>>Police ID Man Killed in Moorhead Workplace Accident
(Moorhead, MN) — A Fargo man died following a workplace accident in north Moorhead on Tuesday morning. Authorities have identified him as 51-year-old Stacy Martin. Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting says deputies and Sanford Ambulance crews responded to Bert’s Truck Equipment after receiving a report that an axle had fallen on a man. Investigators say Martin was working on a truck’s lift axle when a temporary weld failed, causing the axle to drop onto his chest and abdomen. Co-workers quickly lifted the axle off Martin. Sheriff Empting says Martin was conscious and speaking with first responders at the scene, but lost consciousness en route to Sanford Medical Center. Despite efforts by ambulance and hospital personnel, Martin did not survive.
>>Nicollet County Board Appoints Peterson as New Sheriff
(St. Peter, MN) — Nicollet County in south central Minnesota will have a new sheriff on January 1st. The Board of Commissioners appointed Chief Deputy Aaron Peterson as sheriff during Tuesday’s meeting. Sheriff Dave Lange announced his retirement this fall after six terms in office. Peterson has been with the Nicollet County Sheriff’s Office since 2004. The sheriff’s position is on the election ballot in November 2026.
>>New Minimum Wage, Break Rules Start Jan. 1st
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota’s minimum wage will rise to $11.41 an hour on January 1st, reflecting a 2.5 percent increase. The 90-day training wage for workers under 20 will increase to $9.31. Minneapolis and St. Paul will continue to enforce higher local minimums, with rates topping 16 dollars. Employers must update workplace posters and provide written notice of pay changes. New break rules also take effect: a paid 15-minute rest break for every four hours worked and a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts of six hours or more. More details are available at the Department of Labor and Industry’s website (dli.mn.gov/breaks).
>>Zumbrota School Board Member Announces Run for MN Senate
(Zumbrota, MN) – Jason Lohmann is running for State Senate in District 20, which includes Goodhue, Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, and Dakota counties. Lohmann, a longtime Zumbrota resident, farmer, and school board member, says he’ll fight for rural communities and honest representation. He says his experience as a farmer and working-class Minnesotan gives him a deep understanding of the district’s needs. Lohmann is seeking the seat held by retiring Senator Steve Drazkowski, who is stepping down after 18 years in office.
>>Pohlad Family Adds Limited Partners to Twins Ownership
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Pohlad family announced today new limited partners in the Minnesota Twins ownership group following Major League Baseball (MLB) approval. Investors include Glick Family Investments, George Hicks, and Craig Leipold, owner of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment. All will hold minority, non-controlling stakes, while the Pohlad family retains operational control. The team also plans a leadership change, with Tom Pohlad succeeding Joe Pohlad and becoming the franchise’s control person pending M-L-B approval.
>>IGH Chosen for MN Hockey Hall of Fame
(Inver Grove Heights, MN) – The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame has selected Inver Grove Heights as the future home of its 120,000-square-foot facility. The site will sit on 40 acres near Interstate 494, east of Vikings Lakes. Plans include a 30,000-square-foot museum, an ice rink, a performance venue, and a hockey-themed restaurant. Hall of Fame C-E-O Natalie Darwitz says the project will honor Minnesota’s hockey heritage and inspire future generations. Groundbreaking is expected in 2026, with a grand opening in late 2028.
>>Bill Introduced in Congress to Prevent Artificial Intelligence Scams
(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has introduced a new bill that would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to impersonate any person with the intent to defraud. Klobuchar’s office says Americans lost nearly $2 billion in scams originating through calls, texts, and emails. Senator Klobuchar’s proposal would prohibit the use of AI to replicate any person’s image or voice with the intent to defraud, update existing laws with definitions for text messages, video conference calls, and pre-recorded voices, and create a committee to enforce scam prevention. The senator says she has bipartisan support to pass the legislation.
>>Fairview to Stay in UnitedHealthcare Network Under New Multi-Year Deal
(Minneapolis, MN) — Fairview Health Services and Eden Prairie-based UnitedHealthcare have reached a multi-year agreement that keeps the Minneapolis health system in the insurer’s network through 2028. The deal ensures uninterrupted access to care for roughly 125,000 people covered by employer-sponsored UnitedHealthcare plans. Negotiations had been underway for months to replace the current contract, which was set to expire at year’s end.
>>Timberwolves Play Grizzlies Wednesday Night at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves go for their third win in a row tonight when they host the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wolves are coming off a 117-103 win over the Kings on Sunday at Target Center. Anthony Edwards has missed the past two games with a right foot injury and is listed as questionable against Memphis. Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is also questionable with a left ankle sprain.
