>>Poll Shows Walz Has 53% Approval Rating
(Undated) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has a 53% approval rating, according to a recent Morning Consult poll, placing him 33rd among the nation’s 50 governors. His approval has declined slightly over the year, down from 56% in the first quarter of 2025. Walz officially launched his campaign for a third term in September, a move that would make him the first governor in Minnesota history to serve three consecutive four-year terms. While he remains broadly popular, his disapproval rating stands at 41%, one of the highest among U.S. governors. The campaign comes amid political headwinds, including voter concerns over public safety and fraud in state programs.
>>10-Year Sentence for St. Cloud Man in Fatal San Diego Shooting
(St. Cloud, MN) — A St. Cloud man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally shooting a sailor outside a San Diego nightclub. Ta’Kari Terell Benness pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of 18-year-old Albert Soto in August of 2024. The incident occurred after Benness and Soto were part of two separate groups that were removed from the club following a fight. The confrontation continued outside for roughly 30 minutes before Benness walked away. Soto allegedly followed him, and that’s when Benness shot and killed him. Soto’s mother told NBC 7 San Diego that the sentence was “a slap in the face.”
>>Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Signs Tribal-State Cannabis Compact
(St. Paul, MN) — The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is the latest Tribal nation to sign a cannabis compact with the state. It allows the Fond du Lac Band to provide adult-use cannabis products to state-licensed businesses and dispensaries. There is a shortage of cannabis in the state’s new retail market because the licensed growers haven’t harvested their first crops yet. The White Earth Nation, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and Prairie Island Indian Community also have Tribal-State cannabis compacts to help boost the supply.
>>Minnesota Republicans Cheer Trump’s Nomination of Stuart for US Marshal
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota’s Republican congressional delegation is praising President Trump’s nomination of James Stuart to serve as U-S Marshal for Minnesota. Representatives Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, and Pete Stauber recommended former Anoka County Sheriff Stuart for U-S marshal earlier this year. They urged the U-S Senate to confirm James’ nomination quickly. The G-O-P members said, “Sheriff Stuart will support and implement President Trump’s successful crime crackdown as our U-S Marshal.”
>>MPCA Offers Climate Resilience Grants for Minnesota Communities
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering $1.6 million in grant funding to support local projects that address the growing impacts of climate change. These grants aim to help communities prepare for more frequent and intense storms, protect drinking water, and improve stormwater infrastructure. Kate Knuth, MPCA’s State Climate Director, says the funding supports essential public services that are becoming increasingly critical: “We know with climate change, we’re going to see more storms and bigger storms,” Knuth said. “Planning for bigger stormwater and protecting our drinking water is a basic government function—and it’s even more important as we see the impacts of climate change ramp up.” For more information, including eligibility and application details, please visit the MPCA’s website. (/www.pca.state.mn.us.)
>>Winona Woman Killed in Interstate 90 Crash in Mower County
(Stewartville, MN) — A Winona woman is dead after a rollover crash on Interstate 90 Tuesday night in Mower County near Stewartville. The Minnesota State Patrol says an S-U-V driven by 27-year-old Jasmine Brown veered into the center median, hit a bridge pier head-on, and rolled multiple times. Troopers say Brown died at the scene. The report shows alcohol was not involved.
