A Democrat from Long Island is the first member of the House or Senate to demand that U-S Senator Al Franken step down. Representative Kathleen Rice is calling for the Franken to resign following multiple accusations that he groped women. Rice says Harvey Weinstein was cast out by the private sector and says Congress should do the same with Franken and another accused Democrat, John Conyers of Michigan. Some argue there is a difference in the offenses alleged against the lawmakers and the movie executive.
Minnesota State Representative Tony Cornish from Vernon Center has submitted a letter of resignation to the governor. Cornish’s note states his intention to end his term on November 30. In the brief letter, Cornish says it’s been an honor to serve the state and the residents of House 23B. Cornish has been accused by two women of sexual harassment.
Two bodies recovered from the icy waters of Upper Red Lake have not been officially identified. The man and woman were reported missing after heading out on an ATV to go fishing. On Monday, search aircraft spotted the location where a vehicle went through the ice.
Just a few miles away, it’s been over three weeks since a 29- and 17-year old disappeared in the waters of Lower Red Lake after their fishing boat capsized. Searchers have been out day after day, drilling thousands of holes in the ice and using sonar equipment to look for the two. Search crews from the Dakotas are back out this morning.
Governor Mark Dayton has authorized more than two million dollars in relief for St. Louis County from the State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. The county experienced significant damage caused by a major winter storm with heavy snow and gale force winds on October 27th. The money will go toward reimbursing the county for public infrastructure repairs and clean-up costs.
Today is “Giving Tuesday”. Minnesotans are encouraged to give time, money and acts of service and kindness. The goal of #Giving Tuesday is to shift the focus to — contributing after the consumer-orientated emphasis of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. People are particularly invited to focus on their own communities. GivingTuesday.org has an on-line directory you can use to find local organizations, charities, events and more. Nearly a third of all annual giving takes place in December.
Minneapolis-based Buffalo Wild Wings has been purchased by a well-known fast food chain. Arby’s Restaurant Group is buying the sports bar franchise for a reported two-point-nine billion dollars. The deal is expected to close in early 2018.