>>Qualls Wins Minnesota Republican Party Poll for Governor
(Medina, MN) — The Republican Party of Minnesota’s gubernatorial preference poll suggests businessman Kendall Qualls is the frontrunner in the 2026 race. Qualls finished first with 93 delegate votes from the State Central Committee. G-O-P House Speaker Lisa Demuth was second with 90 and My Pillow founder Mike Lindell came in third with 49 votes. Representative Kristin Robbins was sixth and 2022 Republican nominee for governor Scott Jensen finished in seventh place.
>>Monday is Final Day to Sign Up for 2026 MNsure Health Insurance
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans have until 11:59 pm to sign up for 2026 health insurance through MNsure to ensure coverage begins January 1st. C-E-O Libby Caulum says even though Congress did not extend enhanced federal tax credits, MNsure still offers financial savings. She says, “Folks who are still eligible for financial help are estimated to save about $600 per month on their health insurance.” She notes there is some help out there. There’s more information at mnsure.org.
>>Morrison Introduces Bill to Investigate and Stop Robocalls
(Washington, DC) — A bill introduced by Congresswoman Kelly Morrison aims to stop robocalls, and the scams that can come with them. Morrison says a task force of government agencies would study these calls and find out who’s to blame. She says they would identify the countries responsible for the highest volume of these and develop best practices and international cooperation to mitigate these calls. The task force would take a year and report back to Congress on the needed action to take. The legislation has bi-partisan support.
>>Stewartville Schools Announce Late Start After Campus Shooting
(Stewartville, MN) — Officials at Stewartville Schools say classes will begin late today (Mon) and police will maintain a presence on campus in response to Friday’s shootings. Olmsted County authorities say the wrestling team was boarding a bus for Grand Forks around 5 a-m when a gunman shot a student and then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The student athlete was taken to a Rochester hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition. No word on any connection between the alleged shooter and the victim. All students are encouraged to wear Tiger gear today to display their Tiger pride.
>>Richfield Man Arrested for Loading Body of Shooting Victim in Vehicle
(Richfield, MN) — A man is in custody in connection with the shooting death of a woman in Richfield. Police received several 9-1-1 calls early Saturday about a man dragging a body out of an apartment and loading it into a car. A patrol car tried to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle led officers on a short pursuit to Southdale Hospital in Edina. An unconscious woman was found in the back seat, and she died of her injuries at the scene. Investigators say the driver was taken into custody. No other information is being released.
>>Meeker County Deputies Honored for River Rescue
(St. Paul, MN) — Two Meeker County sheriff’s deputies received Life Saving Awards at the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Winter Conference. Sergeant Ryan Schultz and Deputy Roger Muffley were honored for rescuing a woman pinned against a fallen tree in the North Fork of the Crow River last July. Officials say Muffley held the victim above water for about 30 minutes until Schultz arrived in a buoyancy suit. Together, they pulled her onto the tree before a rescue boat transported her to safety. The victim was cleared at the scene, and Muffley was treated for exhaustion.
>>Storage Shed Fire in Douglas County Under Investigation
(Evansville, MN) — Douglas County sheriff’s deputies say a storage shed was destroyed in an early morning fire Saturday in Evansville. When authorities arrived, the shed was fully engulfed. No injuries were reported, but the structure and all items inside were a total loss. No other buildings were damaged. Investigators say the cause remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.
>>Minnesota Wild Top Boston Bruins in Debut of Defenseman Hughes
(St. Paul, MN) — It was an impressive debut for defenseman Quinn Hughes in the Minnesota Wild’s 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins Sunday in St. Paul. Hughes scored a goal and received a standing ovation and cheers all game from Wild fans. Hughes told reporters, “I wasn’t expecting that, but that was very cool. I know it’s a hockey market, but that was exciting.” Kirill Kaprizov had two goals for the Wild and Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves. Hughes was traded from Vancouver to Minnesota for Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium , Liam Ohgren, and a first-round draft pick. The Washington Capitals visit Grand Casino Arena Tuesday night.
>>Vikings Knock Off Cowboys on Sunday Night Football
(Arlington, TX) — The Minnesota Vikings move to 6-and-8 with a 34-26 win at the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Quarterback J-J McCarthy threw for 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Jalen Nailor and ran for a score. C-J Ham also rushed for a T-D. The Purple were eliminated from playoff contention with a Bears win on Sunday. The Vikings dashed the postseason hopes of the 6-7-and-1 Cowboys. Minnesota plays at the Giants this Sunday.
