Stories from January 3, 2025

Gov. Tim Walz is bringing a more-aggressive stance toward fighting fraud in state programs to the table as the Legislature gets ready to tackle the issue this session. And Xcel Energy's Minnesota customers will see higher electric rates starting this month. Last month, state regulators approved a 5.2 percent interim rate increase for Xcel. That amounts to a little more than $5 extra a month for a typical household.
Alleged accomplice in ruby red slippers heist plans to plead guilty
Jerry Hal Saliterman of Crystal, plans to plead guilty in federal court in Minneapolis on Jan. 10 for his alleged role in the infamous theft of a pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.”
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.
Why some college students aren’t reading books
Last fall, The Atlantic triggered a national conversation about students and reading when they published an article about elite college students who don’t read books. On this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas, host Kerri Miller talk with writers who’ve also taught college literature classes about what they are seeing.
Turo-rented cars were involved in 2 deadly incidents this New Year’s. Here’s what we know
Two deadly incidents on New Year’s Day — an attack being investigated as an act of terrorism in New Orleans and an explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas — both involved vehicles that were rented on Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing company.
Apple to pay $95 million to settle lawsuit accusing Siri of eavesdropping
Apple isn't acknowledging wrongdoing in the settlement, which still must be approved by a U.S. District judge. Lawyers in the case have proposed scheduling a Feb. 14 court hearing to review the terms.
No. 20 Purdue cruises past Minnesota 81-61 with sharp 2nd half shooting by Loyer and Smith
Fletcher Loyer scored 24 points on 8-for-10 shooting and Braden Smith had 20 points, 10 assists and six rebounds as No. 20 Purdue pulled away from Minnesota for an 81-61 victory.
Biden rejects Nippon Steel’s proposed deal to acquire U.S. Steel
President Joe Biden has rejected the nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. U.S. Steel employs hundreds of people at its taconite operations on Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Today is the deadline for candidates to pull out of the running in two special elections for state legislative seats. Minnesota’s first sled dog race of 2025 has been postponed.
Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon out 2-3 weeks after getting injured on slew-foot
Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon is expected to miss two to three weeks with an apparent right leg injury. Spurgeon was injured when he was slew-footed by Nashville’s Zachary L’Heureux earlier this week.
Fleck looks to extend Minnesota’s bowl streak against Virginia Tech in Duke’s Mayo Bowl
The Minnesota Golden Gophers put their seven-game bowl win streak on the line Friday night in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against a Virginia Tech squad that has been decimated by transfers and opt-outs. 
New Orleans inches toward normalcy while mourning victims of deadly New Year’s rampage
A mix of law enforcement, street performers and football fans is filling New Orleans’ blocks as the city inches back to normalcy. A deadly New Year’s truck attack along Bourbon Street killed 14 people, along with the driver.
Britta Curl-Salemme’s OT goal helps Frost beat Fleet 4-3
Britta Curl-Salemme scored a goal with 13 seconds remaining in overtime to help the Minnesota Frost beat the Boston Fleet 4-3. After a Boston turnover, Kendall Coyne Schofield passed the puck ahead on the breakaway to Curl-Salemme, who beat goaltender Aerin Frankel over their outkicked leg in the closing seconds.
Still on the hunt, the FBI shares new details about pipe bombs placed ahead of Jan. 6
Officials are still trying to identify the person who placed bombs outside of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee offices in 2021. Now they have fresh details.
Extreme weather events push up insurance rates for Minnesotans
Grace Arnold, commerce commissioner for Minnesota, explains how extreme weather events linked to climate change are contributing to the rising cost of homeowner and car insurance across the state.