THINGS PEOPLE SAY | Racists for Obama by Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent • How badly is the campaign going for John McCain? Ben Smith reports that he’s even struggling to hold on to the white racist vote.
African Immigrants Unite for Wellness by Swallehe Msuya, Mshale • African immigrants in Minnesota have been urged to come together to address their common issues related to their wellness.
Inner Strength For The Greater Good by Bruce Cochran, Uptown Neighborhood News • Like cell phone technology, exercise techniques seem to change way too often. Just when you’ve mastered the latest one, another one comes along. Exercise trends come and go. And with every new one comes the promise to “blow your fitness mind.” Well, if you’re looking for something different in fitness and tired of the same old big-box corporate chain gym, something new is now in Uptown.
Bachmann withdraws pardon request that links her to unfolding Petters scandal by Andy Birkey, Minnesota Independent • In 2007, Rep. Michele Bachmann sent President Bush a letter recommending he pardon a man who is a major contributor to her campaign even though he lives outside of her district. Last Thursday, Bachmannwithdrew that letter, written on behalf of Frank Vennes, after FBI, IRS and U.S Postal Inspection officials seized numerous items from Vennes’ home in connection with the ongoing investigation of Vennes’ business associate Tom Petters.
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ARTS ORBIT | SPCO finds new president right down the street by Jay Gabler • The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra has just announced the appointment of a new president: Sarah Lutman, currently senior vice president of content and media at Minnesota Public Radio. Lutman, who will begin her duties at the SPCO in December, replaces Bruce Cappock; Cappock served as president for nearly a decade before retiring in July. In a press release, the SPCO quotes board chair Erwin Kelen calling Lutman “exactly the right person” to “take us to the next phase” in “achieving the goals set out in our strategic plan.”
ENGAGE MINNESOTA | Accommodation is key to change by Humaira Afzal • Minnesota is global: We neither live nor work in an insular society. We are instead part of a growing and competitive economy that demands companies be more creative and more open to diversity. Our state’s Somali population, the largest in the nation, helps give Minnesota a competitive edge.
THINK FORWARD | Canadian Groups Call For NAFTA Renegotiation by Ben Lilliston • Earlier this week, ten Canadian civil society groups called on political candidates running in Canada’s October 14 election to “stop ducking Obama’s NAFTA challenge.” Specifically, the groups asked for candidates to respond to U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) if elected President.
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