>>Human Remains Located in Wooded Area near St. Cloud in Benton County
(Minden Township, MN) — Authorities in Benton County are investigating after human remains were found Wednesday night in a wooded area northeast of St. Cloud. The remains were located by St. Cloud police officers, but they were determined to be outside the city limits in Minden Township. Deputies say the evidence indicates the remains had been at the location for a substantial period of time. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the identification and the cause and manner of death. The wooded area is regularly used as a homeless encampment area.
>>Names Released in Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting in Northern Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released the names of those involved in an officer-involved shooting that left a 37-year-old man dead in northern Minnesota. James Weyaus of Onigum was shot during an exchange of gunfire near Leach Lake east of Walker last Sunday. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says it began when deputies responded to a 911 report of shots fired in the area. The deputies tried to make contact with Weyaus as he was walking on a county road, but he ran. During the chase, Deputy Kaleb Cherne and Wayaus exchanged gunfire. Cherne was shot in the thigh. Deputy David Donner also fired his gun and struck Weyaus, who died at the scene. Cherne was flown to a hospital in Fargo. Body-worn cameras captured some of the chase and shooting. The BCA continues to investigate.
>>Father Accused of Killing His Son Wants Trial Moved
(Anoka, MN) — The Columbia Heights father accused of killing his teenage son wants his trial moved out of Anoka County. Jordan Collins Sr.’s public defender filed a motion Thursday seeking a change of venue. The defense argues that extensive media coverage has made it impossible for Collins to receive a fair and impartial trial in Anoka County. 16-year-old Manny Collins was reported missing in early May. His remains were discovered in a landfill near Elk River in June. Shortly after, his father was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
>>U-of-M Freshman in Critical Condition After Fall at Mississippi River
(Minneapolis, MN) — A University of Minnesota freshman is in critical condition after falling from an overlook near the Mississippi River. Ryan Zimmerman suffered severe injuries in last weekend’s accident, including spinal and head fractures, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and significant head trauma. He underwent emergency surgery and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Organizers have launched a fundraising effort on GoFundMe to help cover long-term medical needs, including adaptive equipment, home modifications, and outpatient care. At last check, nearly 26 thousand dollars had been raised. Ryan’s GoFundMe page is named: “Support Ryan’s Critical Recovery Journey.”
>>Congresswoman Craig Introduces Senior Savings Protection Act
(Washington, D.C.) – More help could be coming to help American seniors receive Medicare benefits. U.S. Representative Angie Craig has introduced the Senior Savings Protection Act, which would help more low-income seniors learn about and obtain essential Medicare benefits. The bill would re-authorize federal resources to expand the outreach to more seniors and boost enrollment efforts. These resources are set to expire on January 30, 2026. They have been extended multiple times over the past 17 years. More than one million Minnesotans are currently enrolled in Medicare. Craig says the bill does have bipartisan support.
>>State Fair Grand Champion Tree Headed to State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota State Fair’s Grand Champion Christmas Tree, a 15-foot Balsam fir, is headed to the Capitol rotunda. It comes from Turck’s Trees in Litchfield, a family-owned farm that’s been growing holiday trees since 1987. The tree will arrive in St. Paul, Tuesday morning. (9:30) This year’s winner is a Balsam fir, known for its rich green color, soft needles, and that classic Christmas fragrance. It’ll be decorated on December 1st.
A festive start to the season at the Capitol. You can learn more about Turck’s Trees and other Minnesota Grown farms at MinnesotaGrown.com.
>>Mobile Health Stations Bring Early Detection to Rural Communities
(Duluth, MN) — A mobile mammogram station is helping rural communities access life-saving early detection services. Dr. Cathy Cantor, Chief Medical Officer at Essentia Health in Duluth, explains that in many areas, scheduling an appointment can mean missed work and lost wages. To address these challenges, Essentia now offers home health services, a community paramedics program, and mobile breast and lung cancer screenings. The mobile mammography program began with just two sites and has expanded to nearly 20 rural locations across Minnesota, making preventive care more accessible than ever. More information can be found at essentialhealth.org.
>>Bentleyville Tour of Lights Returns
(Duluth, MN) — Bentleyville is back for its 22nd season, kicking off tomorrow(Sat) night in Duluth. Known as America’s largest free walk-through holiday light display, Bentleyville will be open daily through December 27th, featuring millions of twinkling lights along the shores of Lake Superior. What’s New This Year? A dazzling Minnesota Landmarks Display, a whimsical Lollipop Farm Display, and a brand-new 6,000-square-foot gift shop, filled with holiday merchandise, souvenirs, and treats. If you visit on opening night, don’t miss the grand entrance: Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by helicopter at 4:50 p.m., followed by a countdown to light up the park in spectacular fashion. Admission is free, but donations of non-perishable food items or toys for the Salvation Army are encouraged.
>>Minnesota Frost Opens PWHL Season Against Toronto at Grand Casino Arena
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Frost opens the Professional Women’s Hockey League season tonight against the Toronto Sceptres in St. Paul. The two-time defending Walter Cup champions will raise another championship banner to the rafters at Grand Casino Arena. The first five thousand fans will receive a replica Walter Cup mini-banner. The defending champion Frost will be honored by P-W-H-L vice president Jayna Hefford during a pre-game ceremony. Minnesota beat Toronto in the P-W-H-L semifinals last May.
