Target plans massive downsizing: Plus: Higher costs and fewer options for Medicaid; an update on the race for Sen. Tina Smith’s seat; and construction in I-94.

The Minnesota Star Tribune reports that Target Corp. will cut 1,800 positions from its corporate headquarters, which represents around 8% of the company’s global team. “The Minneapolis-based retailer said changes were not made to cut costs but to make Target’s operations more agile and improve decision-making.”

Minnesotans on Medicare are facing increased costs and fewer options, MPR News reports, which is “prompting an unprecedented number of Minnesotans to review their options for 2026. … Several insurers are leaving the Medicare Advantage market in Minnesota. While some providers still participate in Medicare Advantage plans, many health systems, hospitals and pharmacies are ending contracts or altering their participation.”

According to the Center for Politics, the race for retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s seat has moved to a “likely Democratic” victory. “Minnesota Democrats will choose between, primarily, Rep. Angie Craig (D, MN-2) and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D). … Meanwhile, Republicans could be again stuck with unsuccessful 2024 nominee Royce White in Minnesota: White, a former NBA player, has made a litany of controversial comments and does not seem capable of winning a statewide race.”

Travelers will want to steer clear of I-94 between Dale Street in St. Paul and I-35W in Minneapolis as crews will be shutting down westbound lanes starting at 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday, WCCO News reports. You can find the full details here.