>>Statewide Reading, Math, Science Test Scores Hold Steady, Attendance Up
(St. Paul, MN) — Overall student scores in reading, math and science remained steady in Minnesota, according to results of the latest round of statewide testing (M-C-As) just released today (Thurs). Department of Education officials say statewide, 74.5 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, “Statewide assessment and accountability data are an important part of a broader set of measures that tell our schools and families how students are doing” and guide the planning process.
>>Trump Town Hall Meeting in Western Wisconsin, Harris and Walz in Georgia
(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, vyed early-on for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, left the party about two years later, and earlier this month endorsed Trump.
(Savannah, GA) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz record their first joint interview this afternoon for broadcast tonight (Thurs 8pm CT) on C-N-N. Harris will continue her bus tour in Georgia while Walz goes to Raleigh, North Carolina for a political event followed by a campaign reception.
>>Richfield Post Office Renaming in Honor of World War II Hero Lindberg
(Richfield, MN) — The U-S Post Office in Richfield is being renamed today (Thurs 11am) in honor of World War II hero Charles W. Lindberg. The U-S marine from Grand Forks was a member of the first group to raise the American flag on Mount Suribachi in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Lindberg was wounded by a sniper days later on the island. He received the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Ribbon. Lindberg lived in Richfield for five decades until he died in 2007. The Honoring All Veterans Memorial in Richfield features a bronze sculpture of Lindberg.
>>State Health Officials Report 36 Measles Cases, Urge Vaccinations ‘
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota this year has recorded the second-highest number of measles cases in nearly a quarter century and state officials are urging residents to make sure their children are up-to-date on the measles/mumps/rubella vaccination. Thirty-six measles cases are confirmed so far this year — the most since a cluster of 75 cases in 2017 — and state health officials say this year’s outbreak is largely affecting unvaccinated children in the Somali community — although anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of becoming ill, including adults. They say initial cases were reported in May and June, and the outbreak started to take off at the end of July. About a third of the cases have required hospitalization, and health officials say measles can cause serious disease that could even lead to death.
>>Senior Day at the Minnesota State Fair, Motley Crue Grandstand Concert
(Falcon Heights, MN) — This is the eighth day (Thurs) of the Minnesota State Fair and there is a chance for rain and thunderstorms after 5 pm in the area. The State Fair opened two hours late Tuesday due to storm damage cleanup, but nearly 125 thousand people still passed through the gates. Today is Senior Day on the fairgrounds and admission for visitors aged 65 and better is 13 dollars. Classic rock band Motley Crue is scheduled to perform tonight (Thurs 7pm) on the State Fair Grandstand stage.
>>Thunderstorms Producing Damaging Winds and Hail Possible in Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) — There’s another chance of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening (Thurs pm) across Minnesota. National Weather Service Meteorologist Ryan Dunleavy says damaging winds and large hail are the main threats. He says we’re looking at winds right around that 60 to 65 mile an hour mark, could be some stronger gusts, with one-inch hail possible. Dunleavy says there could be an isolated tornado in western and west central Minnesota. Some parts of the state had significant damage from the storms packing strong winds Monday night and Tuesday morning.
>>2 Suspects Indicted for Trafficking Meth and Fentanyl in Rochester area
(Minneapolis, MN) — Two people face federal drug and firearm charges for alleged trafficking of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Rochester area. Court records say 41-year-old Donald Sanderson and 29-year-old Lindsey Stolpa were caught with more than 14 kilograms of meth and 200 fentanyl pills after a high-speed chase and police stand-off in July. Officers said Sanderson was also illegally possessing a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol. Both suspects were indicted for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and meth. Sanderson also faces two additional gun charges.
>>Rip Current Warnings at Duluth Park Point Beaches
(Duluth, MN) — Duluth officials are urging people, regardless of swimming experience, to stay out of the water at Park Point beaches as a red flag warning for rip currents on Lake Superior remains in effect until 10 a-m (Thurs). They say even calm water after storms can support life-threatening rip currents that can pull swimmers out and under.
>>Golden Gopher Football Hosts North Carolina in Season Opener
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota football team kicks off the 2024 season tonight (Thurs 7pm) against North Carolina at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Golden Gophers look to rebound from a 6-and-7 record in 2023. New Hampshire graduate transfer Max Brosmer is Minnesota’s new starting quarterback. Sophomore running back Darius Taylor only played six games last season due to injuries but rushed for 208 yards in the Gophers’ bowl game win over Bowling Green. North Carolina beat Minnesota 31-13 last season with New England Patriots first-round pick Drake Maye under center.
