>>Republicans Absent from Federal Education Cuts Hearing
(St. Paul, MN) – During a Senate education hearing on federal cuts, a student from St. Catherine University read part of a letter she received from the federal government saying that her grant money was being terminated. Nesteho Abdi says the letter included this quote: “When we cut grants, when we tell Black and brown students, first-gen students, and our female students that their research—and I quote, and this is language from the termination notice—’Does nothing to advance our knowledge of living systems, provides low returns on investments, and ultimately do not enhance health, link to life, or reduce illness,’ end quote.” The Chair of the committee, DFL Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville, responded with an apology, noting the letter “is absolutely the antithesis of how we in Minnesota value higher education. The five Democratic committee members were present for the testimony. The four Republicans were not there. A spokesperson says they had conflicts with their schedules.
>>14-Year-Old Eagan Teen Goes Missing
(Eagan, MN) — Eagan police are searching for a missing 14-year-old girl. Skylar Pond was last seen on Wednesday. She is described as five feet three inches tall, 125 pounds, with bright red hair and blue eyes. Pond was last seen wearing a red Gap sweater. She also wears glasses with clear frames.
>>Virginia Jury Convicts Man in Child Sexual Assault Case
(Virginia, MN) — A St. Louis County jury has convicted 38-year-old Benjamen Johnson of sexually assaulting two young children between 2013 and 2018. Authorities say the case came to light when a victim came forward in February 2024. Johnson was convicted of one first-degree and two second-degree counts of criminal sexual conduct. County Attorney Kimberly Maki praised the victims’ courage and thanked investigators. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
>>DFL Disappointed Republicans Voted to Re-Open Government
(Undated) – Democrats are voicing their concerns and disappointment that Republicans voted to reopen the federal government on Wednesday. Voting in favor of the bill, Republican Representatives Pete Stauber, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, and Brad Finstad. Retired Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Aleta Borrud says 1st District Representative Brad Finstad failed to listen to his constituents because “overall, people in rural areas are usually older, poorer, and thus are on our public insurance programs, which are taking a hit from this.” Finstad says reopening the government represents a much-needed step toward returning to common-sense legislating and serving the American people.
>>MN Starbucks Union Workers Join Nationwide ULP Strike
(St. Anthony, MN) – Minnesota Starbucks baristas join union workers nationwide today in beginning an open-ended Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike. Lynne Fox, International President for Workers United Labor Union, says Starbucks has spent the last year trying to “get back to Starbucks,” but is disingenuous with its promises to the public and employees. She claims Starbucks is the biggest violator of labor laws in modern history. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has found that the company has committed over 400 violations.
>>Missing Parkers Prairie Man Found Safe
(Parkers Prairie, MN) – An endangered Parkers Prairie man who went missing 12 days ago is safe. Police have been looking for 52-year-old Shawn Hulegaard since Monday, after the family reported they hadn’t seen or heard from him since November 1st.
>>Minnesota Merry Market Returns to the State Fairgrounds
(Falcon Heights, MN) – The Minnesota Merry Market is back for its third year at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, featuring two weekends of holiday shopping, food, and family fun, with free admission. The market showcases more than 80 local artists and vendors offering handcrafted gifts, home décor, and unique holiday finds. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor pop-ups, food trucks, warm drinks, and rides on the trackless train. Santa will make daily visits, and kids can enjoy craft activities at the information booth, making the Merry Market a perfect seasonal outing for all ages. The event will be held on December 13th and 14th, and 20th and 21st.
>>University of Minnesota Plans Expansion of Rochester Campus
(Rochester, MN) – The University of Minnesota is planning a major expansion of its Rochester campus following a record-breaking surge in enrollment. The campus welcomed its largest freshman class ever in 2024, pushing total enrollment past 1,000 students, an 80% increase. Chancellor Lori Carrell says the university aims to accommodate up to 2,500 students by developing additional academic space in downtown Rochester. The university owns roughly five acres near Soldiers Memorial Field Park and intends to transform the area into a “student residence and recreational district.” Campus leaders say the growth is both exciting and challenging, as they work to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding student body.
>>Timberwolves Expand Free Game Broadcasts Across Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) – Minnesota Timberwolves fans can catch Friday night’s game against Sacramento on free over-the-air TV. A new partnership with Gray Media is bringing broadcasts to more markets, including Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester. Two other games, Phoenix on Nov. 21st and Houston on April 4th, will also be free. Coverage will feature FanDuel Sports Network’s production, including Wolves Live pre- and post-game shows.
