EE-verz) are asking the federal government for over one billion dollars to rebuild the aging Blatnik (BLOT-nick) Bridge between Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin. Each of the two states have committed 400 million dollars to the project. The Blatnik Bridge — a vital link in the Twin Ports — is over 60 years old, has load restrictions, and MN-DOT says it’s rated as the state’s “highest risk for service disruption.” Officials say replacing it prior to 2030 is a top priority. The goal is to begin design work in 2024 and commence construction in 2027. MN-DOT and WisDOT plan to unveil in October their recommended alternative for replacing the eight-thousand foot bridge — Minnesota’s second-longest span and Wisconsin’s third-longest.
>>Missing Fargo Teen
(Fargo, N.D.) — Fargo Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing teen. 15-year-old Christopher Kambal was last seen around 10:45 Sunday night in South Fargo. Kambla is 6-5, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing red basketball shorts and a red hooded sweatshirt, with no shoes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Red River Regional Dispatch Center.
>>Mayo Clinic to Charge for Patient-Initiated Message Exchanges
(Rochester, MN) — Rochester’s Mayo Clinic may now charge up to $50 for patient-initiated message exchanges through its patient portal if it requires a clinical decision that otherwise would have been provided through an in-person or virtual appointment. The cost will depend on time assessing and responding to a message, and a patient will receive an alert if the conversation will result in billing and can then choose whether to proceed. Mayo Clinic said it expects a small percentage of care resulting from message exchanges to be eligible for billing.
>>Phillips not challenging Biden to carry Democratic Party banner in 2024
**MEDIA REFERENCES**
(Undated) — Third District Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips apparently will *not* be challenging President Joe Biden to carry the Democrat Party banner in the 2024 election. The 54-year-old moderate Democrat tells the Star Tribune it is “not something as of today that I see happening for a number of reasons” but adds “the president should pass the torch because that’s the only way… that stage will open up.” However, chances are slim for anyone beating Biden either for the Democratic Party’s nomination or in a primary election battle. Phillips told the paper, “Setting up a competitive campaign… requires a tremendous amount of effort and time, and there are people who have laid that groundwork. I’m not one of them.” But he added, “Perhaps in the future. We’ll see about that.”
>>Trump leads GOP challengers by 20+ points in poll of Iowa Republicans
(Des Moines, IA) — Former President Donald Trump has the support of 42 percent of likely Republican Caucus-goers in neighboring Iowa — more than a 20-point lead over his closest rival, according to a Des Moines Register/NBC poll. Pollster Ann Selzer says the fourth indictment filed against Trump helped him, as the polling shows an uptick in Trump’s support after the Georgia indictment was announced. Trump’s closest competitor is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who had 19 percent in the Iowa Poll. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott was in third in this latest Iowa Poll. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence tied for fourth. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has not campaigned in Iowa, but Christie registered in fifth place. Only Trump and DeSantis have double-digit support in the poll. Sixty-five percent of likely Iowa Republican Caucus-goers surveyed said it’s most important to pick a candidate who shares their views on issues, while 29 percent said the most important thing is to choose a candidate who can beat President Biden.
>>Minneapolis Black Entrepreneur State Fair Underway
(Minneapolis, MN) — While the Minnesota State Fair is still three days away, the 4th-annual Black Entrepreneur State Fair is under way. The Minneapolis-based event runs from August 20th to August 27th at Midtown Global Market, with daily themes and activities to celebrate and promote Black entrepreneurs and their businesses. Tickets cost $7 and can be purchased online.
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