>>Wayzata Man Charged with Tax Crimes
(St. Paul, MN) — A Wayzata man faces ten felony charges for failing to file and pay state income taxes. The Minnesota Department of Revenue says Kevin Mullen earned taxable income through his real estate business, Ideal Properties and Investments LLC, but didn’t file returns from 2019 to 2023, owing over $397,000. Investigators say he also failed to file for earlier years despite repeated warnings. Mullen faces a maximum punishment of 50 years in prison, $100,000 in fines, or both.
>>Federal Disaster Aid Approved for Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
(Washington, D.C.) — The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will receive federal aid after President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration today. This comes in response to severe storms and straight-line winds in June. FEMA says it will help with housing, home repairs, and replacing personal property. The tribe is also eligible for cost-sharing funds to repair damaged facilities. Tribal members can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
>>Target to Cut 1,800 Headquarters Roles
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis-based Target plans to cut about 8 percent of its global workforce, affecting 1,800 headquarters roles. New CEO Michael Fiddelke says 1,000 jobs will be eliminated and 800 open positions left unfilled as part of a restructuring to streamline operations. Leadership roles were impacted at three times the rate of individual contributors. This comes after mass continued boycotts, stemming from Target denouncing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and programs in February. Affected employees will receive pay and benefits through January 3rd, plus severance and support.
>>Sen. Smith Pushes Gov. Shutdown Pay Bill
(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senator Tina Smith joined 24 colleagues today to introduce the True Shutdown Fairness Act, aiming to pay federal workers, service members, and contractors during government shutdowns. The bill also blocks mass firings during shutdowns. It was stopped by Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, whose own similar bill failed to pass in a 55-45 vote. Smith says workers shouldn’t be used as political pawns and calls the bill a commonsense fix to protect Minnesotans and their paychecks.
>>GOP Representative Engen Running for State Auditor
(St. Paul, MN) — State Representative Elliot Engen is running for the Office of State Auditor next year. The Republican from White Bear Township says on his campaign site that he’ll fight to protect Minnesotans and the working class, not special interests and the political class. State Auditor Julie Blaha is not seeking re-election. DFL Representative Dan Wolgamott of St. Cloud is among a handful of other candidates running for state auditor.
>>AG Ellison Secures Settlement Over Deceptive Clothing Fees
(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison has reached a nearly $365,000 settlement with clothing retailer TFG Holding over deceptive advertising and billing practices. Ellison says the company, formerly known as JustFab and TechStyle, misled Minnesotans about prices, enrolled them in costly membership programs without consent, and charged illegal “tariff” junk fees. The court order requires TFG to issue refunds, stop hidden charges, and pay into Minnesota’s new consumer restitution fund.
>>Green Line Extension Trains Begin Testing
(Hopkins, MN) — The first trains are rolling on the METRO Green Line Extension, a 14.5-mile light rail project linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Officials report civil construction is 9% complete, with full service expected in 2027. The corridor has already sparked $3.1 billion in housing, retail, and commercial development across Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Minneapolis. The Metropolitan Council says the project will boost access to jobs, reduce car dependence, and fuel long-term economic growth.
>>Vikings Play Thursday Night Football in L.A. Tonight
(L.A., CA) – Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz will be making his fifth straight start for the Purple when they take on the Chargers in Los Angeles tonight. He says LA’s defense is a good one because “they don’t do anything crazy, but what they do is really sound…A fast defense, then they fly around, it’s gonna be a good challenge.” The game starts at 7:15 p.m. tonight. Minnesota is 3-3 on the year, while the Chargers are 4-3.
