>>Ribbing Cutting Ceremony for Twin Ports Interchange in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — There’s a ribbon cutting ceremony today (Mon 1pm) in Duluth for the re-opening of the Twin Ports Interchange. The $435 million project started in 2020 with reconstruction of the 27th Avenue bridge over Interstate 35. The goal was to improve safety and freight mobility by redesigning the so-called “can of worms” section of I-35. Governor Tim Walz and MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger will be joined by state, federal and local officials at the ceremony under the Highway 53 bridge.
>>Minnesota Soybean Farmers Hurt by Tariffs on China, Low Prices
(St. Paul, MN) — Between tariffs and the federal government shutdown, Minnesota soybean farmers are stuck in the middle with lower prices and fewer markets for their crops. Governor Tim Walz warns tariffs are setting this country back. The governor said, “I’m reminding people that these purchases China is making elsewhere outside the United States are ten-year contracts and it’s going to be very, very difficult for us to get back into the market.” Congressman Tom Emmer says there is a plan to use some of that tariff money to help farmers. The Minnesota Republican says, “It’s a short-term solution, but it’s something that they desperately need especially with the low prices they’re getting compared to what it costs them to produce a bushel of whatever it is.” He says the plan is on hold as long as the federal government is shut down.
>>Citizens Utility Board Opposes Acquisition of Minnesota Power
(St. Paul, MN) — There is opposition to the $6.2 billion sale of Duluth-based Minnesota Power’s parent company to a pair of institutional investors. Annie Levenson-Falk of the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota says they believe customer rates will go up more quickly under private ownership. She says, ” we came to the conclusion, the same as the judge who reviewed the evidentiary record, that on balance the risks of the deal outweigh the possible benefits.” Levenson-Falk says they appreciate the Public Utilities Commission adding conditions to the acquisition and the new owners providing 50-million dollars in director relief to ratepayers. Minnesota Power serves about 145 thousand electric customers in the northeast corner of the state.
>>MIRAC Delivering Petitions for Stronger Sanctuary Protections in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee is rallying at Minneapolis City Hall this afternoon (Mon 4:30pm) to demand stronger sanctuary protections. MIRAC will deliver more than 11-hundred petition signatures urging city leaders to close loopholes in the city’s separation ordinance, which limits police cooperation with federal immigration agents. The group says recent raids show the law is outdated – and it has four key demands: no collusion, crowd control, or cover-ups, and real consequences.
>>Mankato Police Looking for Suspect in Hit-and-Run Crash
(Mankato, MN) — Police in Mankato are searching for the suspect vehicle in a hit-and-run crash. Officers say the driver caused the crash early Saturday near the Mayo Health System Event Center and fled the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with information about the driver or suspect vehicle should call 9-1-1 or the Mankato Department of Public Safety.
>>Andover Community Rallies Around Family of Man Killed in School Bus Crash
(Andover, MN) — The Andover community is coming together to support the family of Dustin King, a 43-year-old man who lost his life in a head-on collision with a school bus last week. According to police, King was driving a pickup truck with a trailer when he crossed the center line and collided with a school bus carrying five students en route to Anoka High School. The bus driver and one student were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support King’s wife, Candice, as she navigates the emotional and financial challenges following his sudden death.
>>Kwik Trip Drops Pennies for Cash Payments
(La Crosse, WI) — Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip is phasing out pennies in cash transactions, rounding totals down to the nearest nickel. Digital payments will still be charged the full amount. Stores will switch over as they run out of pennies. Kwik Trip has 217 locations in Minnesota. The United States will stop making pennies, with production expected to cease in early 2026 after the U-S Mint runs out of the materials for them. The decision to discontinue the penny is a cost-saving measure, as the production cost of a penny exceeds its face value.
>>Will Norris and Jane Bareikis Win Twin Cities Marathon
(St. Paul, MN) — Will Norris of Iowa and Jane Bareikis from Illinois are the champions of this year’s Twin Cities Marathon. Norris crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 39 seconds, while Bareikis completed the course in 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 52 seconds. Governor Tim Walz and his daughter, Hope, joined thousands of runners in the ten-mile race. The governor called Sunday’s event “the most beautiful urban marathon in America.” The 26.2-mile course stretched from downtown Minneapolis to the steps of the State Capitol in St. Paul, drawing thousands of participants and spectators alike.
>>Vikings Top Browns in London on Late Touchdown Pass to Addison
(London, GB) — The Minnesota Vikings are celebrating a 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns Sunday in London. Quarterback Carson Wentz threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison with 25 seconds remaining to give the Purple a comeback victory. Minnesota scored its first T-D on a halfback pass from Cam Akers to tight end Josh Oliver. All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 123 yards. The 3-and-2 Vikings have a bye this Sunday and will host the 4-and-1 Eagles on October 19th.
>>Minnesota Wild Signs Goalie Gustavsson to 5-Year Extension
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavvson will be between the pipes through the 2030-2031 season. The Wild signed Gustavsson to a five-year extension worth $ 34 million over the weekend. Twenty-seven-year-old “Gus Bus” has spent the last three seasons in Minnesota. He went 31-19-and-6 with a 2.56 goals against average last year. Minnesota wrapped up the preseason with a 3-2 win Friday night in Chicago. The Wild open the regular season Thursday at St. Louis.
