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Stopping the spread of misinformation

In a recent poll on the Journal web page, readers were asked whether Meta (Facebook) should focus more on protecting free expression or on combating misinformation. The question came following the Jan. 7 announcement that Meta would stop using third party fact-checkers on Facebook, Threads and Instagram. Instead, regular users will be able to add “notes” to posts, thus correcting inaccuracies or false claims. Local poll results showed that 63 percent believe Meta should focus more on combating misinformation. The results are encouraging. People know that misinformation can spread ...

Legislature needs to stop wasting time

In a recent press release, State Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent, listed “Stop the Fraud” as one of his top priorities for the 2025 Legislative session. Of course, Swedzinski is referring the “Feeding Our Future” scandal and FBI investigation of Minnesota autism centers. However, there is a different kind of fraud flourishing in St. Paul these days. It involves the Legislature itself. Minnesota voters send their representatives to Minnesota Legislature to work for them. The Legislative session only lasts four months. Voters expect their representatives to spend each one of ...

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THUMBS UP Sleepy Eye Pond Hockey is back Saturday, 12-teams teams from across the state and the Dakotas will compete in Sleepy Eye’s fourth annual pond hockey tournament. The tournament itself is an exciting event for hockey enthusiasts, but it also a fun event for the community. This year one ice rink will be dedicated to curling. There will also be scrimmages for the younger players who want to take part in the fun. Later in the evening the Sleepy Eye Event Center will host a concert featuring Mankato rock cover band Steele Prairie. It is great to see an area community embracing ...

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THUMBS UP Community rallies around Michaela Howk Ever since news that former New Ulm resident Michaela Howk was injured in horrible hit-and-run accident on New Years Day, the community has rallied around her and her family. Howk’s injuries will require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and extensive physical therapy. It is also expected her home will require modification as she recovers. The community responded with donations to a Go Fund Me page set up to cover these expenses. Within two days over $41,000 was raised for Michaela. As of Jan. 10, donations have reached $57,000. In ...

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THUMBS UP Clean Slate Act offers a second chance For many, the new year represents a new beginning or clean slate to start fresh. This is especially true in Minnesota for individuals with low level criminal records. On Jan. 1 the state’s Clean Slate Act went into effect. This new policy automates the sealing of certain arrest and conviction records. The Clean Slate law was passed by legislators in 2023 and impacts individuals with lower-level, non-violent crimes on their record and have not committed other crimes for a certain number of years. It is estimated that as many as ...

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THUMBS UP High residential development planned The new year is only a few days away. As of Wednesday, we all have to remember to write 2025 instead of 2024. The new year always brings with it potential for progress. In 2025, New Ulm is expected to see progress on the housing front. Multiple residential buildings are scheduled to begin. The new development on the site of the former George’s Ballroom is the likely the most well-known, with a possibility of 88 rental units. A few yards away, Marktplatz Mall could also begin development. Near the high school the River Haven ...