As the Minnesota Legislative Session gets underway, Sen. Bill Weber of District 22 checks in with Radio Works New Director Justine Wettschreck regarding his plans and thoughts. During the session, Sen. Weber touches base with the Radio Works crew about every two weeks.

Christopher Kruse has been declared not guilty of first- and second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, Janette Pigman-Kruse.

US Senator Tina Smith has been visiting rural communities in Minnesota for years. Inspired by the spirit, resilience and ingenuity of people she's met, she has launched a bipartisan Senate group that will highlight what is working in rural America.

WORTHINGTON – The jury resumes deliberation today in the Christopher Kruse trial in Nobles County District Court.

Kruse is on trial for first-degree murder in the 2015 death of his wife, Janette Pigman-Kruse, who died of a gunshot wound at her home in Brewster. Chris Kruse called 911 shortly after 2:30 a.m. August 19, 2015, stating someone had come into their home and shot his wife while they were both in bed sleeping.

The jury was handed the case for deliberation on Wednesday afternoon, and stopped the process at about 5 p.m. to head home. They can continue deliberation for as long as needed, provided they are still making progress.

WORTHINGTON – The trial of Christopher Kruse will come to an end today in Nobles County District Court once the prosecution and defense teams deliver their closing arguments. After that, Kruse’s fate will be in the hands of the jury.

Kruse is accused of murdering his wife Janette Pigman-Kruse at their home in Brewster in August 2015. He was indicted for first-degree murder in March 2019 by a grand jury, and the trial has been in progress since the last week of January.

The jury has a lot to bring into deliberation. They have watched hours of interviews between Kruse and law enforcement, heard testimony from 40 witnesses, and seen a variety of evidence, including shotguns, ammunition and crime scene photos. They have also learned about DNA, ballistics, fingerprinting and other forensic science.