>>Ribbon Cutting for $435 Million Twin Ports Interchange Project in Duluth
(Duluth, MN) — Governor Tim Walz joined local, state, and federal leaders in Duluth Monday to celebrate the opening of the Twin Ports Interchange, a transformative highway reconstruction project. The $435 million overhaul of Interstates 35, 535, and Highway 53 marks one of the largest infrastructure investments in Minnesota history. It enhances traffic flow by adding continuous lanes on I-35, relocating entrance and exit ramps, and extending merge distances. Officials say the improvements will boost safety, reduce congestion, and better connect the region for years to come. The final stretches of the Twin Ports Interchange open on October 24th.
>>No Word on Special Session to Address Gun Violence This Week
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz wants to call a special session to have all lawmakers vote on an assault weapons ban in Minnesota. D-F-L Senator Jen McEwen of Duluth says that way the people of Minnesota will know where all elected officials stand on the issue. McEwen says, “even if we take the vote and it doesn’t go the way that I’d like to see it go, I like to see the public informed about where their elected officials come down.” Republicans say they would like to see a full special session with committee and public hearings, giving more people the chance to be heard. It has been six weeks since the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.
>>Federal Government Shutdown Reaches Seventh Day
(St. Paul, MN) — Political analysts think the federal government shutdown will last at least a few more days. Carleton College Professor Emeritus Steven Schier says there will have to be discussions about renewing the expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. Schier says, “I think that there will be some sort of agreement in extending A-C-A credits. The administration I think understands that something like that has to happen.” A draft proposal by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine includes a commitment to Democrats about addressing health insurance subsidies when the government re-opens.
>>Craig Expresses Concern Over Proposed ICE Detention Center in Appleton
(Washington, DC) — Congresswoman Angie Craig is expressing concern about the Trump Administration’s plan to turn the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton into an ICE detention center. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Craig says she has heard concerns from the Appleton community over the idea of establishing a new ICE detention center at the former private prison. Craig says she is committed to conducting a congressional oversight visit in the case the administration goes through with this decision. Republican State Senator Torrey Westrom of Alexandria has proposed using the facility to house inmates when the Stillwater state prison closes.
>>Man Stabbed in Front of Daughter near Park Rapids
(Park Rapids, MN) — Authorities say a 49-year-old man was stabbed eight to ten times Saturday morning in front of his five-year-old daughter at a trailer park south of Park Rapids. The Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to reports of the man and his daughter screaming for help. The victim was on a couch with his daughter when the suspect entered and assaulted him with his fists and a knife. A 44-year-old Park Rapids man was arrested. He allegedly told police he attacked his former neighbor, believing the man had an affair with his wife. The victim was hospitalized in Park Rapids, then airlifted to Fargo.
>>Warrant Issued for Hermantown Woman in Crash that Killed Her Mother
(Hermantown, MN) — Law enforcement is searching for a northeastern Minnesota woman charged in connection with a fatal crash that killed her mother, 46-year-old Penny Jean Polaski of Duluth in 2023. Thirty-one-year-old Kayla Polaski of Hermantown faces charges of criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation following the two-vehicle collision. Investigators say toxicology results revealed Polaski had amphetamine and methamphetamine in her system at the time of the crash. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.
>>Timberwolves Host Pacers in First Preseason Game at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves play their first preseason home game tonight (Tues 7pm) against the Indiana Pacers. The Wolves opened exhibition play with a 126-116 win over Denver Saturday in San Diego. This is the first preseason game for the defending Eastern Conference champion Pacers. Minnesota will play at the New York Knicks on Thursday and face a Chinese Basketball Association team next Monday at Target Center.
