Greater Minnesota

California man charged in New Year’s Eve homicide in Windom
A 26-year-old California man was charged Friday for allegedly stabbing and killing a man in a Windom bar on New Year’s Eve and injuring another.
Xcel Energy customers to see higher bills in 2025
In December, the state Public Utilities Commission approved a 5.2 percent interim rate increase for Minnesota’s largest electric utility. That amounts to an extra $5.39 a month for a typical household.
Monticello nuclear plant gets federal approval to keep operating until 2050
Xcel Energy has said continuing to operate its two Minnesota nuclear plants, at Prairie Island and Monticello, is critical to its transition to carbon-free electricity. But some critics have raised safety concerns about the aging plant.
Rain and warmth forces postponement of the first sled dog race of the season
Recent rain and warm weather has forced the postponement of the Gunflint Mail Run, the first sled dog race of the season in Minnesota, originally planned for Jan. 11. Organizers will continue to assess trail conditions and hope to run the race in February.
Packers fans defeat Minnesota Vikings fans at tug-of-war contest in Stillwater
Business owners in Stillwater and Hudson, Wis., organized the friendly competition ahead of the NFL game between the Vikings and Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Wisconsin side won 3-2 over Minnesota.
Rival Vikings, Packers fans to meet in tug-of-war contest on Stillwater Lift Bridge
Dubbed the “Border Battle,” the event will start at 9 a.m., about six hours before the two NFL teams face off at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The location will be literally on the border: the Stillwater Lift Bridge, which spans the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Driver faces charges after crash involving school bus near Hibbing
According to the criminal complaint, Svea Snickers’ vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the bus. The complaint alleges Snickers had been using Snapchat on her phone shortly before the crash.