>>Minnesota Paid Leave Program Opens Early
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program is launching ahead of schedule. Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek announced today that applications will be accepted starting tomorrow. “We will not be waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square,” Varilek said. “Paid Leave is open, and we invite people to apply starting tomorrow because we are ready.” The program, originally scheduled to start January 1st, has completed all system testing and is fully operational. It allows workers to take paid leave to care for themselves or loved ones while protecting their jobs during time off. For more information or to apply, Minnesotans can visit DEED’s website.
>>AG Ellison Seeks Emergency Relief to Protect SNAP Benefits
(Saint Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is asking a federal court to block what he calls an “impossible and unlawful” demand from the U.S.D.A. that threatens food assistance for nearly 450,000 Minnesotans. The Trump administration ordered the state to conduct in-person interviews with about 100,000 SNAP households within 30 days or risk losing funding. Ellison says meeting that requirement would take 60,000 overtime hours in Hennepin County alone and cost millions. He’s seeking an injunction while the lawsuit proceeds. Minnesota House Speaker, Republican Lisa Demuth, says Ellison should “focus on fraud, not suing the federal government,” one of six G-O-P demands for immediate changes to Governor Walz’s administration.
>>Gov. Walz Signs Cannabis Compact with Bois Forte Band
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz announced today a new cannabis compact signed with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, marking the seventh agreement between Minnesota and a Tribal Nation. The deal outlines shared goals for public health and safety in adult-use cannabis while preserving Tribal sovereignty and economic opportunity. State officials say the compact supports a safe, equitable market through product testing and consistent standards. The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa calls the agreement a step toward job creation and community growth.
>>Mother Charged After Falling Asleep While Cooking, Leaving Children in Burning Home
(Vadnais Heights, MN) — A Vadnais Heights woman is facing child endangerment charges after allegedly falling asleep while cooking and starting a grease fire that seriously injured her two young children. Kayla Vinson has been charged with three counts of child endangerment in connection with the November 2nd house fire. According to the criminal complaint, Vinson escaped the home while leaving two of her children inside. The three-year-old and 14-month-old were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Vinson is not currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on January 22nd.
>>Xcel Energy Gas Rates to Increase in 2026
(Minneapolis, MN) — Xcel Energy gas customers in Minnesota will see higher bills starting January 1st. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved an interim 6.8-percent rate increase in mid-December, which will raise the average residential customer’s bill by about 70 dollars per year. The increase is temporary while the PUC reviews Xcel’s larger rate request, which would cost homeowners close to $86 annually. If the commission ultimately approves a lower increase, customers will receive a refund with interest.
>>MN Frost Face Toronto Tonight for 2nd Season Meet
(Toronto, ON) — The Minnesota Frost visit the Toronto Sceptres tonight (TUES, 6 p.m.) for their second meeting of the season. Toronto took the opener 2 to 1 in St. Paul and leads the all-time series in points. Minnesota enters with momentum after Taylor Heise’s overtime winner lifted the Frost past Vancouver on Saturday. Britta Curl-Salemme leads the league with nine points and is riding a three-game streak, while Kendall Schofield has a team-high five goals. Toronto has points in four straight games and is coming off a 2 to 1 win over Montréal. Puck drop is 6 p.m. Central at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
