>>State Legislative Leaders React to Latest Budget Forecast
(St. Paul, MN) – State leaders are reacting to the new state budget forecast showing a larger surplus for the next two years, but a nearly $3 billion deficit for 2028-29. Governor Tim Walz says despite federal cuts and inflation, Minnesota is still a top state to call home. The governor told reporters, “And in spite of the headwinds we’re up against, Minnesota ranks economically, economic growth, happiness, number of people insured, education levels near the very top.” Republicans argue we still have a deficit due to over-spending and more taxes. House Speaker Lisa Demuth said, “To have a state budget that did not even nod to the fraud, that is something that was definitely a miss and we have to continue looking into that.” Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Erin Campbell said there’s no special line for fraud. It just goes under dollars spent.
>>Dozen Arrests Made in Immigration Surge in Twin Cities
(Minneapolis, MN) — Officials with the U-S Department of Homeland Security say a dozen people were arrested in immigration raids this week in the Twin Cities. The undocumented immigrants detained are from Somalia, Mexico, and El Salvador. Court records show eight of them have criminal convictions for D-U-I, domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, and assault. “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota comes after President Trump criticized the state’s Somali community and said he didn’t want them in our country. D-H-S Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that ICE is protecting Minnesotans by arresting the “worst of the worst.”
>>Congressional Republicans Send Letter to Walz Over CDL Controversy
(Washington, DC) – Congressional Republicans including Tom Emmer and Pete Stauber sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz following findings that thousands of commercial driver’s licenses in the state were issued illegally. Fellow G-O-P Representatives Michelle Fischbach and Brad Finstad joined 14 other Republicans in signing the letter. Walz responded to the allegations saying Minnesota has followed the law for years in issuing these licenses. The U-S Department of Transportation says it’s investigating and if Minnesota doesn’t fix the problem in 30 days, the state stands to lose $30 million in federal highway funding.
>>Man Shot in St. Paul Thursday Night is 13th Homicide of 2025
(St. Paul, MN) — Police in St. Paul are investigating a deadly shooting on the city’s East Side. Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso Thursday night. He was treated by paramedics and taken to Regions Hospital where he died of his injuries. Detectives are processing the scene and looking for suspects. This is the 13th homicide of the year in St. Paul.
>>Willmar Man Arrested in Domestic Shooting in Meeker County
(Grove City, MN) — A Willmar man is jailed in Meeker County for the alleged shooting of a woman Thursday afternoon near Grove City. Authorities received a call from the woman who said she was bleeding and hiding in the basement. She gave sheriff’s deputies a description of the suspect ‘s vehicle and he called 9-1-1 and admitted to the shooting. The victim told investigators the armed man tried to get her to come outside and shot at her when she retreated inside. The victim was treated for superficial wounds at the scene. The 21-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide and domestic assault charges.
>>First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Carver County
(Victoria, MN) — A new adult-use cannabis dispensary is opening today (Fri) in Victoria. Shayne Dauenhauer says Minne Organix is the first state-licensed retailer in Carver County. He says, “We are super excited. We’re starting off with vape disposables, vape cartridges, and also adult-use edibles.” He says cannabis flower and pre-rolls are expected in mid to late December. Minne Organix has a cannabis partnership agreement with the Prairie Island Indian Community. Dauenhauer says the city and county have been supportive of the dispensary.
>>Timberwolves Rally Past Pelicans to Sweep 2-Game Set in New Orleans
(New Orleans, LA) — The Minnesota Timberwolves rallied past the Pelicans 125-116 in New Orleans last night to sweep the two-game series. The Wolves outscored the Pelicans 37-26 in the fourth quarter. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 28 points and nine rebounds, Naz Reid scored 19, and Rudy Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo each had 15 points. The Timberwolves won Tuesday night 149-142 in overtime at the Smoothie King Center. They’re back at Target Center Saturday night to face the L-A Clippers.
>>Minnesota Wild Fall to Calgary Flames to End 12-Game Point Streak
(Calgary, AB) — The Minnesota Wild’s 12-game point streak ended with a 4-1 loss to the Flames in Calgary. The Flames netted three third-period goals Thursday night. Yakov Trenin scored the Wild’s lone goal late in the second period to tie it 1-1. Filip Gustavsson made 26 saves to take the loss. Minnesota had gone 10-0-and-2 in its previous 12 games. The Wild play tomorrow night in Vancouver and Monday at Seattle.
