>>Minnesota DFL Leaders Promise Continued Focus on Fraud, Health Care Costs
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota DFL leaders say addressing fraud and the rising cost of health care will be priorities when lawmakers return to St. Paul in January. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says lawmakers must strengthen oversight and work with Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar’s administration to prevent fraud. A new Office of Inspector General, created to oversee fraud prevention, is expected to select its first leader early next year. Murphy also says lowering health care costs, particularly in rural and underserved communities, remains a major concern. The legislative session begins January 12th.
>>Move Over, Slow Down for Emergency Responders This Winter
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota drivers are being reminded to move over or slow down when approaching emergency responders on the roadside. MnDOT’s Brian Kary says changing weather conditions, especially snow and ice, make extra caution even more important. He says drivers should move over one lane when possible or slow down and approach carefully. State law requires motorists to move over for emergency vehicles with flashing lights or, when that’s not possible, reduce their speed. The goal is to give responders room to work and help everyone get home safely.
>>Red Lake Woman Sentenced to Life for Killing Two Children
(Red Lake, MN) — A Red Lake woman will spend the rest of her life in prison for killing two of her children and setting their home on fire. Jennifer Stately was sentenced after being convicted of five counts of first-degree murder and arson. Prosecutors say she stabbed her two sons, ages five and six, before setting three fires inside their home on the Red Lake Reservation in March 2024. Both boys died.
>>Pedestrian Killed in Minivan Crash In Blaine
(Blaine, MN) — A man is dead after being struck by a minivan in Blaine Saturday night. Police say a northbound minivan driven by an adult man struck a pedestrian who entered the roadway on foot. Life-saving measures were performed at the scene, but the pedestrian died. The driver is cooperating with investigators.
>>Minnesota Approves New Pipeline Route Near Pipestone Monument
(Pipestone, MN) — Minnesota regulators have approved a new route for a fuel pipeline near Pipestone National Monument. The Public Utilities Commission voted four-to-one to allow Magellan to move the pipeline away from the monument, where Native Americans have quarried sacred stone for generations. The original line ran beneath the site but was shut down in 2022 after federal officials denied a permit renewal. The replacement route is about 13 miles northwest of the monument. Tribal leaders opposed the plan, saying a larger buffer is needed to protect culturally significant land.
>>Split Rock State Park Adding Four New Camper Cabins
(Two Harbors, MN) — Campers will soon have more lodging options along Minnesota’s North Shore. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is adding four camper cabins near its Shipwreck Creek campground, with an opening targeted for early June 2027. The one-room cabins will have heat and electricity and be available year-round. The 1.4-million-dollar project also includes road improvements, parking and utilities. The DNR says reservations will open once an exact opening date is confirmed.
>>Delta Launches Nonstop Flights from MSP To Maui
(Bloomington, MN) — Delta Airlines is launching new nonstop flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Maui, giving Minnesota travelers another option for escaping winter weather. The route will operate five times a week during the winter season, with additional flights during holiday and spring break periods. Maui becomes Delta’s second nonstop Hawaii destination from MSP, joining year-round daily service to Honolulu.
>>Vikings Host Bills in Monday Night Football Showdown
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis takes center stage tonight as the Minnesota Vikings host the Buffalo Bills in a matchup of two 6-and-1 teams. The Vikings are looking to rebound from last week’s 19-15 loss to Detroit. Receiver Jordan Addison says the team has put that loss behind them and is focused on moving forward. Minnesota will be without its injured starting quarterback and will turn to backup Carson Wentz. Addison says the Vikings have plenty of weapons and are expecting a big night. Kickoff is at 7:15 at U-S Bank Stadium.
