>>1 Tornado, Multiple Reports of Thunderstorm Damage in Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) — Authorities are confirming at least one tornado touchdown late Thursday afternoon in east central Minnesota. The Isanti County Sheriff’s Office reported the tornado touchdown around 4:45 pm on County Road about four miles east of Isanti. There were also three reported tornadoes in western Wisconsin. The National Weather Service is receiving multiple reports of large trees blocking roads in Willmar, Champlin, Maple Grove and Anoka County. Areas with thunderstorm wind damage include North Mankato, Faribault, Norwood Young America, New Ulm, and Litchfield. One-inch hail fell in Round Lake in southwestern Minnesota. The heavy rains also led to flash flooding in the Winona area in southeastern Minnesota.
>>Questioned About Military Service Record, Walz tells CNN “People Know Where My Heart Is”
(Savannah, GA) — In a much anticipated joint interview last night on C-N-N with Vice President Kamala Harris, Democratic V-P candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was questioned about his statement that he carried weapons in war, even though he’s never deployed in a war zone. Walz said his comment about weapons of war came after a school shooting and his wife, an English teacher, told him that his grammar is not always correct. But he says, “People know me. They know who I am. They know where my heart is.” He added, “If it’s not this, it’s an attack on my children for showing love for me or it’s an attack on my dog. I’m not gonna do that.”
>>Trump Touts In-Vitro Fertilization at La Crosse Town Hall Meeting
(La Crosse, WI) — Former President Donald Trump is telling supporters in western Wisconsin about in-vitro fertilization, “I kept hearing that I’m against it, and I’m actually very much for it.” Trump pledged in La Crosse last night, “for people that are using I-V-F, which is fertilization, …the government is going to pay for it or we’re gonna… mandate your insurance company to pay for it, which is gonna be great. ” Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Governor Tim Walz, said earlier about Republican rival J-D Vance, “If it was up to him, I wouldn’t have a family because of I-V-F.” Walz initially said he and First Lady Gwen Walz used I-V-F to start their family, but Mrs. Walz later said it was actually another method that is basically artificial insemination.
>>Sunny Skies Expected for Day 9 of Minnesota State Fair
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Minnesota State Fair officials are hoping to set a new attendance record on day nine (Fri) of this year’s 12-day run. A record 171-thousand-233 people passed through the gates last Friday. Wednesday also set a new attendance record with 145-thousand-531 visitors. Heavy rains and strong winds forced fairgoers to seek shelter late Thursday afternoon, but the Motley Crue concert still started on time. Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high near 80. Matchbox Twenty takes the Grandstand stage tonight (Fri 7pm).
>>New COVID Vaccine Arriving Soon in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Shipments of the updated COVID-19 vaccine will be arriving in Minnesota over the next couple weeks. The state Health Department’s Jessica Munroe says it’s designed to protect against new variants including the K-P-dot-2 strain. She says we are seeing an increase in cases and encourages everyone to get their vaccine as soon as they are able to. Munroe says the vaccine is the best way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine. The F-D-A approved updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID shots for kids and adults.
>>Burnsville Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Eagan Teen’s Overdose Death
(Hastings, MN) — A Burnsville man will spend up to five years in prison for his part in the January 2021 fentanyl overdose death of a 16-year-old boy in Eagan. A Dakota County judge sentenced 29-year-old Sadiq Isack to 60 months Thursday after he pleaded guilty to the third-degree murder of 16-year-old Hunter Carlson. Prosecutors say Isack and co-defendant Jamal Adan provided the fentanyl-laced pills that killed Carlson. Burnsville police raided their motel room and seized more than 30 light blue pills they say matched a pill fragment found in Carlson’s bedroom.
>>MN BWSR Awards $1.1M in Pollinator Pathway Grants
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources is awarding $1.1 million in Pollinator Pathways grants to 10 organizations. The Lawns to Legumes program helps residents create pollinator habitats in yards and community spaces. Groups can use the funding to install new habitats in residential and educational spaces to make local and statewide connections. Grant recipients include Anoka Conservation, Midtown Greenway Coalition, Como Community Council, Trust for Public Land, Hennepin County, Lac qui Parle Soil and Water Conservation, Wildlife Forever, Prairie Island Indian Community, Washington Conservation, and Scott Soil and Water Conservation.
>>Minnesota # 4 in US News & World Report Ranking for Best State to Live
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota is the fourth-best state to live in according to the latest U-S News & World Report rankings. The evaluation considered factors such as healthcare, environment, crime, and education. It highlighted Minnesota’s low uninsured rate and strong economic indicators, including a median household income of around 80-thousand dollars. The state also boasts a robust presence of Fortune 500 companies. Utah was ranked as the top state to live in. Iowa was sixth, North Dakota number 15, and Wisconsin is ranked 17th.
>>Gopher Football Loses Season Opener to North Carolina at Home
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Golden Gopher football team is 0-and-1 after a 19-17 loss to North Carolina in the season opener Thursday night at Huntington Bank Stadium. Minnesota kicker Dragan Kesich missed the game-winning 47-yard field goal attempt as time expired. Tarheels kicker Noah Burnette made the go-ahead 45-yard field with 1:44 remaining in the fourth quarter. U of M quarterback Max Brosmer completed 13 of 21 passes for 166 yards and had a rushing touchdown in his debut. The Gophers host Rhode Island on Saturday September 7th.
