>>Governor Issues Warning over Government Shutdown and SNAP Benefits
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz and state budget officials issued a warning that the federal government shutdown will cause hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans to lose access to nutrition assistance programs a week from tomorrow (SAT NOV 1). The governor’s office says nearly 440,000 Minnesotans rely on food assistance benefits to put food on their tables. The benefits include 180,000 children and 67,000 seniors in the state. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families says recipients should continue to use their benefits as usual for now. Despite the shutdown, the department says if you have unspent funds on your EBT cards, you will still be able to use them in November. Today is day 24 of the government shutdown.
>>Allina Health Doctors Plan a One-Day Unfair Labor Practice Strike
(Minneapolis, MN) — More than 600 doctors with Allina Health say they’re planning a one-day Unfair Labor Practice strike. The walkout is set for November 5th. Doctors say they’ve been negotiating with Allina since February for their first contract. Today, they gave the health system a ten-day notice of the strike. Dr. Cora Walsh says staffing is one of the biggest concerns. “We need more staff. In order to see patients, it’s not just us; we’re a whole care team. It’s our staff that is overburdened as well. We can’t just keep adding volumes of patients without more resources.” The strike is expected to impact all 61 Allina clinics. Allina Health responded with a statement saying it’s disappointed in the strike notice, but two more bargaining sessions are scheduled with the union.
>>Minneapolis Leaders Stand Firm in Support of Immigrant Communities
(Minneapolis, MN) — Today, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and city leaders are reaffirming their unwavering support for immigrant and refugee communities, sending a clear message: Minneapolis will not compromise its values, regardless of federal pressure. Ahead of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit this afternoon, Mayor Frey released a direct video message to residents. In it, he emphasizes the city’s commitment to keeping neighborhoods safe, informing residents of their rights, and standing by every neighbor, no matter their immigration status.
>>Federal Shutdown Impacting Minnesotans
(Washington, D.C.) — The federal government shutdown is nearing the one-month mark, and Minnesotans are feeling the pressure—especially when it comes to healthcare costs. As the shutdown drags on, uncertainty grows around the future of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. Without renewal, many families face steep increases in their insurance premiums. “To me, it’s a national security threat. We are making the American people less healthy. And so when hospitals and clinics start closing in rural America, not only are people going to be less healthy, but people are going to lose their jobs.” Representative Kelly Morrison met with Minnesotans this week who say they’re already bracing for higher premiums in 2026. Some told her they may have to drop their coverage altogether—because they simply can’t afford it.
>>Gun Found in Backpack at Champlin Park, 2 Students Arrested
(Champlin, MN) — Two 15-year-old boys are in juvenile detention after a handgun was found in a backpack at Champlin Park High School. The Brooklyn Park P-D says the on-site school resource officer and Champlin Park staff recovered the gun this morning. The two students were arrested for their alleged involvement. The incident is still being investigated.
>>Lee and Penny Anderson Arena Home to Tommy’s Hockey and Basketball
(St. Paul, MN) — The University of St. Thomas is celebrating a major milestone today with the grand opening of the new Lee and Penny Anderson Arena on its St. Paul campus. The 183-million-dollar facility is now home to Tommy’s hockey and basketball.
Women’s hockey coach Bethany Brausen says playing on their new home ice is a dream come true. She says, “Cool is the understatement of the century… this building is phenomenal.” Men’s coach Rico Blasi says it’s especially meaningful for his senior players, “To see their faces, and just the joy of having a new home is pretty special.”
>>Apartment Fire Displaces Four in North Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — Fire crews responded late Thursday night to a blaze at a two-story four-plex apartment building in North Minneapolis. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from a first-floor unit. One adult male was found unconscious and rescued by fire personnel from the apartment, but could not be located when EMS arrived to provide treatment. Firefighters quickly laid lines, searched the building, and extinguished the flames. No other injuries were reported. The building suffered significant fire and water damage and has been boarded up. All four adult residents are now displaced. The Red Cross has been called in to assist. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
>>BPD Search for Woman Missing Since June
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — Brooklyn Park police are searching for a missing 25-year-old. Angeles De-Jesus Orzuna was last seen on June 1st in Robbinsdale. She’s described as White-Hispanic, five feet two inches to five feet eight inches tall, 200 pounds, with black hair and eyes.
