>>Minnesota Bracing For A Powerful Winter Storm
(Chanhassen, MN) – A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for the Twin Cities and much of central Minnesota ahead of a major weekend system. Forecasters say there is still uncertainty about the exact track, which will determine where the heaviest snow sets up. According to the National Weather Service, a broad swath of 10-16 inches is considered likely, with a narrow corridor of 15-20 inches also possible. Parts of western and central Wisconsin could see totals approaching two feet. On top of the heavy snow, winds are expected to increase on Sunday, gusting between 35 and 45 miles per hour, raising concerns for blowing snow and whiteout conditions. The warning goes into effect from 7 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Monday.
>>Assault Rifle Ban Passes Senate Judiciary Committee
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill to ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines in Minnesota has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Democrats hold the majority. Testifying in favor of the bill were the parents of 10-year-old Harper Moyski, who was killed in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. Harper’s father, Mike Moyski, says, “The weapon matters. We hear the overly used phrase it’s not the gun, it’s the person. But when someone intent on killing chooses a weapon specifically designed to fire rapidly and cause catastrophic damage, the weapon absolutely matters.” Jonathan Hauptman spoke out against the ban, saying the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that “there is no public safety exception to the warrant requirement. You can’t condition one right on the surrender of another.” The bill passed along party lines 6-3, with Republican Torrey Westrom not voting. The bill is now referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
>>Senator Klobuchar Announces Legislation to End Latest Tariffs
(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Amy Klobuchar has introduced legislation that would put an end to President Trump’s current 10% tariffs on most goods. The bill would repeal a section of the Trade Act of 1974. The President invoked this measure when imposing the tariffs following the Supreme Court’s ruling that these tariffs are illegal. Klobuchar said, “The President’s across-the-board tariffs are raising costs for small businesses, farmers, and families in Minnesota and across the country.” Klobuchar also co-sponsors a bipartisan bill to take back congressional authority over tariffs.
>>Two Suspects in Custody Following Shooting in Appleton
(Appleton, MN) – Two suspects are in custody after a shooting incident in Appleton today. The Swift County Sheriff’s Office says the area is now secure, though a heavy law-enforcement presence will remain as the investigation continues. Deputies were called after reports of gunfire. They say the suspects had barricaded themselves inside a vehicle near the railroad tracks. Nearby businesses were put on alert, and Appleton Area Hospital briefly went into lockdown. City buildings, including the library and Civic Center, were also closed as a precaution. Officials say more information will be released later.
>>Four Students in Willmar Suffer Minor Injuries in Bus Crash
(Willmar, MN) – Four students suffered minor injuries after a school bus and a pickup truck pulling a livestock trailer crashed in Willmar this morning. Officers say the bus had four students on board, all of whom were taken to the hospital for evaluation. No other injuries were reported. Police are looking to identify a small black SUV seen in the area that left before officers arrived. Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams said the bus was rear-ended, and school staff are available to support any students who may need it.
>>No Injuries in Train Vs. Semi in St. Louis County
(Midway Township, MN) — Around 11:30 this morning, St. Louis County deputies responded to a train–semi crash in Midway Township near Duluth. Investigators say icy, snow-covered roads left a semi with an empty flatbed trailer stuck on the tracks. The driver was trying to put chains on the truck when a train approached. He was able to get out of the way before impact. No one was hurt. The Minnesota State Patrol, Canadian National Railroad Police, and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office are handling the investigation.
>>Minneapolis Issues Warning About Scam Targeting Permit Applicants
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis officials are warning residents about a phishing scam targeting people with active land‑use or zoning applications. The city says scammers are sending fake emails that appear to come from planning or zoning staff, urging applicants to pay bogus fees or risk delays. At least 15 such emails have been reported in the past year. The scam messages often use look‑alike branding, fake invoices, and email usernames that resemble official accounts but end in “@usa.com.” The FBI has issued a national public service announcement about the scheme. Suspicious messages should not be opened or clicked. Residents can call 311 to report a suspected scam.
>>U of M Launches an AI Hub
(Undated) – The University of Minnesota has unveiled a new Artificial Intelligence Hub, a statewide initiative aimed at advancing innovation, education, and workforce development in artificial intelligence. Program Leader Dr. Galin Jones says AI has already touched every area of our lives, and that “the companies across Minnesota are embracing AI and using it to achieve great gains and efficiency.” The AI Hub is designed to translate research excellence into inclusive innovation for the entire state.
>>Timberwolves Look to Snap Losing Skid at Golden State
(San Francisco, CA) – The Minnesota Timberwolves look to snap a three-game skid tonight at 9 p.m. when they play the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. The Wolves were blown out by the Clippers 153-128 on Wednesday in LA. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 36 points, and Naz Reid had 18. The 40-26 Timberwolves have fallen to sixth place in the Western Conference but are only one game behind the third-place Lakers. The Warriors are ninth with a 32-33 record.
