Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Matt Sepic

UCare pulls ads from KSTP after #pointergate story

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The health insurance company UCare has pulled its advertising from KSTP-TV because of news report that has been dubbed "#pointergate" on social media.

The Twin Cities ABC affiliate aired a report more than a week ago suggesting that Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges flashed a gang sign in a photo with a young black man.

UCare marketing director Dan Ness said the company canceled its contract with the station through the end of the year.

"It would feel wrong to continue advertising with an organization that broadcast something that truly offended, we felt, many of our members, our coworkers, business partners, friends and family members," Ness said.

Ness said UCare hasn't ruled out returning to Channel 5 in the future.

Station owner Stanley Hubbard called UCare's decision "unbelievable."

More on #pointergate

• Hubbard: Don't blame KSTP, blame the police
• Hodges: Racism, police union conflict at heart of #pointergate
• Explaining #pointergate: The missing context
• Jon Stewart mocks #pointergate