>>MnDOT Reopens State Highways, I90 in Southern Minnesota
(Mankato, MN) – MnDOT says all state highways and Interstate 90 are back open in south central Minnesota. I-90 had been closed from Albert Lea to Worthington since Sunday night. Officials say many highways remain under a no-travel advisory due to icy conditions. Strong winds are blowing the snow around, and the cold temperatures have caused ice-covered roads. Drivers are urged to slow down and travel according to conditions.
>>Melting Snow Creates Icy Conditions on Minnesota Roads
(Chanhassen, MN) – The snowstorm is over across Minnesota, but much cooler air has moved in. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jacob Beitlich says some of the snow melted Sunday with highs in the 20s and 30s, creating slick spots. MnDOT is reporting partially and fully ice-covered roads in southern Minnesota. High temperatures today are going to struggle to get out of the teens with strong northwest winds.
>>Goodhue County Sheriff’s Deputy Hurt in Crash on Highway 52 near Pine Island
(Pine Island, MN) – A Goodhue County sheriff’s deputy is recovering from injuries suffered in a crash Saturday evening on Highway 52 near Pine Island. The Minnesota State Patrol says a patrol SUV driven by 29-year-old Kaine Whitehead of Kenyon was parked on the shoulder when it was rear-ended by a southbound car. Deputy Whitehead was taken to a Rochester hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers say the 31-year-old Rochester man driving the car suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital. The report shows alcohol is suspected in the crash.
>>Talks of the MN Bonding Bill Gone Silent in the Legislature
(St. Paul, MN) – The talk over a state bonding bill seems to have gone quiet since the session started. DFL Senator Ann Johnson Stewart tells MNN that some negotiating is underway on the Senate side and that the need for more money is real. She says, “We know that our infrastructure is in a state that we must invest every single year, and if we are offered up a billion dollars in bonding this year and don’t take that opportunity, projects get more expensive and don’t happen.” The legislature came together last year for a $700 million bonding bill. When asked recently about a bonding bill for this year, Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said there are no promises.
>>Bill Proposes Suburban Transit Alternatives Consolidate Under Metro Transit
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill that would make Metro Transit the exclusive transit provider in the Twin Cities will be heard by the House Ways and Means Committee. Bill author, GOP Representative Jon Koznick of Lakeville, says the original rationale for the opt-out suburban providers no longer exists. He notes, “Suburban agencies were created in the ‘80s because suburban communities were paying local property taxes into the regional bus system and wanted a voice in how those local taxes were being invested in service.” The Metropolitan Council would take over in July 2027, requiring an implementation plan for transit consolidation, setting requirements, creating a task force to advise planning and activities, and conducting a study of transit service in areas served by current suburban transit providers. There were many suburban testifiers against the bill.
>>State Futures Launches Federal Response Coalition, Bill Tracker
(Washington, D.C.) – State Futures is launching two new tools today to help state lawmakers coordinate responses to what they call harmful federal actions. The Federal Response Coalition brings together nearly 100 legislators from 33 states to push back against federal overreach, with a focus on civil liberties and aggressive immigration enforcement. The group says the coalition will help states share strategies and respond collectively. State Futures is also rolling out a new Federal Response Bill Tracker, a public database that follows more than 200 active immigration-related bills from 31 states. The organization says both tools come as lawmakers nationwide introduce legislation following the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.
>>GoFundMe Reaches $20,000 for Woman Jailed in Fargo Fraud Case
(Fargo, ND) – A GoFundMe campaign set up to help a woman mistakenly jailed in a Fargo bank fraud investigation surpassed its $20,000 goal this morning. The fundraiser was created for Angela Lipps, a 50-year-old grandmother from Tennessee who was arrested last July after investigators misidentified her through surveillance images enhanced by artificial intelligence. Lipps spent months in custody before the charges were dismissed. She was released on Christmas Eve. Supporters say Lipps lost nearly everything while incarcerated, including her home, car, and personal belongings.
