>>Applicants Disappointed Cannabis License Lottery Paused by Judge
(Morgan, MN) — Many applicants are disappointed that the Office of Cannabis Management’s preapproval license lottery scheduled for today (Tues) is on hold. Shawn Weber of the Minnesota Cannabis Growers Cooperative & Industry Council says this delay likely pushes cultivation back until next year. He says, “I’m not gonna try to get too emotionally charged. I’m not going to insist that I know better. And I’m gonna remain patient.” A Ramsey County judge postponed the lottery due to multiple lawsuits filed by rejected social equity applicants. Weber says he believes the Office of Cannabis Management was acting in good faith when it rejected many of the social equity applicants.
>>Walz Announces $5 Million in New Funding for Minnesota Food Shelves
(St. Paul, MN) — Food shelves across Minnesota are getting five-million dollars in new funding as we head into the holidays. Governor Tim Walz says this is some of the state’s last money from the American Rescue Plan. The governor said, “And it sets up for the new legislative session to understand that these are ongoing needs. We understand this is one-time money but it’s at the time when we need it, it’s a time that’ll make a difference.” Walz and his wife, Gwen, volunteered at a food shelf Monday in St. Paul. There were seven-and-a-half million visits to Minnesota food shelves in 2023 and this year that number could reach nine million.
>>Sherburne County Recount Confirms Wolgamott Wins House District 14-B Race
(Elk River, MN) — A recount Monday in Sherburne County confirms that State Representative Dan Wolgamott of St. Cloud is the winner in Minnesota House District 14-B. Wolgamott had a 190-vote lead over Republican challenger Sue Ek following the hand recount. He ended up with one fewer vote than the election night results. Wolgamott said in a statement, “now is the time to foster relationships beyond partisan divides to tackle the challenges facing Minnesota families.” The state House is tied with 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans.
>> Democrats Re-gain Majority after Senator Johnson Steward Sworn In
(St. Paul, MN) — The D-F-L once again will have the majority in the Senate when the new legislative session opens in January. Senator Ann Johnson Stewart of Wayzata was sworn in during a ceremony Monday. Johnson Stewart won a special election in November to give the D-F-L a 34-33 edge in the Senate. After the ceremony, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said “Johnson Stewart embraces the awesome responsibility of representing District 45 and going to work on their behalf.” She cited Johnson Stewart’s experience in infrastructure, transportation, work force development and job creation as assets she will bring to the Capitol.
>>Kansas City Man Arrested for Stabbing Fleet Farm Employee in Carver
(Carver, MN) — A 17-year-old Fleet Farm employee is recovering after being stabbed in the neck at the Carver store. Sheriff’s deputies say a 31-year-old man from Kansas City stabbed the female employee Sunday and fled the scene. The teen from Jordan was taken to H-C-M-C in stable condition. Investigators say a witness provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle and the Kansas man was arrested during a “high risk” traffic stop. They say there is no known connection between the victim and suspect.
>>17-Year-Old Student Arrested for Bringing Gun to Moorhead School
(Moorhead, MN) — A 17-year-old boy is accused of bringing a gun to the Moorhead High School Career Academy. Police Captain Deric Swenson says the teen stole the gun from the apartment of a 25-year-old man that he was visiting. The gun owner contact authorities and identified the suspect. Officers say the boy was caught with the gun in his bag after he entered the building. The teen was taken into custody and referred to juvenile court.
>>Stewartville Man Gets Probation in Rochester Underage Sex Sting
(Rochester, MN) — A Stewartville man, one of the seven men busted in a Rochester underage sex sting, will avoid prison time. Prosecutors say 39-year-old Nathan Robertson pleaded guilty in September to one felony count of prostitution-actor hiring and was sentenced to five years’ probation. The men were accused of messaging a phone number attached to a fake ad created by Rochester police officers and agreeing to meet with girls under 16 years old for sexual acts. Robertson must also serve 67 hours of community service and pay $1,000.
>>CP Holiday Train Rolling Through Minnesota in December
(Undated) — A special train is set to pass through Minnesota this holiday season. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop in the state more than a dozen times during the month of December. Twenty stops in total are included, where professional musicians play free concerts from the brightly decorated train’s stage. Donations will then be given to the local food bank at each stop and encourages all attendees to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation. Since its first journey in 1999, the train has raised more than $24.3 million and collected over 5 million pounds of food.
>>State Fair Gate Admission Flash Sale Today
(Falcon Heights, MN) — A State Fair gate admission ticket would make a good stocking stuffer this holiday season. The Great Minnesota Get-Together is having a flash sale today (Tues) only where tickets are 14 dollars. Customers can buy up 12 tickets at that price. Regular State Fair gate admission is expected to remain 18 dollars for ages 13 to 64 and 16 dollars for seniors and kids ages 5 to 12 next year. Discounted pre-fair admission tickets will go on sale December 2nd.
>>Santa’s Grand Arrival at Mall of America Tonight
(Bloomington, MN) — The Mall of America invites the public to be there tonight (Tues 6pm) when Santa Claus makes his grand arrival. The M-O-A rotunda will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Guests are encouraged to dress in their holiday best and enjoy festive giveaways and entertainment, all leading up to Santa’s arrival. Once he arrives, he will lead families to the Candy Cane Institute for a meet and greet with the children.
>>Changes to Minnesota Twins Schedule vs, Tampa Bay Rays Next Year
(Minneapolis, MN) — Major League Baseball is adjusting the Minnesota Twins schedule for the 2025 season. This is due to the Tampa Bay Rays change of venue for their home games. The Rays will play their home games at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa instead of Tropicana Field, which was damaged in Hurricane Milton. The Twins will now play the Rays in Tampa for a three-game series May 26th through the 28th. The series between the two teams scheduled for July 4th through the 6th will now be played at Target Field.
