>>MN Governor Candidates Set for Debates This Week
(Brainerd, MN) — The two major-party candidates for Minnesota governor are set to face off twice this week as the November election approaches. Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth will appear at an invitation-only business forum today (9am) hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber. The candidates will meet again Wednesday, for a televised debate at 7 p.m. hosted by Gray Media’s Minnesota television stations and FOX 9. The debate will take place in Rochester and will feature questions from a panel representing the participating stations.
>>Flanagan, Tafoya Spar Over Taxes and Spending
(St. Paul, MN) — Taxes and government spending were among the issues debated by Minnesota U.S. Senate candidates Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya. Republican Tafoya voiced support for eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, expanding the child tax credit and ending taxes on Social Security benefits. She accused Flanagan of favoring higher taxes and more government spending. Flanagan said she opposes taxing Social Security benefits but criticized Tafoya’s support for the federal legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, arguing its Medicaid and SNAP cuts would hurt Minnesotans. The candidates faced off Friday in their only scheduled debate before the November 3rd election.
>>Homan Says Federal Investigators Have ‘Strong Case’ Against Ilhan Omar
(Undated) — Border czar Tom Homan says federal investigators believe they have a strong case against Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Appearing on Fox News Saturday, Homan said Omar would be held accountable if she violated the law. He also said denaturalization or deportation could be possible if wrongdoing is established. The investigation became public October 12, when federal agents raided Omar’s Washington, D.C., home. Omar called the raid an “outrageous abuse of power” and accused the Trump administration of targeting political enemies. She has maintained she did nothing wrong and vowed she would not be silenced.
>>Legendary Bloomington Jefferson Basketball Coach Jack Evens Dies
(Bloomington, MN) — Legendary Minnesota high school basketball coach Jack Evens has died at the age of 92. Evens died Friday. Evens coached Bloomington Jefferson boys’ basketball for 26 years, leading the Jaguars to four state championships in 1976, 1982, 1986 and 1987. He was the program’s first head coach when the school opened in 1970. His son, Jeff Evens, succeeded him in 1997, making them the only two head coaches in the program’s history. His grandson, Michael, also serves as an assistant coach.
>>Morris Man Seriously Injured in Douglas County Rollover Crash
(Douglas County, MN) — A 23-year-old Morris man was seriously injured in a rollover crash early Sunday morning in Urness Township. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says Mason Lesmeister was ejected when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled multiple times. He was airlifted to a hospital and is in stable condition. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash.
>>Fire Reported in Haylage Silo in Otter Tail County
(Bluffton Township, MN) — A fire involving a silo containing haylage was reported Sunday night in Otter Tail County. Otter Tail County sheriff’s deputies and firefighters from Bluffton, New York Mills, Perham and Wadena responded to the scene. Responders located smoke coming from the silo. No injuries were reported. The cause and origin of the fire remain unknown.
>>Minnesota Offers Family-Friendly Halloween Attractions
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota families looking for Halloween fun without the fright have plenty of options this fall. Explore Minnesota spokesperson Jake Juliot highlights North Star Pumpkin Town in Chaska, featuring thousands of jack-o’-lanterns, a pumpkin patch and family-friendly activities. The Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is another popular attraction, featuring more than 5,000 illuminated pumpkins. Juliot says families can find seasonal activities throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. More information can be found on Explore Minnesota’s website.
