>>Minnesotans Head to the Polls, Election Day 2026
(Undated) — Minnesota voters are heading to the polls today for Election Day 2026, with several key races and ballot questions that could shape the state’s political future. Control of the Minnesota Legislature, the governor’s office and representation in Washington are among the issues drawing attention as voters across the state make their voices heard. Voters will also decide a proposed constitutional amendment involving school funding, along with local races and ballot questions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide.
>>Minnesota Officials Outline How to Report Election Concerns
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota voters heading to the polls today are being reminded how to report suspicious activity or disruptions. Secretary of State Steve Simon says voters should first notify election judges, who are trained to handle problems. Concerns can also be reported by calling 877-600-VOTE. Simon says Department of Justice observers will be outside polling places in Hennepin and Ramsey counties but must remain at least 100 feet away. Voters are not required to answer their questions. Democratic congressional observers will also be monitoring activity in Hennepin and Olmsted counties. Polls close at 8 p.m. tonight.
>>Minnesota Sets Midterm Early Voting Record
(St. Paul, MN) — As voters head to the polls today, Minnesota has set a new midterm early-voting record. Secretary of State Steve Simon reported on Monday that more than 886-thousand ballots have been accepted. That surpasses the previous record of roughly 687-thousand early ballots in 2022. This year’s total includes about 620-thousand ballots cast in person and 267-thousand returned by mail. Simon says the numbers point to strong voter interest in this election.
>>Minnesota Reports Highest Measles Case Count in 36 Years
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota has recorded 80 confirmed measles cases this year, the highest number since 1990. State Senator Liz Boldon of Rochester is urging Minnesotans to get vaccinated, noting that all but two of the cases involved people who were not fully vaccinated. Most of those infected have been children. Boldon also plans to reintroduce legislation removing the conscientious exemption for MMR vaccinations required for children attending school and child care. The proposal is supported by the Minnesota Medical Association and the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
>>House Fire Destroys Home in Rural Sturgeon Township
(Sturgeon Township, MN) — A family is left without a home after a devastating fire destroyed their house in rural St. Louis County, claiming the lives of three family pets. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says crews responded Monday afternoon to a home in Sturgeon Township. The house was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived. The homeowner was home and attempting to rescue family pets. Two dogs and a cat died in the fire. The home was deemed a total loss. The Red Cross is assisting the family. No other injuries were reported.
>>FBI Reports 168 Arrests in Tribal Communities Operation
(Minneapolis, MN) – The FBI is reporting 168 arrests during a six-month operation targeting crime in tribal communities across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Operation Steadfast Promise ran from April through September, resulting in the seizure of 136 firearms and more than 115 kilograms of illegal drugs. Authorities also identified 28 child victims and located or recovered 36 children on tribal lands. The operation involved federal prosecutors, tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other partners.
>>Minnesota Families Urged to Apply for Heating Assistance
(St. Paul, MN) – With colder weather approaching, state officials are reminding Minnesotans that more households may qualify for heating assistance than they realize. Energy Assistance Program director Michael Schmitz says a family of four can earn up to 74-thousand dollars a year and still qualify. The program helps eligible homeowners and renters pay their energy bills. Schmitz is also encouraging Minnesotans to spread the word to friends, relatives and neighbors who may be struggling with heating costs. Applications are now being accepted through local service providers across Minnesota.
>>Minnesota Power Seeks Nearly 18-Percent Rate Increase
(Duluth, MN) – Minnesota Power is asking state regulators to approve a nearly 18-percent rate increase that would add about 24 dollars to the average monthly residential bill. The utility is seeking an additional 134-million dollars in annual revenue, citing rising operating costs, inflation, investments in renewable energy and grid upgrades. The company also points to reduced electricity sales tied to slowdowns in the mining industry. An interim increase of 15-percent is being sought beginning in January, but Minnesota Power says bill credits would offset about 70-percent of that increase in 2027. The proposal now goes before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for review.
