>>Newcome Launches Forward Independence Party Campaign for Governor
(St. Paul, MN) — Lake Elmo businessman Mike Newcome will be introduced at the State Capitol today (Thurs) as the Forward Independence Party’s candidate for governor. Newcome says he’s running because we no longer have a government that is “for the people and by the people.” He says, “it is now by the party and their special interests and for the party and their special interests. And neither the Democrats nor the Republicans because of their toxic partisan battle are able to accomplish anything in this state on behalf of the people.” Newcome says his only special interests would be the taxpayers who put the 64-billion dollars in the state budget.
>>Demuth Blames Walz for Findings in Minnesota Chamber Economic Report
(Cold Spring, MN) — Republican candidate for governor Lisa Demuth is blaming Governor Walz’s policies for a new report suggesting Minnesota’s economy is falling behind. The findings from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce show the state is 38th in G-D-P per capita growth, 40th in labor force growth, and 41st in net migration. Demuth said about the report, “seven years of Walz policies are harming Minnesota’s economy. This isn’t just data, it impacts everyday Minnesotans.” The Chamber cites high taxes and new labor mandates as key concerns. Speaker Demuth pledged to cut taxes and reduce mandates, saying, “we’ll make Minnesota a magnet for business investment and job creation.”
>>Today is Give to the Max Day
(Undated) — Give to the Max Day 2025 is here, Minnesota’s largest 24-hour online giving campaign. Hundreds of schools and nonprofits across the state are taking part in today’s (Thurs) event. GiveMN Deputy Executive Director Jenna Ray says since 2009, Give to the Max Day has helped raise more than $400 million, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of thousands of donors. Ray says today also kicks off the year-end giving season, a critical time for nonprofits. To donate, head to GiveMN.org.
>>Target Boycott Hits Holiday Season Turning Point
(Minneapolis, MN) — Civil rights leaders and organizers will rally outside Target’s headquarters at noon today (Thurs), urging communities to “hold the line” on the national boycott during the holiday shopping season. The movement began in February after the Minneapolis-based retailer rolled back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments. Organizers say this is the boycott’s most critical moment, citing a 31-percent drop in Target’s stock since January and warning holiday sales could determine the company’s future.
>>Coalition Marks Monticello Nuclear Plant Leak Anniversary with Bannering
(Monticello, MN) — The Nuclear Free Mississippi River Coalition will banner over Highway 94 near the Highway 25 exit today (Thurs 4pm), marking three years since a radioactive leak at the Monticello nuclear plant. In November 2022, the 54-year-old reactor spilled more than 829,000 gallons of tritium-contaminated water into the Mississippi River, a drinking source for millions. Tritium is known to increase the risk of cancer. Xcel Energy waited four months to alert the public and later underestimated the leak’s scope. Despite safety concerns, regulators extended the plant’s license through 2050. The coalition calls the reactor “unacceptable and dangerous” and is demanding its immediate shutdown.
>>White Bear Lake Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Infant Son’s Death
(St. Paul, MN) — A White Bear Lake man is sentenced to more than ten years in prison for the March 2024 death of his infant son. Prosecutors say 40-year-old Mark Forster was sentenced to 128 months in prison for second-degree murder Wednesday and received credit for 490 days served. The criminal complaint says Forster shook eight-week-old Jackson on January 31st before the boy’s mother brought him to the hospital. He died March 22nd of blunt force head trauma. Forster admitted to investigators that he may have hurt the boy but didn’t remember because he’d been drinking.
>>Semi-Tractor Destroyed by Fire in St. Louis County
(St. Louis County, MN) — Authorities say a semi-tractor was destroyed by fire late Wednesday morning on the Iron Range after a flat tire sparked a blaze near the cab. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the driver, who was the only occupant, safely exited the vehicle. The trailer and cargo were not damaged. Deputies believe heat from the flat tire caused another component to ignite. Several local fire departments responded.
>>Minnesota Wild Top Carolina Hurricanes in Shootout in St. Paul
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Wild outlasted the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in a shootout last night to wrap up a five-game homestand. Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt stopped three straight shootout attempts and Matt Boldy scored the game-winning goal. Boldy, Brock Faber, and Mats Zuccarello scored in regulation for Minnesota and Wallstedt finished with 42 saves. The Wild open a three-game road trip Friday night in Pittsburgh.
>>Timberwolves Use Dominant First Half to Beat Wizards at Home
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves improved to 10-and-5 with a 120-109 victory over the Washington Wizards Wednesday night at Target Center. The Wolves had a 71-46 lead at halftime and were able to hang on for their second win in a row. Julius Randle scored a game-high 32 points, Naz Reid had 28, and Anthony Edwards finished with 18 points. The 1-and-13 Wizards have lost 12 straight games. Minnesota plays the Suns tomorrow night in Phoenix.
