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Minnesota Regulators Face Calls to Reconsider Xcel Energy Rate Hike Amid Consumer Concerns

Minnesota Regulators Face Calls to Reconsider Xcel Energy Rate Hike Amid Consumer Concerns

State agencies and consumer advocacy groups are urging the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to re-evaluate its decision allowing Xcel Energy to increase electric rates for 2025 and 2026. The PUC's July ruling permits Xcel Energy, the largest utility in the Twin Cities metro and southern Minnesota, to collect an additional $210 million from ratepayers. This translates to an average monthly bill increase of approximately $5.60 for Xcel residential customers. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the Citizens Utility Board have specifically challenged the PUC's decision to grant Xcel a higher return on equity for infrastructure investments, arguing that the evidence does not support such an increase. The PUC has until October 19 to decide whether to address these official petitions. The rate case has drawn significant public attention, with over 8,500 comments filed online, predominantly opposing the rate increases and frequently mentioning concerns about the return on equity.

Fentanyl Suspected in Two Fatal Overdoses in Rochester During Labor Day Weekend

Fentanyl Suspected in Two Fatal Overdoses in Rochester During Labor Day Weekend

First responders in Rochester, Minnesota, were called to multiple suspected drug overdoses over the Labor Day weekend. According to Rochester Police Department Communications Coordinator Amanda Grayson, two of these suspected overdoses were fatal. A preliminary investigation indicates that narcotics containing fentanyl may have been contributing factors in both deaths. One of the deceased is identified as a 26-year-old man from Austin, and the other is a 33-year-old Rochester woman. Their names have not been released. In addition to the fatalities, officers provided life-saving care to several other individuals who were likely experiencing drug overdoses during the same period. No arrests have been made in connection with these fatal overdoses.

Minnesota and Trump Administration Clash in Court Over Immigration Surge Lawsuit's Future

Minnesota and Trump Administration Clash in Court Over Immigration Surge Lawsuit's Future

Minnesota and the Trump administration are in court debating whether the state's lawsuit concerning a past immigration enforcement surge should be dismissed. The federal government argues that Minnesota lacks legal standing because 'Operation Metro Surge,' which involved thousands of federal agents in the Twin Cities, has concluded. However, Minnesota state officials contend that the government could resume similar 'unlawful actions' and that the threat of enforcement remains. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez expressed skepticism about dismissing the case, noting the Justice Department's unwillingness to guarantee that the surge policies would not return. The state initially filed the lawsuit in January, seeking to halt the operation and declare the government's actions unlawful. 'Operation Metro Surge,' which began in December 2025, was described by Homeland Security as the largest immigration enforcement action in U.S. history. While the federal government stated it targeted noncitizens with crimin...

Minnesota Republicans Demand Answers from Governor Walz on Group Home Fraud Allegations

Minnesota Republicans Demand Answers from Governor Walz on Group Home Fraud Allegations

Minnesota's four Republican members of Congress, Representatives Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, Michelle Fischbach, and Brad Finstad, have sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz demanding answers regarding suspected fraud involving group homes. These group homes are linked to a Liberian government official, Sekou Dukuly, and have reportedly received $36 million in state payments over the past decade. The congressional inquiry follows an investigation into these companies. In response to the allegations, Minnesota has suspended Medicaid payments to Dukuly-affiliated facilities, citing credible fraud claims. State health officials have also taken action to shut down three of these group homes due to concerns about licensing and safety.

Albany Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Stearns County, Minnesota

Albany Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Stearns County, Minnesota

Stephen Joseph Gretch, a 64-year-old man from Albany, Minnesota, died following a motorcycle crash in Wakefield Township, Stearns County, on Friday morning. Gretch was driving a Harley-Davidson Road King southbound on County Road 50, approximately 1.5 miles north of Cold Spring, with two other motorcyclists. As the group entered a curve near Glenwood Road, Gretch's motorcycle continued straight, veering into the southbound ditch. The Cold Spring Police Department was the first to arrive at the scene, where they found Gretch and his motorcycle. Life-saving measures were attempted but were unsuccessful. The damage to the motorcycle was consistent with it having rolled during the incident, and a fiber optic cable box and utility pole were also struck and damaged. Authorities noted that Gretch was not wearing a helmet, but alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash.

Playoffs will dictate if 2026 is a success for the Vikings

Playoffs will dictate if 2026 is a success for the Vikings

Is making the playoffs an indicator of success for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026?

For these Midwest farmers, regenerative agriculture is about more than soil health. It's spiritual

For these Midwest farmers, regenerative agriculture is about more than soil health. It's spiritual

A farmer in Minnesota has transformed a conventional farm using both formal agricultural education and the Indigenous wisdom he learned as a youth growing up in the Guatemalan rainforest

Maurices Secures Refinancing Deal, Strengthening Capital Structure

Maurices Secures Refinancing Deal, Strengthening Capital Structure

Maurices Secures Refinancing Deal, Strengthening Capital Structure

Rochester Man Sentenced to Probation and Jail for Drive-by Shooting

Rochester Man Sentenced to Probation and Jail for Drive-by Shooting

A Rochester, Minnesota man, Jhovani Soto, has been sentenced to five years of probation and 90 days in jail for a drive-by shooting that occurred on May 28 in the 4400 block of Manor View Drive Northwest. The sentence was handed down after a presentence investigation confirmed Soto had no prior criminal history points. The incident involved two volleys of gunfire from a silver pickup truck, which then sped away without its headlights on. No injuries were reported. Soto was found by officers attempting to climb under a deck at his residence, and a Glock 9mm handgun, four 9mm shell casings, and an empty alcohol bottle were found in the truck. He was initially charged with felony drive-by shooting, gross misdemeanor charges of possessing a pistol in public without a permit, carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol, DWI, and a misdemeanor count of illegal transport of a firearm. A plea agreement led to convictions for the drive-by shooting and DWI, with other charges dismissed. Soto is required t...

DFL Candidate Trina Swanson Challenges U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber to Debates in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District

DFL Candidate Trina Swanson Challenges U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber to Debates in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District

DFL candidate Trina Swanson has formally challenged U.S. Representative Pete Stauber to a series of public debates as part of her 'Let’s Fix It!' town hall tour across Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. Swanson's tour includes six community stops, some in areas that have historically supported Republican candidates. She has invited Stauber to join her at any of these events to discuss issues pertinent to families and communities within the district. Swanson has voiced concerns, based on voter feedback, regarding Stauber's perceived infrequent physical presence in the district and the format of his virtual town halls, which she claims lack meaningful engagement and direct interaction with constituents. While Stauber has participated in some local events, such as a Minnesota FarmFest congressional candidate forum and a news conference concerning nonferrous mining, his office had not responded to WTIP's request for a debate or interview with Swanson as of the publication date. Stauber is also noted to ha...

Congressman Brad Finstad Secures Endorsements from Local Unions in Rochester

Congressman Brad Finstad Secures Endorsements from Local Unions in Rochester

Republican Congressman Brad Finstad has received endorsements from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 and Minnesota Pipe Trades Local 6 during a press conference in Rochester. These endorsements highlight Finstad's support for project labor agreements, Davis-Bacon wage standards, and pension reform. According to Minnesota Pipe Trades Association President Andrew Campeau, Finstad has actively worked to secure millions of dollars in funding for projects that create jobs for union members in his district. John Pollard, Legislative and Political Director for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49, stated that their endorsement philosophy is to support candidates who advocate for their members' interests, including job safety initiatives and apprenticeships. Finstad, who is the GOP incumbent, will face Democratic candidate Jake Johnson in the upcoming November election, emphasizing that a vote for him signifies support for local skilled labor.

Rain and Storms Expected in Minnesota, Followed by Cooler Weather

Rain and Storms Expected in Minnesota, Followed by Cooler Weather

The Twin Cities in Minnesota are experiencing showers and a few storms on Tuesday morning, with pockets of heavier rain expected to taper off by late afternoon. High temperatures are forecast to reach near 80°F (approximately 27°C), with a heat index in the mid-80s. There is a potential for storms to redevelop Tuesday night, particularly southeast of the metro area, where a marginal threat for severe weather (rated 1 on a scale of 5) exists. Cooler and drier conditions are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the upper 70s and lower humidity levels.