>>Driver Critically Injured Crashing into Deck of Brooklyn Park Home
(Brooklyn Park, MN) – Police in Brooklyn Park say a driver is in critical condition after crashing into the deck of a home on Thursday. The report says the deck collapsed onto the vehicle, and the man driving had to be removed by firefighters. He was taken to North Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash.
>>Pretrial Hearing in Murder of United Healthcare CEO Postponed to Monday
(Manhattan, NY) – The pretrial hearing for the man accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson will not continue today in New York. The judge says Luigi Mangione is sick and the court hearing will resume on Monday. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to nine state charges, including the murder of 50-year-old Thompson from Maple Grove. Prosecutors say Mangione shot Thompson in the back last December 4th in midtown Manhattan. His defense team is trying to get some evidence thrown out. Mangione also faces charges in federal court and the state of Pennsylvania.
>>Governor Walz Orders Statewide Audits Amid Fraud Concerns
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced that state audits are underway to assess the scope of financial fraud across the state. The move follows a letter from the U.S. House Oversight Committee, sent earlier this week, requesting data dating back to 2019. The committee’s letter also alleges that Walz was aware of fraudulent activity as it occurred. In response, the governor said the audits are expected to be completed by the end of January. Meanwhile, the Oversight Committee has set a December 17th deadline for the requested documents.
>>MN BCA Determines Where Lutsen Lodge Fire Began in Complex Investigation
(St. Paul, MN) – Bryce Campbell, owner of the 150-year-old Lutsen Lodge, faces three counts of first-degree arson and one count of insurance fraud for the February 2024 fire that destroyed the resort. Minnesota BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) Superintendent Drew Evans says fire investigation is a complex science, and putting together the case’s timeline is what took so long. The State Fire Marshal determined the fire began in the southwest basement above the boiler room, but the fire’s cause is unknown. 41-year-old Campbell now awaits extradition from Michigan to Minnesota as the court process finally begins.
>>Finstad Sponsors Bill Providing Tuition Assistance to Air Guard Members
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Brad Finstad is co-sponsoring legislation that would create a permanent federal tuition assistance program for members of the Air National Guard. It would be consistent with the tuition assistance program already available to the Army National Guard. Finstad says the STATUS Act will ensure deserved benefits and recognition reach all members of the National Guard who have answered the call to serve our great nation.
>>DNR Tips to Stay Safe as Ice Hits MN Waters
(St. Paul, MN) – Ice continues to form on Minnesota lakes and rivers. The DNR’s Lisa Dugan says if you’re going to venture out, keep in mind that no ice is 100% safe. Officials recommend taking safety precautions, such as checking the ice depth, bringing ice picks, and wearing buoyant gear if walking or snowmobiling on ice. Dugan says there should be at least four inches of new, clear ice if you’re walking on, at least five to seven inches of ice for an ATV or snowmobile, and for vehicles, there should be 12 inches or more of ice.
>>University of Minnesota Hosting NCAA Tournament Volleyball
(Minneapolis, MN) – The University of Minnesota is hosting first-round NCAA Tournament volleyball matches today at Maturi Pavilion. The 17th-ranked Golden Gophers will take on Fairfield in the second match at 7 p.m. The University of St. Thomas plays number 23 Iowa State at 4:30 this afternoon. The two winners tonight will face off tomorrow night for the right to advance to the Sweet 16 next weekend in Pittsburgh.
