>>Flood Watch Issued for Southeastern Minnesota as Heavy Rain Moves In
(Rochester, MN) — A flood watch is in effect for parts of southeastern and south-central Minnesota as forecasters warn of potentially heavy rainfall today into Saturday. The watch includes Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted and Winona counties. Forecasters say the greatest concern is generally along and south of Interstate 90 and north of Highway 18. Heavy rainfall could cause creeks and streams to rise out of their banks and lead to flooding in urban, low-lying, and poor-drainage areas.
>>Klobuchar Pushing Bipartisan AI Safety Bill
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is working with Republican senators on legislation aimed at reducing potentially catastrophic risks from advanced artificial intelligence. The proposal under negotiation would require developers of the most powerful AI models to assess and report serious risks and take steps to prevent potential harm. It could also give the federal government greater authority to test models and intervene if safety concerns aren’t adequately addressed. The legislation is still being negotiated and has not yet been formally introduced.
>>Absentee Voting Begins Friday in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans can begin voting absentee today for the November 3rd general election. Voters can cast an absentee ballot by mail or in person through November 2nd. To vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 on Election Day, have lived in Minnesota for at least 20 days, and not be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. Voters requesting a ballot by mail can apply online or download an application and return it to their county election office by email, mail, or fax.
>>Man Sentenced for Attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minnesota man will spend 14 months in federal prison for attacking Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall. Anthony Kazmierczak pleaded guilty to assault after prosecutors said he sprayed Omar with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water from a syringe during the January event. Omar was not injured, and the town hall continued. Kazmierczak will also serve three years of supervised release and is prohibited from contacting Omar.
>>Pediatric Doctors Address Child Vaccination Concerns
(Minneapolis) – Minnesota now has vaccination rates that are below the recommended levels. To address this concern, Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison will meet with Pediatric experts and community partners today to encourage parents to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccination rates among Minnesota kindergartners remain low and continue to decline. Health officials say Minnesota has the third-lowest measles vaccination rate in the country at about 86% – they say 95% is needed to reach herd immunity.
>>Poll Shows Minnesota Governor, U.S. Senate Races Narrowing
(Undated) — A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows closer margins in Minnesota’s races for governor and U.S. Senate. In the governor’s race, Democrat Amy Klobuchar leads Republican Lisa Demuth 47 to 40 percent. Last month, Klobuchar held a 16-point advantage, 52 to 36 percent. In the race for retiring Senator Tina Smith’s seat, Democrat Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya are tied at 42 percent. Twelve percent of likely voters surveyed remain undecided..
>>Minnesota PUC Orders Utility to Stop Disconnection Threats to Upper Sioux Community
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota utility regulators say a rural electric cooperative cannot threaten to disconnect power to the Upper Sioux Community over its solar and battery project. The Public Utilities Commission determined Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power acted unlawfully by attempting to block the tribe’s behind-the-meter system, which is designed not to send electricity onto the power grid. The PUC ordered the cooperative to continue providing service if the project operates safely and follows recommendations from an independent engineering review. The commission also directed the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office to investigate the cooperative’s conduct and take enforcement action if warranted.
>>John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to Kick Off 42nd Season
(Duluth, MN) — The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is getting ready to launch its 42nd season with a public kickoff and fundraiser. The October 3rd event at Duluth’s Northland Country Club will feature live and silent auctions, mushers, sled dog puppies, and an appearance by John Beargrease’s granddaughter, Viola Keyport. The banquet will also serve as the first opportunity for mushers to register for the upcoming race season.
