>>Man Dies After Workplace Accident in Moorhead
(Moorhead, MN) – A man is dead following a workplace accident this morning in north Moorhead. Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting says first responders were called to Bert’s Truck Equipment on Highway 75 after an axle fell on the man, causing a severe chest injury. He was conscious when crews arrived but lost consciousness en route to Sanford Medical Center, where he later died. The victim’s name has not been released.
>>10lb Meth Drug Bust in West Central MN
(Willmar, MN) – Two men have been arrested in connection with a large methamphetamine bust in west central Minnesota. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office says agents of the CEE-VI Drug and Gang Task Force executed multiple search warrants in Montevideo and Maynard in Chippewa County related to the trafficking of large quantities of methamphetamine. Task force agents recovered about 10 pounds of meth. A 28-year-old man from Maynard and an 18-year-old man from Montevideo were arrested. They are expected to be charged with 1st Degree Controlled Substance charges. The Sheriff’s Office says they are expected to charge additional people connected to this case in the future.
>>Life Sentence for Minneapolis Gang Member in RICO Case
(Minneapolis, MN) – A Minneapolis man will spend life in prison for his role in a violent street gang and the murder of an innocent bystander. Federal prosecutors say 29-year-old Gregory Hamilton, a member of the Highs gang, was convicted of RICO conspiracy and premeditated murder for the 2021 killing of Darryl Wells Jr., who was mistaken for a rival gang member. Judge Nancy Brasel called the crime “gang revenge, pure and simple,” and said that a lesser sentence would not protect the community. The case is part of a federal crackdown that has charged more than 100 gang members in Minneapolis, including 39 members of the Highs, with crimes ranging from narcotics and firearms trafficking to racketeering.
>>AG Ellison Reaches Settlement with Hyundai, Kia
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a settlement today with Korean automaker Hyundai-Kia, requiring the company to provide a free hardware fix for vehicles lacking an engine immobilizer. The move comes after a surge in thefts targeting these models. Hyundai and Kia owners who previously received a software update intended to fix the theft vulnerability but still experienced issues are now eligible for an additional free repair. Impacted owners should receive notifications in early 2026, but Attorney General Keith Ellison says consumers don’t have to wait. They can contact a local dealer now. Once notified, owners will have one year to make the repairs.
>>DFL Sen. Wiklund to Retire After Four Terms
(Bloomington, MN) – State Senator Melissa Wiklund says she will retire at the end of her current term in 2026 after serving four terms in the Minnesota Senate. The DFL lawmaker from Bloomington has represented Bloomington, Richfield, and parts of Minneapolis since 2013. Wiklund chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and also serves on Finance, Commerce, and Human Services committees. She says she’s proud of her work on insulin affordability, expanding health care access, and improving early childhood education. Wiklund plans to continue advocating for her constituents through the remainder of her term.
>>Sen. Smith Urges Investigation Into MN Rusco Closure
(Minneapolis, MN) – U.S. Senator Tina Smith is calling on the Trump Administration to investigate the sudden closure of Minnesota Rusco, a home contractor that filed for bankruptcy after nearly 70 years in business. Smith says the company collapsed just three years after being taken over by private equity, leaving homeowners with unfinished projects and few options for recovery. She’s urging federal agencies to help families recover payments and documents and to hold investors accountable, saying Wall Street firms put profits over Minnesota families, leaving communities to “pick up the pieces.”
>>Nationwide, Year-round E15 Nears Reality as Stakeholders Advance D.C. Talks
(Washington, D.C.) – Momentum is building for year-round, nationwide E15 sales, as Minnesota Biofuels Association director Brian Werner confirmed that renewable fuel producers and refiners are actively negotiating in Washington, D.C. He says nationwide E15 legislation could be attached to a skinny farm bill or a continuing resolution due to a “funding cliff coming up” at the end of January. Werner is hopeful a resolution will be in place before the summer driving season begins, with restrictions on E15 sales across much of the U.S.
>>WI Conservative Radio Host Who Mocked Gus Walz Leaves for Podcasting
(Milwaukee, WI) – Wisconsin conservative talk show host Jay Weber is stepping away from his daily show on WISN-AM after nearly 35 years. He’ll move to a twice-a-week podcast for iHeart Radio, with his final broadcast set for December 23rd. Weber was suspended for two weeks last year after mocking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s son Gus on X following his emotional reaction at the Democratic National Convention. Weber later deleted the post and apologized, saying he “didn’t realize the kid was disabled.” His move follows fellow host Mark Belling’s shift to podcasting. No replacement has been announced for Weber’s time slot.
>>MN Honors Leaders in Maternal, Child Health
(St. Paul, MN) – Three Minnesotans are being recognized for their work improving health for mothers and children. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced the 2025 Betty Hubbard Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award winners: Teresa Freitag of Mankato, Mary Zaffke of Spring Grove, and Dr. Adele Della Torre of Minneapolis. Della Torre earned the statewide award for her advocacy in children’s oral health and for founding Ready, Set, Smile, which expands dental care access for underserved families. Freitag was honored for building the First Steps program in Blue Earth County, linking parents to vital resources. Zaffke received the award for decades of public health service in Houston County, including launching home visiting programs.
