>>Klobuchar Pledges State Government Audit On First Day
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar is promising a sweeping audit of state government on her first day in office. Former appeals court Judge Cindy Jesson will lead her transition team. Klobuchar says the audit will focus on identifying fraud, waste and abuse across state agencies. Her plan also calls for tighter oversight of state payments and stronger protections for whistleblowers who report suspected fraud. Klobuchar is scheduled to take office January 4th, succeeding Governor Tim Walz, who dropped his reelection bid amid the state’s growing fraud scandal.
>>Klobuchar Pledge Puts Gun Legislation Back In Spotlight
(St. Paul, MN) — Gun safety legislation could be a priority when Minnesota lawmakers return to the Capitol in January. Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar drew loud applause during her victory speech after promising to sign a gun safety bill into law. Protect Minnesota Executive Director Maggie Emery says she expects the issue to move forward now that Democrats control the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature. Last session, the DFL-controlled Senate passed a gun violence prevention package by one vote, but it never received a floor vote in the tied House. The proposed measures included universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. Emery says lawmakers will need to work together to build support for legislation that can pass both chambers.
>>Four Minnesota Races Need Recounts
(St. Paul, MN) – Let the counting continue. There are still four races from Tuesday’s election that fall in the range for a recount. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office says four races in Minnesota are still close enough to fall within the margins of a publicly funded recount. Starting in Congressional District 1, Democrat Jake Johnson leads incumbent Republican Brad Finstad by 323 votes. In state Senate District 4, incumbent DFL state Senator Rob Kupec is only four votes behind his Republican challenger Austin Peterson. Only four votes difference out of more than 36,000 cast. In state Senate District 33, Republican Karin Housley leads Democrat Nat Smith by only 42 votes. And finally, in state House District 32A, Republican Nolan West and Democrat Amanda Matchett are separated by 22 votes. The State Canvassing Board must certify results by November 19.
>>Governor Will Dedicate Highway Today in Melissa Hortman’s Honor
(Undated) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will unveil and dedicate Highway 610 this morning in honor of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Hortman and her husband Mark were killed in a political assassination in June 2025. Highway 610 runs through Brooklyn Park where the Hortman’s lived, and during her time in the legislature, Hortman secured funding for the Highway 610 project. The governor will be joined by state legislators and community members for the dedication.
>>Rocori Soccer Player Seriously Injured In Central Minnesota Crash
(Cold Spring, MN) — A Rocori High School soccer standout remains hospitalized with serious injuries following a crash in central Minnesota. Junior midfielder Juan Cortez was hurt early Sunday morning when the car he was riding in ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle east of Rice. The impact threw Cortez from the car. Rocori coach Chris Stavros says teammates, other schools and the community have rallied around the teenager and his family. A fundraiser raised more than 21-thousand dollars in less than 24 hours to help cover travel, food and other expenses while Cortez receives treatment.
>>Rochester Filmmaker Wins Two Awards For First Short Film
(Rochester, MN) — A Rochester filmmaker is earning recognition for a first short film created in just 72 hours. Beni Benyei produced “Rule the World” using an iPhone and Instagram’s editing app as part of a filmmaking challenge. The 10-minute film blends humor and everyday experiences while exploring struggles surrounding gender identity. It won two awards at the inaugural Rochester Film Festival in September, including Best 72-Hour Challenge Film and the Audience Favorite Award. Benyei hopes to continue making films and collaborate with other local artists.
