Minnesota Today 1/5/26

Here’s a roundup of regional Minnesota news

🗞️ Top Local Headlines

Government & Policy

• Several new statewide laws took effect with the start of 2026, including an expanded paid family and medical leave program, worker protection measures, and updated fees and regulations across sectors. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

Fraud and Oversight

• Minnesota officials, including Republican lawmakers, are preparing to testify at a U.S. Congressional hearing this week about concerns over Medicaid and other fraud issues in the state. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

🚓 Crime & Public Safety

• A deadly shooting in Hopkins: Police arrested a man in connection with a fatal Saturday afternoon shooting. CBS News

• In other local court news, a Coon Rapids mother was charged for allegedly stealing over $110,000 from her daughter’s youth softball association over several years. MinneapoliMedia

🌨️ Weather

• A wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow is expected across the Twin Cities area later today, prompting slippery travel conditions and a Winter Weather Advisory. Limitless Media News

🏙️ Community & Development

• Hermantown celebrated the grand opening of a new $25 million hockey arena, built with local and state support to boost youth sports and community engagement. MPR News

🏈 Sports Highlights

• Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Washington Wizards in an NBA matchup, with Anthony Edwards scoring 35 points in a 141–115 win. Times Union

• The Minnesota Vikings finished their 2025 NFL regular season with a 16–3 win over the Green Bay Packers. Daily Norseman

• In college sports, Gophers men’s basketball earned a road victory at Northwestern. The Daily Gopher

🧑‍💼 Politics & Local Figures

• Oronoco native Wendy Phillips announced her campaign for Minnesota Secretary of State, entering the statewide race.