>>Benton County Human Remains Identified
(Foley, MN) – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office has identified the human remains discovered last month in Minden Township, near St. Cloud. Deputies were led to the wooded area on November 19th, where they recovered the remains along with other evidence, assisted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Authorities have confirmed the remains belong to 62-year-old Timothy Strand, who was reported missing to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office in June 2019. The cause and manner of Strand’s death have not yet been determined. Investigators say the case remains open and active.
>>Lake City Shooting Leaves One Injured, Suspect in Custody
(Lake City, MN) – Police say an 81-year-old man is in custody after a shooting on Wednesday in Lake City. Officers responded around 1:24 p.m. and found the suspect holding a handgun behind a Subway restaurant. While negotiating, officers learned a man was inside an adjacent apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Officers subdued the suspect using less-lethal rounds and recovered a 9mm handgun. The suspect, identified as William Charles Piar, was booked into Goodhue County Jail.
>>MPD Investigates Two Fatal Shootings
(Minneapolis, MN) – Minneapolis police are investigating two separate shootings on Wednesday night that left two people dead. The first happened around 9:26 p.m. on the city’s north side, where officers found a man in his twenties with gunshot wounds. He later died at North Memorial. About 30 minutes later, a woman in her thirties was shot in central Minneapolis and died at Hennepin Healthcare. Investigators say both incidents began as verbal altercations that escalated to gunfire. No arrests have been made, and police do not believe the shootings are connected. Anyone with information should contact MPD or CrimeStoppers.
>>MN Senators Want Airline Passengers Reimbursed for Delays
(Washington, D.C.) – If your flight is delayed or cancelled, Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith want passengers reimbursed for their trouble and any rebooking fees. The senators introduced legislation that would protect flyers after President Trump canceled these consumer protections. Under the “Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act”, the Department of Transportation would issue regulations that would set a baseline standard of compensation of at least $300 for a delay of more than three hours, and at least $600 for any delay of six hours or longer. This bill comes right before the busy holiday travel season.
>>Kandiyohi County Board Chair Denounces Trump’s Somali Remarks
(Willmar, MN) – Kandiyohi County Board Chair Steve Gardner is speaking out against recent comments from President Trump calling Somalis “garbage.” Gardner says the remarks are “un-American” and rooted in racism, noting Somali Americans in Willmar are citizens who contribute to schools, the economy, and the community. He urged residents to reject fear and hatred, saying, “They are in rightful pursuit of their own American dreams.” Kandiyohi County is one of eight Minnesota counties partnering with ICE under a 287(g) agreement.
>>Rochester Mayor Vetoes City Council Funding Plan for Salvation Army
(Rochester, MN) – Mayor Kim Norton has vetoed a City Council measure that would have allocated $20,000 to the local Salvation Army for rental assistance and security needs. Norton said her decision was largely influenced by the legislation’s language regarding security, noting that the city does not provide security services for individual businesses or nonprofits. The City Council will revisit the measure on January 5th, when members will attempt to override the mayor’s veto.
>>Anti-ICE Noise Demonstration Planned at Edina Hotel
(Edina, MN) – Activists are preparing a noise demonstration for tonight at 7 p.m. at the Homewood Suites in Edina, where federal immigration agents are reportedly staying during an enforcement operation. Organizers say the protest is in response to recent ICE activity in the Twin Cities, which they claim has led to family separations and fear in immigrant communities. The event is organized by Sunrise Movement Twin Cities and the Party for Socialism & Liberation.
>>Two North 5 Players Win $123K in Tuesday’s Drawing
(Roseville, MN) – Two North 5 tickets won more than $123,000 each in Tuesday’s drawing. The Minnesota Lottery says the winning tickets were sold at a Holiday Station Store in St. Anthony and Franklin Amstar in Renville County. The winning numbers in the December 9th drawing were 2-12-14-23-31. Prizes worth more than $50,000 must be claimed at the Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville.
