>>New Marquette Presidential Poll Gives Harris 4-Point Lead Over Trump
(Milwaukee, WI) — A new Marquette University Law School poll gives Vice President Kamala Harris a 52-to-48 percent lead over former President Donald Trump among registered and likely voters. The survey also shows Democratic vice presidential candidate Governor Tim Walz is viewed favorably by 43 percent, unfavorably by 37 percent, and 19 percent haven’t heard enough or don’t know. Republican V-P nominee Ohio Senator J-D Vance is seen favorably by 37 percent, unfavorably by 47 percent with 16 percent undecided. Walz and Vance will debate October 1st in New York City. The poll’s results don’t reflect Tuesday night’s presidential debate.
>>President of Minnesota Private Business Council Blames Walz for Crime in State
(Washington, DC) — The president of the Minnesota Private Business Council appeared before a Republican U-S House subcommittee Wednesday to criticize vice presidential nominee and Governor Tim Walz’s record. Former G-O-P attorney general candidate Jim Schultz says there’s consequences to what he calls Walz’s “soft-on-crime” policies. Schultz told members, “the state has become a place where criminals run free, where law enforcement is assailed and where families are without the safety and security they deserve. ” He also said, “Minnesota now boasts the distinction of having the sixth slowest growing economy in the entire nation.” A new Explore Minnesota campaign touts that we are the sixth best state for business in the U-S and rank number one for business survival.
>>9/11 Artifact Missing from Wayzata Man’s Memorial
(Wayzata, MN) — The memorial site for the Wayzata man killed in the 9/11 attacks has been vandalized, and the family is asking for the safe return of what was stolen. Thirty-two-year-old Gordon Aaamoth, Junior worked as an investment banker in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. A memorial with a piece of glass from Ground Zero was built in his honor two years ago, and now the artifact is missing. Wayzata Police are offering a $1,000 reward for the piece’s return.
>>Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Opens Voting For “Coolest Thing” Contest
(St. Paul, MN) — The state Chamber of Commerce wants the public to vote for the “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota.” Thirty-two products have made it through the first round of the bracket-style competition. Votes for the second round of the competition will be accepted through Sunday. Products making it to the second round include SPAM Classic, Red Wing Shoes’ Beckman Boot, and 3M’s Scotch-brand Magic Tape. More information on the contest is available on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce website.
>>Investigation of Former Ramsey County Medical Examiner Enters Final Stage
(St. Paul, MN) — The investigation into former Ramsey County Chief Medical Examiner Doctor Michael McGee is in its final stages, focusing on seven past convictions. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has reviewed McGee’s autopsies on 215 Ramsey County cases between 1985 and 2021, where his opinion was critical to prosecution. This comes after the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals found McGee’s findings and testimony “unreliable, misleading, and inaccurate” in the prosecution of Alfonso Rodgriguez Junior, the man initially sentenced to death for the killing of Dru Sjodin of Pequot Lakes in 2003.
>>Fosston Officials to Continue Push for Local Control of Hospital
(Fosston, MN) — City officials in northwest Minnesota say they won’t give up the fight for local control of the Fosston Hospital and clinics. An arbitration panel ruled in favor of Duluth-based Essentia Health this week in a dispute over its decision to end baby deliveries in Fosston. Mayor Jim Offerdahl says, “the task force is committed to restoring local decision-making at the Fosston hospital.” Offerdahl says Essentia Health is still held to the existing operating agreement. The non-profit First Care Medical Services owns the Fosston hospital and clinics. The city alleged that Essentia violated its contract by ending labor and delivery services in Fosston.
>>Hennepin County Commission Candidate Addresses Assault Charges
(Minnetonka, MN) — Hennepin County Commission candidate Marisa Simonetti continues her campaign as she faces fifth-degree assault charges after throwing a tarantula at her housemate. Simonetti’s housemate shared a video in June of Simonetti playing loud music, screaming, and throwing a live tarantula at her. Simonetti has since lost her Republican endorsement for the seat. The event was brought up Wednesday night at a District 6 candidate forum in Minnetonka, to which Simonetti continued to defend her action, saying, “I 100 percent made the right choice in protecting my son and safety.” She’s expected in court next month.
>>8 Men Arrested in Bloomington for Suspicion of Soliciting Sex from Minors
(Bloomington, MN) — Eight men are in custody on suspicion of soliciting sex from minors in Bloomington. Police made the arrests Wednesday, stemming from an undercover operation beginning in August. Officers say all the suspects believed they were speaking with minors between 13 and 15 years old. Seven of the eight men have already been charged.
>>Crews Battling Wildfire near Ely in BWCA
(Ely, MN) — Superior National Forest officials are monitoring a wildfire burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The fire was spotted Tuesday morning on an island on Wood Lake about 14 miles northeast of Ely. The fire has burned about three to five acres in a densely wooded area and could grow as winds increase today (Thurs) and tomorrow. The fire is mainly being fought from the air because the dense forest makes it difficult to access from the ground. No word yet on the cause.
