After decades as a caucus state, Minnesota will hold its first presidential primary since 1992. The primary puts the state in the middle of Super Tuesday, when voters from 15 states and territories cast ballots.

Unlike 31 other states, Minnesota does not require voters to register with a political party. The new primary system does, however, require voters to pledge that they are “in general agreement with the principles of the party” in order to get that party’s ballot and vote.

The DFL Party informed Secretary of State Steve Simon that 15 candidates would be on the ballot. Voters may also select the option “uncommitted”.

A global agency says the spreading coronavirus could make the world economy shrink this quarter for the first time since the international financial crisis more than a decade ago.

China’s viral outbreak has already disrupted global supply chains and cut profits. One business group said China’s reduced production is hitting Asia particularly hard and also companies that depend on its goods around the world.

Economists worry that quarantines and greater caution among consumers will lead people to cancel travel plans, skip restaurant meals, avoid stores or stay home from work.

St. Thomas students won five awards for advertisements and campaigns at the Advertising Federation of Minnesota’s “The Show” ceremony on Friday.

According to the AdFed, students Olivia Zipperer and Sam Herriges won two gold awards for the “Catholic Church– Timeless Values” campaign.

Maggie Stout can be reached at stou4257@stthomas.edu.