>>Flags Flying Half-Staff in Minnesota on 23rd Anniversary of 9/11
(St. Paul, MN) — Flags are flying at half-staff across Minnesota today (Wed) in observance of the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Governor Tim Walz proclaimed today as Patriot Day and encourages homes, businesses, and organizations to join in lowering their flags. Four Minnesotans were killed on September 11th. Gordy Aamoth Junior of Wayzata and St. Paul native Gary Koechler died in the World Trade Center, Tom Burnett Junior from Bloomington was one of the heroes on United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania, and Sergeant Max Beilke from Pipestone died in the Pentagon attack.
>>Wayzata 9/11 Memorial Artifact Stolen, Reward Offered
(Wayzata, MN) — Police in Wayzata are asking for the public’s help to recover a stolen artifact from the city’s 9/11 memorial. The item, a piece of glass from Ground Zero linked to Wayzata resident Gordy Aamoth Jr., was taken from the memorial on August 29th. This glass, recovered from near Aamoth’s remains, holds immense sentimental value but no tangible worth. Police are offering a reward for its return, no questions asked.
>>Minnesota Twins Hosting 9/11 Remembrance at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins will remember the lives lost on September 11th and honor those who continue to serve our country tonight (Wed)at Target Field. There will be a pregame flyover featuring four F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the 421st Fighter Squadron known as the “Black Widows.” The flyover pilots attended the U-S Air Force Academy with Twins pitcher Griffin Jax. His younger brother, Captain Carson Jax, will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Six wreaths will be placed behind the pitcher’s mound to honor the U-S Armed Forces, law enforcement, firefighters, E-M-S, American citizens, and international citizens. The American flag will be hoisted in honor of those lost on 9/11 by retired Minnesota National Guard Colonel Angela Steward-Randal.
>>Trump Attacks Harris’ VP Pick Minnesota Governor Walz on Abortion
(Philadelphia, PA) — Former President Donald Trump went after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during Tuesday night’s debate with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia. Trump singled out Walz on abortion saying, “Her vice-presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth — it’s execution, no longer abortion, because the baby is born — is okay.” Harris responded that’s “a bunch of lies.” The vice president said, “Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion. That is not happening. It’s insulting to the women of America.” ABC debate moderator Leslie Davis also told Trump, “There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born.” Walz and Republican vice presidential candidate J-D Vance will debate October 1st in New York.
>>Essentia Health Dropping Medicare Plans from UnitedHealthcare, Humana
(Duluth, MN) — Essentia Health will no longer accept Medicare Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana. The Duluth-based healthcare organization announced Tuesday that it will no longer be an in-network provider for the plans provided by those two companies. Essential officials say United Health and Humana delay and deny approval of care for patients at more than twice the rate of other Medicare Advantage plans. Chief Medical Officer Doctor Cathy Cantor said, “this was not a decision we made lightly.” The move is effective on January 1st.
>>State Patrol Identifies Plymouth Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle near Shakopee
(Shakopee, MN) — Authorities are identifying the man struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 169 near Shakopee early Tuesday after crashing his car into the ditch. The Minnesota State Patrol said 36-year-old Carl Wilkerson of Plymouth got out of his vehicle and was walking on the highway when he was hit by an S-U-V. The report says alcohol was not a contributing factor in the crash.
>>Duluth Man Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries in Polk County Motorcycle Crash
(Fosston, MN) — A Duluth man is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash near Fosston in northwest Minnesota. The State Patrol says a cycle driven by 58-year-old Dean O’Brien was westbound on Highway 2 when it left the road and crashed Tuesday in Polk County. O’Brien was taken to the Fosston hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. State troopers say alcohol was involved and O’Brien was not wearing a helmet.
>>The Wildcat Sanctuary Caring for 4-Year-old Bobcat with Serious Health Concerns
(Sandstone, MN) — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota is caring for a four-month-old bobcat with serious health concerns. Founder Tammy Thies says after diagnostic tests performed on his heart, chest, and blood, Jax was diagnosed with persistent hypoglycemia—low blood sugar. She says he’s now on a good diet, but his body still isn’t responding to that. Thies says Jax has been “quite tolerant” of the medical procedures due to being hand-reared by people. Jax is scheduled for an ultrasound on Thursday to check his pancreas, liver, adrenal glands, and G-I tract. A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover his medical costs and care.
>>Mankato Artist to Be Featured on 2025 DNR Waterfowl Stamp
(St. Paul, MN) — A Mankato artist’s work will be showcased on the 2025 Minnesota waterfowl stamp. The state Department of Natural Resources announced that Kurt Kegler won this year’s stamp contest with his entry, an acrylic painting of a cackling goose. Michael Sieve of Rushford was awarded second place for his oil and acrylic painting of a cackling goose, while Stephen Hamrick of Lakeville placed third.
