>>DHS Secretary Noem Participating in ICE Enforcement in Minnesota
(Minneapolis, MN) — The U-S Department of Homeland Security confirms Secretary Kristi Noem is hitting the streets of Minneapolis with ICE agents. Officials say Noem participated in an enforcement operation Tuesday that resulted in the arrest of a fugitive wanted for murder and sex crimes in Ecuador. D-H-S posted video of Noem and the arrests of alleged criminal aliens and detainees in custody. The post says,” the largest D-H-S operation ever is happening right now in Minnesota.” A Liberian-born naturalized citizen says federal agents handcuffed and detained him in Brooklyn Park and he suffered bruises that required hospitalization.
>>Hilton Revokes Franchise License of Lakeville Hotel for Refusing ICE
(Lakeville, MN) — Hilton has revoked the franchise license of a Hampton Inn in Lakeville following allegations that the hotel canceled reservations for federal immigration agents. The hospitality company announced Tuesday that it is “taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems.” The decision comes after right-wing influencer Nick Sortor visited the property Monday, posing as a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official attempting to book a room. Sortor later posted a video of the interaction on social media, sparking widespread attention. Hilton said it’s now “engaging with all of our franchisees to reinforce the standards we hold them to across our system to help ensure this does not happen again.”
>>Minnesota Republicans to Testify About Fraud for US House Committee
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota lawmakers are testifying about the state’s fraud problem this morning (Wed) before a U-S House committee in Washington. One of the first to be called will be House Fraud Prevention Committee Chair Kristin Robbins. The Maple Grove Republican says, “I want them to understand the scope of the fraud. I think we in Minnesota are more aware of sort of colossal nature of it, but I think for the national audience they’re just starting to become aware of it.” G-O-P committee members Walter Hudson of Albertville and Marion Rarick of Maple Lake will be joining her. Democrats accuse Robbins of withholding whistleblower information from state D-H-S investigators and providing it to Trump appointed federal prosecutors.
>>UCare Shutdown Leaves Minnesota Providers Seeking Answers
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota healthcare giants Fairview and Allina are asking a court to ensure they’re paid for services rendered to UCare members, following the insurer’s abrupt shutdown. The providers claim UCare owes them a combined $170 million. UCare announced earlier this year it would transition members to Medica after reporting losses exceeding $500 million. Fairview and Allina now want the court to release funds from UCare’s 400-million-dollar reserve before the transition is complete. They also accuse the Minnesota Departments of Health and Commerce of offering few details about UCare’s deal with Medica, leaving hospitals and clinics in the dark about what comes next.
>>Former Rothsay City Clerk Sentenced for Stealing Thousands
(Rothsay, MN) — A former Rothsay city clerk who admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from the community in western Minnesota will not serve any jail time. Court documents show 38-year-old Lisa Zimmerman was sentenced to 30 days on electronic home monitoring and five years of supervised probation. She was also ordered to pay a fine and more than $67,000 in restitution. Zimmerman pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft while nine additional charges were dismissed. Prosecutors say Zimmerman pocketed cash utility payments instead of depositing them into city accounts. She was also accused of diverting donations intended for a local cancer patient into her personal account.
>>Buffalo Woman Killed in Head-on Collision with Semi near Winsted
(Winsted, MN) — The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a crash in McCleod County that left a woman from Buffalo dead. The report says a car driven by 63-year-old Melinda Koosman collided head-on with a semi Tuesday morning on Highway 7 near Winsted. Troopers say Koosman died in the crash. The semi driver wasn’t injured. The roadway was snow and ice-covered at the time.
>>Madelia Man Busted with Over a Pound of Meth in North Mankato
(North Mankato, MN) — A Madelia man is facing felony charges after authorities say they found more than a pound of methamphetamine during a traffic stop. Forty-one-year-old Troy Martin was pulled over on Monday in North Mankato for an equipment violation and because officers suspected he had an active warrant. During a search of his vehicle, police reportedly discovered more than a pound of meth, drug paraphernalia, evidence of narcotics sales, and burglary tools. Martin is charged with first-degree sale of narcotics, possession of narcotics, and driving after revocation.
>>Strong Start to Snowmobile Season in Minnesota
(Brainerd, MN) — The snowmobile season is off to a strong start in Minnesota. The D-N-R’s Wade Miller says we received early snowfall that we haven’t seen in years and the trails are doing well. Miller says snowmobile registrations through January 1st have double compared to the two previous seasons. Minnesota has more than 23 thousand miles of trails in the state. He says the trails could still use more snow.
>>Minnesota Gopher Men’s Basketball Upsets #19 Iowa
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team is celebrating a 70-67 upset win over 19th ranked Iowa Tuesday at Williams Arena. Langston Reynolds scored a season-high 22 points and Cade Tyson added 16 in the Golden Gophers’ fifth straight victory. The Hawkeyes rallied from a late 14-point deficit but missed several three-point attempts. Minnesota improves to 3-1 in Big Ten play and will host U-S-C on Friday night.
