>>Two New Minnesota Senators Sworn in Tuesday Morning
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Senate will be back to all seats filled this morning (Tues) at the State Capitol. Swearing-in ceremonies are being held for Senator-Elect Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger of Woodbury and Senator-Elect Michael Holmstrom from Buffalo. Holmstrom won the seat held by longtime Senator Bruce Anderson of Buffalo, who died in July. Hemmingsen-Jaeger was in the Minnesota House but ran for the Senate seat following the resignation of Nicole Mitchell. The Minnesota Senate goes back to a 34-33 Democratic majority.
>>Senator Draheim Cites Term Limits in Reasons for Retirement
(Madison Lake, MN) — Republican state Senator Rich Draheim of Madison Lake is citing term limits as a reason for retiring after the next legislative session. Draheim says, “the whole system is set up to represent the people. After so long in any career, your viewpoints change a little bit and your actions almost become robotic.” When he was first elected, Draheim introduced a bill on term limits, but it got little support. He says he’s open to having the discussion again. Draheim has served ten years in the Minnesota Senate.
>>Food Service Workers at MSP Airport Plan to Strike Next Week
(Minneapolis, MN) — Around 250 food service workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are planning to strike during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. Geof Paquette with Unite Here Local 17 says members are set to strike November 24th through 26th. Their deadline for a new contract is midnight on Sunday November 23rd. Workers are calling for significant wage increases and lower health insurance costs after more than a year of bargaining with HMSHost. The company operates food service locations at M-S-P Terminal 1 and 2 including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, The Wild Sports Bar, and Smashburger. The workers’ last contract expired in December 2024.
>>FAA Pledging $20M to Help Replace Aging Duluth Air Tower
(Duluth, MN) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pledging 20 million dollars to help replace the aging air tower at Duluth International Airport. The F-A-A announced on Monday that it will provide the funds to replace the 70-year-old air traffic control tower. A spokesperson for Duluth International said the project expects to break ground in 2026 and for construction to finish in 2028. Even with the grant announced on Monday, the airport is still about 17-million dollars shy of the funding needed for the new tower.
>>UCare to Shut Down Next Year
(Minneapolis, MN) — Independent health insurer UCare says it will close in 2026. The company announced Monday that some contracts and assets will be sold to Minnetonka-based Medica. UCare has faced mounting financial losses. Earlier this year, it dropped its Medicare Advantage program, leaving about 158,000 Minnesotans searching for new coverage. C-E-O Hilary Marden-Resnik says the deal with Medica will help protect access for the state’s most vulnerable members. UCare says people enrolled in its Medicaid and individual plans for 2026 will keep their coverage without interruption.
>>Wounded Cass County Deputy Released from Hospital
(Walker, MN) — The Cass County sheriff’s deputy shot during a deadly exchange of gunfire Sunday is out of the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. The deputy was shot in the upper thigh near Walker and was airlifted to a Fargo, North Dakota hospital. The suspect in the shooting was killed. The officers involved had active body worn cameras. No names have been released. The Minnesota B-C-A is investigating.
>>Ex-St. Olaf Student Sentenced for May 2022 Knife and Hammer Attack
(Northfield, MN) — A former St. Olaf College student is sentenced to more than seven-and-a-half years in prison for a May 2022 knife and hammer attack on the Northfield campus. William Schulenberg received a 91-month sentence Monday after pleading guilty to four counts including assault with a deadly weapon. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office says Schulenberg climbed through a dorm window during a party and attacked a woman with a knife and hammer. He also struck two students who intervened with the hammer and cut a third person. The A-G’s Office prosecuted the case at the request of the Rice County attorney.
>>SUV Driver Killed in Semi Collision near North Branch in Isanti County
(Cambridge, MN) — Authorities in Isanti County are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash involving a semi near North Branch. Sheriff’s deputies say an S-U-V and semi collided Monday night at an intersection on Highway 95. First responders say the S-U-V driver died at the scene. No other injuries are reported. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office will release the identity of the victim.
>>Three Clear Lake City Employees Charged with Theft and Embezzlement
(Clear Lake, MN) — Three former Clear Lake city employees are facing felony charges after investigators say they stole nearly $200,000 through unauthorized credit card purchases and inflated payroll hours. According to Sherburne County prosecutors, former city clerk Kari Koren, former public works director Dustin Luhning, and former firefighter Chad Koren allegedly used city credit cards for personal expenses and claimed pay for hours they did not work. The alleged scheme ran from late 2022 through 2023. All three defendants have been charged with one felony count of theft and embezzlement of public funds.
>>Timberwolves Blow Out Mavericks at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves routed the Dallas Mavericks 120-96 Monday night at Target Center. The Wolves built a 33-point lead in the second half. Naz Reid led Minnesota with 22 points and 12 rebounds, and all five starters scored in double figures. Dallas was missing several players including all-stars Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. The Washington Wizards come to Minneapolis on Wednesday night.
