>>Attorney General Ellison Seeks Public Input on Crypto ATMs
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is asking the public for input on cryptocurrency ATMs amid rising concerns over crypto scams. Ellison highlighted the dramatic surge in fraud and wants to understand how and why people use these machines. The concern follows a lawsuit by the Attorney General for the District of Columbia against a major crypto ATM operator, which alleged that 93% of deposits were linked to scams. Ellison is urging anyone who has fallen victim to crypto scams to contact local law enforcement, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, or his office.
>>Two Women Killed in Christmas Day Crash near Pipestone
(Pipestone, MN) — The State Patrol is identifying two women killed in a Christmas Day crash near Pipestone in southwest Minnesota. The report says a minivan driven by 71-year-old Patricia Struiksma of Chandler collided with a semi at a rural intersection on Highway 75. Troopers say Struiksma died on the way to the hospital. Her passenger – 69-year-old Donna Vanthof of Leota – died at Pipestone County Medical Center. The semi driver wasn’t hurt
>>Red Lake Nation Opening Cannabis Dispensary in West St. Paul
(West St. Paul, MN) — The Red Lake Nation plans to open a cannabis dispensary in West St. Paul. Pending municipal regulatory approvals, the NativeCare location is expected to open early next year. Red Lake’s original NativeCare dispensary was the first to open after Minnesota legalized cannabis sales in August 2023. A new compact between the Red Lake Nation and the state’s Office of Cannabis Management allows the tribe to open a limited number of off-reservation retail dispensaries.
>>Northland Arboretum Unveils Ice Skating Trail in Brainerd-Baxter
(Brainerd, MN) – The Northland Arboretum has unveiled a new ice skating trail in the Brainerd-Baxter area. The Zamboni-maintained forest path is the first manufactured forest ice skating trail in Minnesota. The outdoor attraction quickly drew hundreds of visitors in its first days of operation ahead of the holidays. The trail officially opened on December 21st, welcoming nearly 100 skaters on opening day. Weather permitting, the skating path will remain open through March.
>>Minnesota Vikings Knock Detroit Lions Out of NFC Playoffs
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Vikings 23-10 win over the Lions on Christmas eliminates Detroit from the N-F-C playoffs. The Vikings defense forced six turnovers and sacked quarterback Jared Goff five times. Wide receiver Jordan Addison had a 65-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to seal Minnesota’s fourth straight victory. Backup quarterback Max Brosmer (BROHZ’-mur) threw for 51 yards and was sacked seven times. Aaron Jones rushed for a T-D in the first quarter and Will Reichard made three field goals. The Vikes host the Packers January 3rd in the regular season finale.
