>>MN House Republicans Seek Federal Probe into Fraud Allegations
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota House and Senate Republicans are urging a federal investigation after reports alleging that taxpayer dollars stolen through state programs may have reached overseas terrorist groups. Recent reporting from City Journal, an “urban policy magazine,” points to informal money transfer networks tied to Al-Shabaab in Somalia. G-O-P leaders say the Department of Justice should examine fraud schemes linked to programs like Housing Stabilization Services and Feeding Our Future. Governor Tim Walz says his administration created a Financial Crimes and Fraud Section within the Minnesota B-C-A and is pushing an anti-fraud legislative package. Federal prosecutors have already charged dozens in related cases.
>>Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Cokato Murder Suspect
(Buffalo, MN) –A Wright County judge has ordered a mental competency evaluation for a Watkins man accused of fatally beating a co-worker earlier this month. The judge ruled that 40-year-old David Delong must undergo the examination to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes has also notified the court that he intends to present the case to a grand jury for possible indictment on first-degree premeditated murder charges in the death of 20-year-old Amber Czech.(Zek) Under Minnesota law, a grand jury must issue an indictment for first-degree premeditated murder. Authorities were called to Advanced Process Technologies in Cokato on the morning of November 11. Deputies say Czech was found at her workstation with severe head injuries and significant blood loss. Investigators allege Delong attacked Czech with a sledgehammer and later confessed, saying he disliked her and had planned the killing for some time. Delong remains in custody on $5 million bail, or $2 million with conditions.
>>AG Ellison Urges Shopify to Stop Illegal E-Cigarette Sales
(Saint Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison is calling on Shopify to crack down on merchants selling illegal e-cigarettes. Ellison joined a bipartisan coalition of 24 attorneys general and New York City in a letter urging the company to enforce its own policies and remove unlawful tobacco products from its platform. The coalition identified dozens of sites hosted by Shopify selling unauthorized e-cigarettes, which federal law deems “adulterated” without FDA approval. The group requests a meeting with Shopify to develop a comprehensive solution.
>>Moorhead Police Officer Laid to Rest
(Fargo, ND) – A funeral was held Saturday at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo for former Moorhead Police Officer Brad Schenck, who died November 8th after a nine-year battle with brain cancer. Schenck served 16 years with the Moorhead Police Department and returned to duty with the Red River Valley SWAT team as a sniper, two years after his initial diagnosis. Colleagues remembered his determination, courage, and leadership. A Marine veteran, Schenck received full military honors. He is survived by his wife, Sara, and their three children. He was 44.
>>Two Duck Hunters Rescued from Lake Alvin near Alexandria
(Alexandria, MN) — Two duck hunters rescued from a lake near Alexandria on Sunday are expected to be okay. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says a boat capsized on Lake Alvin, and two people were in the water. Deputies located 23-year-old Ashten Buseman of Alexandria on the Arrowood Golf Course, and he said his friend was still in the lake near the boat. A DNR conservation officer used a shallow water boat to rescue 22-year-old Ty Weller. Buseman and Weller were treated by paramedics at the scene but did not need to be taken to the hospital.
>>DNR Outlines Plans to Improve Buffalo River State Park
(Glyndon, MN) – A new 20-year strategic plan outlines potential upgrades at Buffalo River State Park in Clay County. The draft plan, released in November, recommends turning the former swimming pond into a nature play area, expanding the campground with more sites or cabins, and improving water access for fishing and paddling. It also explores linking the park to the Heartland State Trail extension, adding self-guided interpretive trails, and building an outdoor amphitheater near the picnic area. The DNR is seeking public input and will hold an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the MSUM Regional Science Center.
>>Hastings Man Missing After Failing to Show at Work
(Hastings, MN) — Hastings police are searching for a missing 31-year-old man. Mark Morries was last seen leaving his home around 2:38 a.m. Friday, and did not show up for work. He’s described as Black, five feet one inch tall, 135 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Mark was last wearing a dark blue Twins zip-up sweatshirt and dark-colored pants. His vehicle was found unoccupied in the Hastings area, with his cellphone inside.
>>Two Duck Hunters Rescued from Lake Alvin near Alexandria
(Alexandria, MN) — Two duck hunters rescued from a lake near Alexandria on Sunday are expected to be okay. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says a boat capsized on Lake Alvin, and two people were in the water. Deputies located 23-year-old Ashten Buseman of Alexandria on the Arrowood Golf Course, and he said his friend was still in the lake near the boat. A DNR conservation officer used a shallow water boat to rescue 22-year-old Ty Weller. Buseman and Weller were treated by paramedics at the scene but did not need to be taken to the hospital.
>>Minnesota Vikings QB McCarthy Enters Concussion Protocol
(Eagan, MN) — The Minnesota Vikings are placing quarterback J-J McCarthy in the concussion protocol. Coach Kevin O’Connell says McCarthy reported symptoms Sunday night as the team traveled home from Green Bay. O’Connell says they haven’t been able to pinpoint the hit that caused the concussion. McCarthy was sacked five times by the Packers in Sunday’s 23-6 loss. Former Gopher Max Brosmer (BROHZ’-mur) is the only other Q-B on the roster, but O’Connell told reporters it’s too early to tell who will start Sunday at Seattle.
