>>U of M Researchers Closely Watching Federal Ban on Hemp Products
(Minneapolis, MN) — The federal ban on hemp-based T-H-C products will likely be an ongoing policy issue in 2026. University of Minnesota School of Public Health researcher Colin Planalp says lawmakers plan to push against the new restrictions on low-dose edibles and drinks. He says, “One option that Congress could consider over the course of the next year is revisiting this and considering whether there are options to take a regulatory approach to these hemp products similar to what Minnesota has done.” Planalp says Minnesota already has state labeling requirements, age restrictions, licensing, and testing of hemp-derived products.
>>GOP Candidate for Governor Robbins Releases Prosperity Plan
(St. Paul, MN) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Kristin Robbins is out with what she calls her campaign ‘prosperity’ plan. The state representative from Maple Grove says tax cuts across the board are possible, including lower property taxes, and eliminating the Social Security tax. Robbins tells Capitol reporters, “We’re going to cut taxes and regulations, reduce government spending, lower the cost of energy and bring back the American dream of home ownership.” She is one of at least nine Republicans running for Minnesota governor. Governor Tim Walz is seeking a third term next year.
>>Pretrial Hearing for Suspect in Fatal Shooting of United Healthcare’s Thompson
(Manhattan, NY) — There is a pretrial hearing this morning (Mon) in New York state court for the man accused of killing of United Healthcare C-E-O Brian Thompson. Twenty-seven-year-old Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to nine state charges including murder. Prosecutors say 50-year-old Thompson of Maple Grove was gunned down in cold blood by Mangione in midtown Manhattan last December 4th. Defense attorneys are asking for some evidence to be suppressed including a notebook found in Mangione’s backpack and statements he made to police.
>>Man Dies in St. Paul Shooting, Suspect Crashes Vehicle near Scene
(St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a deadly shooting early Sunday in the Frogtown neighborhood. Officers found a man with multiple gunshot wounds and paramedics tried to save him, but he died at the scene. Authorities say the suspect vehicle fled at a high rate of rate and crashed a short distance away. The driver was treated for minor injuries at Regions Hospital and taken into police custody. No other information is being released.
>>Police Investigate Armed Robbery in Edina
(Edina, MN) — Police say one person was injured in an armed robbery with shots fired Sunday evening in Edina’s commercial district. Officers were called around 6 pm, and about an hour later, officials announced the scene was secure and confirmed one victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No further information is available.
>>Rochester Man Sentenced in Drug Sale Case
(Rochester, MN) — A Rochester man will serve only two months in jail after pleading guilty to first-degree drug sales. Police say 34-year-old James Williams was arrested earlier this year during a drug raid on his home. They found more than 35 grams of cocaine and 39 grams of fentanyl, along with scales and packaging materials. Three juveniles were also inside the residence. Williams received a 180-day sentence but was credited with 126 days already served.
>>Christmas Tree Season Opens in Minnesota
(Champlin, MN) — The Christmas tree season is officially underway in Minnesota. Austin Koons of Rum River Tree Farm says fresh snow on opening weekend helped bring more customers in. He says they’ve been “super busy” and sold quite a few trees. Koons expects strong sales this season and says prices are about the same as last year. There are around 60 Christmas tree farms in the state. There’s a list on the Minnesota Grown website.
>>Snow Emergencies Declared in Twin Cities
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies after the season’s first major storm. In Minneapolis, parking restrictions began Sunday night and run through Tuesday. Drivers must follow posted rules or risk tickets and towing. St. Paul’s snow emergency began at 9 pm Sunday, with night plow routes first, followed by day plow routes this morning (Mon). That emergency remains in effect until 9 Thursday.
>>Minnesota Vikings, Rookie QB Brosmer Shut Out in Seattle
(Seattle, WA) — It was an awful first career start for Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Max Brosmer in a 26-0 shutout loss Sunday at Seattle. The former Gopher Q-B went 19-for-30 for 126 yards passing and had four interceptions. Coach Kevin O’Connell said,” Maybe we’ve got to try to limit what we’re asking of the group as a whole especially with some different guys stepping into the lineup.” Pro Bowl wide receiver Justin Jefferson had just two catches for four yards and declined speaking to reporters after the loss. The 4-and-8 Vikings host the 3-and-9 Commanders this Sunday.
>>Timberwolves Rally Past Spurs in Fourth Quarter
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves are celebrating a 125-112 comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs Sunday evening at Target Center. The Wolves trailed by four points after three quarters before outscoring the Spurs 36-19 in the fourth. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 32 points and Julius Randle had 22 points and 12 assists. The Timberwolves play the Pelicans Tuesday night in New Orleans.
>>Gophers Claim Paul Bunyan’s Axe in Win Over Wisconsin
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Gopher football team finished the regular season with a 17-7 win over rival Wisconsin at Huntington Bank Stadium. Saturday’s victory gives Minnesota Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the fourth time in five years and a 64-63-and-8 lead in the all-time series. Darius Taylor rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Drake Lindsay had 90 passing yards and a score. John Nestor recovered a fumble and grabbed two interceptions. The 7-and-5 Gophers are awaiting their bowl destination.
