Minnesota News

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A Norwegian Christmas Eve tradition rings on in Renville County
At the center of Wang Township, you’ll find a small, white clapboard church called Vestre Sogn. It means “Western Parish” in Norwegian. For more than 50 years, a man named Robert Lerohl has walked over to the small, unpretentious church to ring in the Christmas holiday.
Squirrels force St. Paul park to scale back holiday lights
Hungry squirrels are forcing a downtown St. Paul park to scale back its Christmas lights display. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the Friends of Mears Park had to reduce and reconfigure its display this year because a troop of squirrels chewed through the wires last year and the vendor refused to go through the ordeal again this year. 
Vigil, march highlight Minnesota’s homeless struggles as winter begins
Homeless advocates in Minnesota say there aren’t enough resources across the state to provide shelter for everyone who needs it. A recent Minneapolis march remembered those who died too young in 2021.
Feds investigate study pod access at MSU Mankato
The U.S. Department of Education is investigating a complaint alleging the university failed to provide accessible study booths for students with disabilities.
Confirmed December tornadoes in Minnesota now at least 16
The number of tornadoes confirmed to have touched down in southern Minnesota on Dec. 16 is now at least 16. Prior to this year, there had never been a confirmed tornado in Minnesota in the month of December.
St. Cloud looks to curb spike in violent crime
The central Minnesota city has had 19 shootings in 2021 — more than double last year. Three of them were fatal. St. Cloud is addressing the surge by hiring more police officers and expanding a program that responds to mental health-related calls.
Kimberly Potter trial: Case goes to jury as closing arguments end
Jury deliberations have wrapped up for the day in the manslaughter trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter in the killing of Daunte Wright. In closing arguments Monday, prosecutors assailed Potter’s conduct, while her defense said Wright’s actions caused his own death.
Police in Moorhead, Minn., say seven people — four adults and three children — were found dead inside a home in the city on Saturday night. The cause of death remains under investigation but authorities said there were no signs of violence in the home.
In a hot market, you can buy a home with cash — even if you don't have a lot of it
A cash offer on a home is hard to beat. It used to be that only wealthy people and investors had the money. But now some lenders are helping the rest of us do it too, even if you don't actually have the cash.
How the government helps investors buy mobile home parks, raise rent and evict people
Investors and companies are swooping in to buy mobile home parks. They raise fees and rents, and evict people who can't pay — using billions of dollars worth of low interest, government-backed loans.