>>Minnesota Senate Subcommittee Hearing on Federal Government Shutdown
(St. Paul, MN) — The Senate Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans is hosting a hearing today (Thurs) on the ongoing federal government shutdown. The panel will hear how the shutdown is affecting furloughed workers in Minnesota and about disruptions to the food and ag sectors, tourism, and social safety net programs. SNAP benefits will end this weekend for 440 thousand Minnesotans if the federal government shutdown continues into November.
>>Klobuchar’s Bill to Overturn Tariffs on Canada Passes US Senate
(Washington, DC) — U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar is celebrating passage of bipartisan legislation that would overturn President Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Klobuchar in a statement says, “Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner, but these chaotic tariffs are jeopardizing that relationship – and increasing costs for Minnesota families.” The bill would terminate the February emergency declaration that President Trump used to start the trade war with Canada and eliminate tariffs on Canadian imports. The U-S House is required to vote on it within 18 days.
>>Walz to Sign Tribal-State Cannabis Compact with Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is scheduled sign the fifth Tribal-state cannabis compact this afternoon (Thurs). The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will be the latest Tribal nation to provide adult-use cannabis products to state-licensed businesses. There is a shortage of supply as Minnesota’s retail cannabis market opens. The White Earth Nation, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Prairie Island Indian Community, and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa also have cannabis compacts with the state.
>>No More High School Graduations on U of M Campus
(Minneapolis, MN) — There will not be any high school graduation ceremonies on the University of Minnesota campus next spring. Around two dozen commencements were held this year at Mariucci Arena. U of M officials said in a statement that holding so many commencements over a short is period is just too much stress. Many schools have graduation at the U of M because the venues can hold thousands of families and friends. Two people were shot outside the Gophers’ hockey arena following the Wayzata High School graduation in May.
>>Cargill Laying Off 80 Employees at Wayzata Headquarters
(Wayzata, MN) — Minnesota-based Cargill is laying off 80 employees at its Wayzata headquarters. The agribusiness giant informed the corporate workers the layoffs are effective December 31st. A notice sent to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development said, “As communicated to our employees, Cargill is undergoing a business restructuring that is resulting in a reduction in force of certain roles at the Wayzata Office Center, in addition to other locations.” Cargill has a global workforce of 155 thousand employees.
>>Hibbing Search Warrant Leads to Drug Sales Arrest
(Hibbing, MN) — Authorities in northeastern Minnesota say a narcotics search warrant led to an arrest Wednesday in Hibbing. The Lake Superior Violent Offenders Task Force and other agencies raided a home where an undercover officer had bought cocaine in September. Deputies say one person was arrested for third-degree drug sales, illegal firearm possession, and having fake I-Ds. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says a separate federal investigation is also underway but declined further comment. Reports indicate two Mexican restaurants in Hibbing were raided by federal immigration agents and they detained undocumented workers.
>>Hazelden Betty Ford Officials Applaud Drop in Minnesota Overdose Deaths
(Center City, MN) — Officials at Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers are applauding a drop in Minnesota drug overdose deaths for the second straight year. Executive Director Lydia Burr says there was a 26 percent drop overall, with 31 percent of decline in greater Minnesota and 23 percent in metro counties. She says there’s been a shift in what the definition of recovery is which has led to better medications and education. Burr says despite the drop, the work needs to continue to make sure there isn’t a bounce back in overdose deaths this year.
>>Minnesota Twins Hiring Ex-Pirates Manager Shelton to Replace Baldelli
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins are reportedly hiring Derek Shelton as their new manager. Fifty-five-year-old Shelton spent part of six seasons as manager of the Pirates before being fired in May. Shelton had a 306-440 record in Pittsburgh. He will replace former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. Shelton served as a bench coach in Minnesota in 2018 under then manager Paul Molitor and Baldelli in 2019. He will become the 15th manager in Twins history.
