>>Klobuchar, Demuth Make Final Pitch in Debate
(Rochester, MN) — Minnesota gubernatorial candidates Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth made their final pitch to voters Wednesday night in their only scheduled televised debate. The candidates discussed fraud, taxes and agriculture. Demuth pledged to replace state agency commissioners, lower vehicle registration fees and speed up permitting for farmers. Klobuchar called for surprise fraud audits, lower health care and child care costs, and expanding agricultural markets amid trade tensions. Early voting is underway, with Election Day November 3rd.
>>Trump Endorses Demuth and Schutz After Earlier Backing Lindell
(Washington, D.C.) — President Donald Trump is endorsing Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth and attorney general candidate Ron Schutz, after initially backing Mike Lindell in the governor’s race. Trump endorsed the MyPillow founder in July, but Lindell lost the Republican primary to Demuth in August.
>>Body Found Near ATV Trail in Carlton County
(Moose Lake, MN) — Authorities are investigating after a body was found Wednesday afternoon near the SOO Line Trail east of Moose Lake. Carlton County Sheriff’s investigators believe the person died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The person’s identity is being withheld pending family notification. If you or someone you know needs emotional or mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
>>Pequot Lakes Man Killed in E-Bike Crash with Semi
(Pequot Lakes, MN) — A 79-year-old Pequot Lakes man was killed Tuesday afternoon when his electric bicycle collided with a semi-truck in northern Minnesota. The Minnesota State Patrol says Loyal Hoag crossed all the highway’s southbound lanes and was struck by the semi that was moving into the left lane. Hoag was wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi was driven by a 36-year-old man from Deerwood.
>>FEMA Launches New Option to Buy Flood Insurance
(Chicago) – it is now easier than ever for Minnesota residents to prepare for the devastating financial consequences of flooding. FEMA launched a new tool to purchase a National Flood Insurance Program policy online through the website floodsmart.gov. The website is set up to give quotes once a user provides basic information. Floods are the most common and costliest natural disaster in the United States.
>>Minnesota Nears 400 Solar-Powered Schools
(Maplewood, MN) — Minnesota is on track to have 400 solar-powered schools by the end of the year, more than double the number in 2022. The Minnesota Department of Commerce says state grants have helped schools invest in solar energy, while a separate program is funding electric school buses. Commerce officials will highlight the progress today (Thurs 10 am) at Justice Alan Page Elementary School in Maplewood. The state’s Solar for Schools program has awarded 32-point-6 million dollars to 191 school districts since 2022.
>>Minnesota DNR Offering Grants to Manage Invasive Aquatic Plants
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Invasive Species Program will be offering grants for the management of curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and starry stonewort in 2027. Invasive aquatic plants are non‐native plants that can potentially reduce native plant diversity and create recreational nuisance in lakes. The DNR’s invasive plant management goal is to minimize harmful effects caused by invasive aquatic plants while also protecting natural resources and their use. The grant program will be accepting applications starting Monday, November 9th
>>Fergus Falls Otters Advance in National Mascot Tournament
(Fergus Falls, MN) — Fergus Falls High School’s mascot, Otto the Otter, is moving on in the second annual America’s Best High School Mascot Tournament. The Otters have won their first two rounds and now face the Frankfort High School Hot Dogs of Indiana in Round 16. Public voting is open through Friday. The winner advances to Round Eight, which begins October 24th. Supporters can cast their vote at The64.com.
