>>Representative Morrison Sponsors Tariff Relief Bill
(Washington, DC) — A bill sponsored by U-S Representative Kelly Morrison would allow small business owners to avoid paying the expenses from high tariffs and would refund the money they’ve already paid. Morrison believes she has bipartisan support but says Republicans have not been willing to publicly state their support. She says they understand in their communities that this is hurting small businesses. Morrison says many owners say the only way they can survive the current tariffs is by raising their prices.
>>Congresswoman Craig Introduces Bill Prohibiting Price Gouging
(Washington,DC) — Legislation introduced by Congresswoman Angie Craig would prohibit companies from using President Trump’s tariffs to cover for price gouging consumers. The “No Gouge Act” would create a ban on selling a tariffed good at an unreasonably high price during a five-year period following the announcement of tariff rate changes. The bill calls on the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these bans. Craig’s legislation includes an exemption for small businesses earning less than $100 million annually in gross revenue.
>>Former Minneapolis Chamber CEO Pleads Guilty to Fraud
(Minneapolis, MN) — The former president and C-E-O of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleading guilty to federal mail fraud charges. Prosecutors say 42-year-old Jonathan Weinhagen of Mounds View embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars between 2019 and 2024. Court documents allege Weinhagen stole 30 thousand dollars in reward money meant for tips in child homicide cases, created fake consulting contracts, opened a 200-thousand-dollar line of credit, and charged a 15-thousand-dollar Hawaiian vacation to the Chamber’s credit card. He also allegedly lied on a bank loan application after being fired. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
>>Minneapolis Non-Profit Director Facing Federal Fraud Charges
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minneapolis non-profit director faces federal charges for his role in a million-dollar fraud scheme. The U-S Attorney’s Office says 41-year-old Tony Robinson, operations director at Encouraging Leaders, conspired with founder Tezzaree Champion to submit fake grant applications and progress reports to government and private programs. Investigators say Robinson helped prepare false reports claiming events and student programs that never happened. The scheme defrauded agencies including the U-S Department of Justice, Hennepin County, and the Minnesota Department of Education. Champion was sentenced last month to seven years in prison and ordered to pay nearly 3.5 million dollars in restitution.
>>Man Dies in Fairmont House Fire Monday Evening
(Fairmont, MN) — A southern Minnesota man is dead after a house fire Monday evening in Fairmont. The basement of the occupied home was engulfed in flames when crews arrived. The Fairmont Police Department says a 43-year-old man was located inside and later died in the hospital and a 41-year-old resident was treated and released. Four police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is helping local investigators determine the cause of the fire.
>>Grain Bin Collapses Monday at Elevator in St. Charles
(St. Charles, MN) — Things are getting back to normal in St. Charles following a grain bin collapse at an elevator in the Winona County town. Police said a large grain bin had structural failures Monday afternoon and collapsed about two hours later. A second grain bin suffered significant damage, and authorities did a controlled drop of that compromised structure. City officials evacuated three stores and closed part of Highway 74/Whitewater Avenue. The roadway and businesses later re-opened, and no injuries were reported. The collapse was caught on video.
>>November Came in Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — November came in like a lamb and out like a lion in Minnesota. Pete Boulay with the State Climatology Office says we went from wearing shorts to shoveling snow. He says two weeks ago it was in the 60s and 70s across the state and despite the cold finish, November still wound up one to four degrees above normal. Boulay says we now have a blanket of snow cover and much colder temperatures.
>>Keep Safety in Mind When Heating Your Home in Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesotans should keep safety in mind in the home this week as you try to stay warm. CenterPoint Energy spokesperson Joshual Solis says if you’re using a space heater, keep it away from kids, pets and items that could possibly catch on fire. Solis says ovens and stoves should never be used as an alternative heating source, and make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working. More tips can be found up at CenterPoint’s website.
>>Minnesota Wild Open 4-Game Road Trip in Edmonton
(Edmonton, AB) — The Minnesota Wild open a four-game road trip tonight (Tues 8pm) against the Oilers in Edmonton. The Wild’s seven-game win streak ended Saturday night with a 3-2 shootout loss to the Sabres in St. Paul, but they still got a point. Jesper Wallstedt gets the start in goal for Minnesota tonight. The rookie goalie has won six straight and leads the N-H-L in goals against average, save percentage, and shutouts. The Oilers shut out the Kraken 4-0 Saturday in Seattle.
>>McCarthy Expected to Start Sunday for Vikings vs. Commanders
(Eagan, MN) — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J-J McCarthy is expected to start Sunday’s home game against Washington. Coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters McCarthy is symptom free from the concussion that left him out of Sunday’s loss in Seattle. McConnell said McCarthy is returning to practice today. The 4-and-8 Purple have lost four in a row while the 3-and-9 Commanders have dropped seven straight games. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels could return this week.
