>>Secretary of State Simon Hopes for Number 1 Voter Turnout in November Election
(St. Paul, MN) — The state of Minnesota leads the pack when it comes to voter turnout, and it could happen again in this year’s election. Secretary of State Steve Simon says early indications show the early voting and absentee ballots are rolling in at a quicker pace. He says,”We are more than double the pace of early voting and absentee voting now than we were for the election of 2016.” Simon uses 2016 as the example because COVID affected the numbers of the 2020 presidential election. Minnesota has led the nation in voter turnout in three of the past four elections.
>>Bail Set at $3.5 Million for Man Charged in Kandiyohi County Shootings
(Willmar, MN) — Bail is set at 3.5 million dollars for the suspect in a cross-state crime spree that led to the shooting death of a New London man. Twenty-five-year-old Ameer Musa Matariyeh of Minneapolis is charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and fleeing police in a motor vehicle. In Kandiyohi County District Court Thursday, Matariyeh was granted a public defender, and his next court appearance was set for November 25th. He’s accused of fleeing police Tuesday after a shooting incident in south Minneapolis before shooting 25-year-old Peter Mayerchak of Lake Lillian, and then fatally shooting 55-year-old Jerome Skluzacek.
>>PUC Reduces Proposed Rate Increase for Minnesota Power Customers
(St. Paul, MN) — The state Public Utilities Commission is approving a settlement regarding Minnesota Power’s 2023 electric rate proposal. Commissioner John Tuma says the utility initially asked for a 12 percent rate increase, but the settlement is a 4.9 percent hike for residential power customers. Tuma says the company got a temporary increase of about 8 percent about a year ago and so as a result the rates will come down for the residential rate payers. The average resident will probably will see about a 30 to 40-dollar refund. Tuma says residents can expect those refunds in January or February.
>>St. Cloud Schools’ Putnam Named Minnesota Superintendent of Year
(St. Cloud, MN) — Laurie Putnam of the St. Cloud Area School District is being honored as the Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. Superintendent Putnam was named the 2025 award winner Thursday. The Minnesota Association of School Administrators said Putnam’s leadership, dedication to equity and inclusion and commitment to student success were factors in her selection. Putnam is now a candidate for National Superintendent of the Year in March.
>>Amtrak Borealis Trains Hit 100,000 Passengers in 22 Weeks
(Undated) — Officials say the Amtrak Borealis line between St. Paul, Milwaukee, and Chicago has reached 100,000 passengers since it debuted 22 weeks ago. Great River Rail Commissioner Chair Chris Meyer says, “It’s clear that residents of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois recognize the benefits… it’s comfortable, affordable travel to great destinations.” Borealis trains depart from St. Paul at midday and Chicago in the late morning with Amtrak discounts for children ages 2–12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, families, groups, and others.
>>Minnesota Vikings Fall to LA Rams on Thursday Night Football
(Inglewood, CA) — The Minnesota Vikings fell to the Rams 30-20 on Thursday Night Football for their second straight loss. Sam Darnold threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half, but the Purple could not find the endzone in the second half. The Vikes were trailing 28-20 on their final possession when Darnold was sacked for a safety, but he was pulled down by the facemask and the referees failed to call a penalty. Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 115 yards. The Vikings defense was unable to stop the Rams offense.
>>Minnesota Timberwolves Top Kings in Sacramento for First Win of Season
(Sacramento, CA) — The Minnesota Timberwolves topped the Kings 117-115 in Sacramento last night for their first win of the season. Anthony Edwards hit a pair of free-throws with seconds remaining for Minnesota. Ant finished with 32 points and Julius Randle scored 33. The Wolves home opener is Saturday night against the Toronto Raptors.