>>Arctic Cat Closing Two Minnesota Operations
(Undated) — The future seems uncertain for a well-known Minnesota-based power sports manufacturer after its parent company announced the indefinite suspension of operations at two local plants. Textron Inc. confirmed that Arctic Cat manufacturing operations are being shut down at factories in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud after planned production numbers for the first half of 2025 are met. The company says the closures are in response to the ongoing business conditions facing the power sports industry due to inflationary increases impacting consumer demand. There have been no words indicating how many employees will be affected. In November, the company laid off 65 employees and furloughed more at its Thief River Falls location. Arctic Cat was born in Minnesota as a snowmobile manufacturer in 1962 and more recently added ATVs and side-by-side UTVs to the lineup.
>>Investigation Into Madison School Shooting Continues
(Madison, WI) — Students retrieved belongings left behind after evacuating Abundant Life Christian School following the shooting Monday that killed three, including the suspected shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow. Six others were injured, with two still in critical condition. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Madison Police are leading the investigation. The two victims have been identified as 42-year-old Erin West of Deforest, a teacher, and 14-year-old Rubi Vergara of Madison, a freshman.
Investigators are talking to students and examining Rupnow’s online activity, computers, and documents she may have written before the shooting.
>>Mangione Arrives in New York to Face Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder
(New York) – The man charged in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has arrived in New York to face charges. Luigi Mangione waived extradition in a Pennsylvania courtroom this morning. He was then taken by a mall plane in custody by the NYPD and landed in Long Island. CBS News reports that Mangione could be in court this afternoon, then transferred to Rikers Island and held in isolation and under tight security during his court process. Luigi was indicted on 11 counts, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. Investigators believe he was motivated by anger toward the U.S. healthcare system.
>>Tourism Officials Welcome the Snow
(Detroit Lakes, MN) — The snow has been falling most of the day and is expected to continue tonight. Many Minnesotans are celebrating, including in Detroit Lakes. Tourism Director Cleone (CLEE-own) Stewart says the snow is good news for winter outdoor fun, including cross-country skiing. She says Detroit Mountain announced this morning that they will be open for the next 18 days for skiing, except they’ll be closed on Christmas Day. Stewart says the Detroit Lakes area has plenty of events planned for the winter months. She says they need the snow to stick around.
>> United Announce 2025 Soccer Schedule
(St. Paul, Minn.) – On the day of our first significant snowstorm, Minnesota United wants you to think about soccer and warmer weather at Allianz Field. The United announced its 2025 schedule today. After opening the season in Los Angeles against LAFC On February 22, the home opener will be on March 1st against Montreal. The United will play 17 matches on their home turf next season.
