U demands a spartan search. Mila Koumpilova at the Star Tribune has the story on why the U of M is changing search firms in its quest for a new president: “The U decided to part ways with Storbeck/Pimentel and Associates because officials felt its decision late last month to work on the presidential search at Michigan State University would divide its loyalties. This summer, the U hired the firm, with offices in California and on the East Coast, to help recruit and vet candidates to replace President Eric Kaler, who is stepping down in June 2019. The university planned to pay the company roughly $220,000, plus expenses.”
Tight race. A KSTP/SurveyUSA shows 3rd District DFL candidate Dean Phillips with a slight lead over Rep. Erik Paulsen: “With just over 30 days until Election Day, Democratic challenger Dean Phillips has a five-point lead over incumbent Republican Congressman Erik Paulsen, 49 percent to 44 percent, in our KSTP/SurveyUSA poll. Another eight percent remain undecided.”
RIP. Ryan Faircloth at the Pioneer Press reports on the passing of longtime philanthropist Diane Sims Page: “Diane and Alan Page, who eloped and married in 1973, shared a passion for social justice. They founded the Page Education Foundation in 1988 after Alan Page was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame… Under Diane Page’s leadership as executive director, the Page Education Foundation has provided more than 6,700 college scholarships totaling $14 million to students of color in Minnesota.”
Officer, I only had two berries, honest. Peter Passi at the West Central Tribune has a report of drunken and disorderly birds in Gilbert: “Police Chief Ty Techar wrote that the department in this Iron Range town had received calls about ‘birds that appear to be under the influence, flying into windows, cars and acting confused.’… Techar attributed the strange behavior to an early frost. Starch in the frozen berries is converted to sugar, and when they thaw again, yeast can enter the fruit and accelerate fermentation, yielding alcohol.”
In other news…
Stay safe: “Warm Wednesday To Bring Afternoon Storms, Significant Tornado Threat For Wisconsin” [WCCO]
In food news: “One of the Twin Cities’ best chefs takes over Eastside in downtown Minneapolis” [Star Tribune]
Sort of related: “Best Doughnut Shops in Minneapolis and St. Paul” [Eater – Twin Cities]
Cramping up thinking about this: “Mayo Clinic expert on world-record athletes says a sub-2-hour marathon is possible” [Star Tribune]
Chewing up your USA Today: “Minneapolis hotel celebrates new puppy patron” [KARE11]
