>>Walz Confirms He Won’t Run for Third Term as Minnesota Governor
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is confirming that he will not seek a third term. Walz says in a statement that every minute he spent defending his political interests would be a minute he can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota. He says he reflected with his family and team over the holidays and came to the conclusion that “I can’t give a political campaign my all.” The governor says he’s decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while he focuses on the work.
>>Minnesota Politicians React to Governor Walz Ending Bid for Third Term
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota politicians are reacting to Governor Tim Walz ending his 2026 re-election campaign. Congressman Tom Emmer wrote in a statement, “good riddance.” Republican candidate for governor Lisa Demuth said, “If Democrats think they can sweep Minnesota’s fraud scandal away by swapping out Tim Walz, they are wrong.” Minneapolis Mayo Jacob Frey says,” Because of Governor Walz, Minnesotans have paid leave and free school meals.” D-F-L House Leader Zack Stephenson responded, “Governor Walz led our state ably through COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd, two of the most difficult moments in our state’s history.”
>>MN DFL Party, Hortman’s Children Condemn Pres. Trump’s Social Media Posts on Her Murder
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson is condemning President Donald Trump for spreading what he calls “outrageous lies” about the murder of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Trump reposted a video on Truth Social suggesting Governor Tim Walz was involved, a claim authorities say is baseless. Federal prosecutors say the accused gunman acted alone and targeted Democrats on an extremist hit list. Stephenson says, “Melissa was murdered by a right-wing, anti-abortion extremist who believed in COVID conspiracies. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying.” Hortman’s children, Colin and Sophie, are also speaking out. Colin says, “Words matter. Sharing fake news is dangerous. My mother voted for that bill to prevent a government shutdown, not for fraud. I’m asking President Trump to remove the video and apologize.” Sophie adds, “The video twists my mother’s final vote and fuels division. Please take it down.” Walz calls Trump’s comments “dangerous and depraved,” warning they could inspire more violence.
>>19-Year-old Rochester Man Dies in Rollover on Highway 14
(Byron, MN) — A 19-year-old man from Rochester is the victim of a deadly rollover crash near Byron. The Minnesota State Patrol says a car driven by Braden Rahlf left U-S Highway 14 Saturday morning and rolled into the ditch. Rahlf died at the scene. The report says he was not wearing a seat belt. Alcohol was not involved in the crash.
>>Anoka Hennepin Teachers Preparing to Strike Thursday
(Anoka, MN) — Anoka-Hennepin teachers are getting prepared to go on strike. The teacher’s union posted on social media Sunday evening, “barring meaningful movement from the Anoka-Hennepin School Board, we strike in four days on January 8th.” A final mediation session is scheduled for Tuesday. The two sides failed to agree on a new contract on Friday following an eight-hour session. The district sent an email to parents encouraging families to plan for a possible teacher strike starting Thursday.
>>Sweden vs. Czech Republic in World Junior Gold Medal Game in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — Sweden will skate against the Czech Republic tonight in the Gold Medal game of the World Junior Hockey Championship at Grand Casino Arena. The Czechs upset Canada 6-4 in the semifinals Sunday night. The Swedes advanced with a 4-3 overtime victory over Finland. Team U-S-A lost to Sweden in the final preliminary game and fell to Finland 4-3 in O-T in the quarterfinals. Canada will face off against Finland in the Bronze Medal game this afternoon.
