>>Minnesotans Fear Healthcare Loss Amid Federal Shutdown
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans are speaking out about the toll the federal government shutdown is taking on their healthcare. Gail Larson is both a healthcare worker and a caregiver for her family. She’s worried about what happens if the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits expire at the end of the year. “How is my family going to get the care that they need? Who is going to take care of my family? Who is going to take care of me? How has it come to this? While the rich get tax breaks, families like mine are lying awake at night worried about what will happen to us.” State Democrats warn that if those credits disappear, 200,000 Minnesotans could lose their healthcare benefits.
For families like Larson’s, the uncertainty is growing, and the stakes are deeply personal.
>>Two Charged with Medicaid Fraud
(St. Paul, MN) – Two more people have pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud in Minnesota. Attorney General Keith Ellison says Evergreen Recovery leaders Shantel Magadanz and Heather Heim pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud following their involvement in a Medicaid fraud scheme. Another one of the group’s leaders, Shawn Grygo, was indicted but has not pleaded guilty. The charges say the three defendants overbilled the Department of Human Services and UCare for substance abuse treatment services they did not deliver. The overbilling scheme included adding client names to counselor logs and falsifying documents.
>>Body Recovered from the Mississippi River Identified
(St. Cloud, MN) — Authorities have identified the man found in the Mississippi River Saturday afternoon as 30-year-old Abdishakur Abdifatah Ahmed of St. Cloud. According to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, two kayakers discovered Ahmed’s body, and fire personnel recovered the body and transferred it to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. Investigators say there were no signs of trauma, and foul play is not suspected. The official cause and manner of death remain under investigation pending lab results.
>>Residents Warned of Scam Calls in St. Louis County
(Duluth, MN) – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of scam calls going around the area. They say the caller claims to be a member of law enforcement, particularly the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, demanding money for various reasons, like failing to appear as a witness or missing court dates. These calls are not legitimate. The department wants to remind residents that law enforcement will not call you and ask for payment over the phone. If you receive one of these calls and would like to report it, you can do so by calling 911.
>>Fridley Man Charged in Ice Cream Shop Arson Case
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Fridley man is charged with two counts of first-degree arson after allegedly firebombing a Minneapolis ice cream shop twice in less than 15 hours. Court documents say 30-year-old Firmosa Ahmed Umar threw Molotov cocktails into Fletcher’s Ice Cream & Cafe Sunday night and again Monday afternoon, causing significant damage. Surveillance video and witness accounts led police to Umar, who was arrested with a gas can in his vehicle. Fletcher’s reopened Tuesday, with customers showing strong support for the business.
>>An Unscripted Conversation With Hillary Rodham Clinton Coming to Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak at the Target Center on January 23rd of next year. An Evening with Hillary Clinton will feature an unscripted conversation about her life and career in public service. Clinton served as a U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and was the first woman nominated for president by a major party. She’s also a longtime advocate for healthcare, women’s rights, and children’s welfare, and has authored thirteen books. Tickets go on sale Friday at eminentspeakers.com, with pre-sales starting today.
>>Over 100 Students Rally for Justice in Moorhead
(Moorhead, MN) — Over 100 students gathered in Moorhead today (Wed) for a “Rally for Justice,” highlighting various social justice issues. Students held signs and chanted slogans like “Save Kids, Not Guns” and “Immigrants Are Not The Problem.” “I’m proud of my peers for showing up, using their voices, and engaging respectfully,” said Cherish Lee, a Moorhead High School student and event organizer. Moorhead Area Public Schools said it supports students’ rights to express their views respectfully. The district emphasized maintaining a safe, orderly environment and ensuring participation doesn’t disrupt learning.
Students who miss class will be marked absent. If a parent calls in, it will be excused; otherwise, it’s unexcused.
>>2 Charged in Pelican Rapids Kidnapping and Assault Case
(Pelican Rapids, MN) — Two men from Pelican Rapids are facing kidnapping, burglary, and robbery charges after a violent break-in over the weekend. Police responded to an apartment around 7:30 a.m. Sunday, when victims say three to four men assaulted them over a stolen bottle of liquor. Prosecutors say 28-year-old Alberto Ramirez and 22-year-old Jose Blandon-Rivera assaulted one man and kidnapped another. One victim says Ramirez pulled a gun and threatened him during the incident. Both suspects made their first court appearances on Tuesday.
>>11 Arrested in SBI Sit-In Over Israel Divestment Demands
(St. Paul, MN) — 11 Palestine advocates were arrested Tuesday after staging a sit-in at the Retirement Systems Building, demanding the State Board of Investment (SBI) divest from Israel. The S-B-I held its quarterly meeting virtually and hasn’t met in person since March, limiting public input. The Anti-War Committee says all of the arrestees were charged with misdemeanor trespassing, and two spent the night in jail. The group stayed past the building’s 4:30 p.m. closing time, saying they were refusing to move until the S-B-I met their demands: divestment from Israel Bonds, a task force formed to investigate the S-B-I’s entanglement “in the crimes of genocide and apartheid,” and a return to public quarterly meetings so constituents can speak their minds.
>>Minneapolis Offers Free Pet Resources During Animal Safety Month
(Minneapolis, MN) — As part of National Animal Safety and Protection Month, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC, mack) is offering free resources to help pet owners keep their animals safe. Tonight (WED, 6-8 p.m.), MACC will host a free vaccination clinic for dogs and cats, including rabies shots, microchipping, and pet licenses—valued at around $120. Officials also warn about bat-related rabies risks and urge caution around pet food donation scams. One scam, “Annie’s Rescue,” uses fake photos to solicit money online. MACC says legitimate rescues won’t ask for donations via PayPal or phone.
>>Hennen’s Furniture in Willmar Closing
(Willmar, MN) — Hennen’s Furniture in Willmar is preparing to close its doors for good. Store Manager Brenda Bergman confirms that the parent company has decided to shut down the location on December 15th. The Willmar store currently employs 12 people. Bergman says they’ve launched a closing sale, offering discounts ranging from 40% to 80% on remaining inventory. Hennen’s Furniture was founded in 1967 by Bob Hennen, who passed away last year. Over the years, the company expanded to include locations in St. Cloud, Hutchinson, and Alexandria. After the Willmar store closes, only the St. Cloud location will remain.
