>>Paid Leave Program Launches Next Month
(St. Paul, MN) — We’re less than two weeks away from Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program launching. DEED Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe says the program will make the lives of Minnesotans better. It’s going to strengthen the economy of the state by making sure that people don’t have to choose between a job and their own health or the health of a loved one. It’s going to make it possible for folks to be there in moments that matter. And as a state, Minnesotans show up for each other. Pave leave is going to be a way that really helps us embody that value and makes our state stronger. The new program will allow Minnesotans to take up to 12 weeks for one leave if needed.
>>Health Care Premium Increases Impacting Farmers
(St. Paul, MN) — Federal cuts to Medicaid and the loss of ACA tax credits are putting Minnesota farmers in a tough position. DFL Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville talked to one farmer who could be forced to make s dire decision. “She said if these subsidies don’t come through, it’s likely they will lose their farm. They will likely have to go get a job that provides health insurance rather than continuing their family’s traditional and growing sustainable farming in Northfield. Without an extension for the tax credits, Minnesota households will see an average increase in health premiums of $240 a month.
>>Fatal Shooting in Frazee
(Frazee, MN) — Authorities have released the name of one of two suspects being held for a fatal shooting over the weekend in Frazee. 21-year-old Arthur Campbell of New York Mills remains in the Becker County Jail, while a 16-year-old is being held in juvenile detention. Both are awaiting formal charges. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim as 19-year-old Bryson May of Frazee. Deputies were called around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday for a disturbance. While deputies were responding, there was another report of shots being fired and four suspects fleeing the scene in a black SUV. They arrived to find May had been shot. He was taken to Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The SUV was found a short time later by an Otter Tail County deputy north of Perham, and four people were detained. A motive for the shooting is not known.
>>Slick Roads Cause Several Crashes Across Southeast Minnesota Roads
(Undated) — Southeast Minnesota officials say drivers had a tough commute this morning due to snow, sleet, and freezing rain on the roads. There were several crashes and spinouts. The McLeod County Sheriff’s Office says icy conditions and several vehicles in a ditch led to the closing of Highway 212 between Glencoe and Olivia. Several roads across south-central Minnesota are also snow and ice-covered. Plows are out treating the roads, and temperatures are rising above the freezing mark. A drier and mild week is in the weather forecast as the holiday travel rush begins, with highs in the 30s today through Wednesday and near 40 on Christmas Day and Thursday.
>>Minnesota-Native Lindsey Vonn Takes Third in Ski World Cup
(Val-d’Isère, France) — Minnesota native Lindsey Vonn takes third place at the Ski World Cup in France on Sunday. The 41-year-old came out of retirement to compete in one season and the upcoming Winter Olympics. It’s her first World Cup win in almost eight years, and she became the oldest skier in Alpine history to win a Cup event. Alpine competition at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics starts in February.
>>Colorado Avalanche Snap Minnesota Wild’s 7-Game Win Streak
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Wild fell to the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 Sunday evening at Grand Casino Arena. The loss snapped the Wild’s seven-game win streak and ended a franchise record 14-game home point streak. Ryan Hartman scored the lone goal for Minnesota against the Avs. Jesper Wallstedt suffered the loss on 37 saves. The Wild hosts the Predators Tuesday night before the holiday break.
