>>$1.2M settlement after MN State Patrol troopers injured two L-A journalists during Floyd riots
(St. Paul, MN) — Two Los Angeles Times journalists injured by Minnesota State Patrol troopers during the George Floyd riots have settled a federal lawsuit against the state for 1.2 million dollars. Governor Tim Walz exempted media from a nighttime curfew, but the Star Tribune reports officers advanced on a group displaying press credentials, backed them into a corner and fired rubber bullets and pepper spray. One of the L-A Times reporters suffered a corneal abrasion and chemical burns on her eye and skin. The other was bloodied and bruised from being shot at least five times in the leg with projectiles and a tear-gas canister. The State Patrol in the settlement did not admit wrongdoing.
>>Uber Takes New Effort to #BringRidesBack to Minneapolis During Rideshare Ordinance Battle
(Minneapolis, MN) — Uber has taken another step aiming to pressure Twin Cities residents and Minnesota legislators to keep the rideshare app in Minneapolis by launching a new campaign, #BringRidesBack. They also launched a website, BringRideBack.com, which allows riders to send emails to their lawmakers, asking them to move forward with legislation that will keep Uber in Minneapolis. This comes after Uber and Lyft both threatened to leave the market if a Minneapolis ordinance takes effect May 1st to increase minimum wages for rideshare drivers.
>>St. Paul man charged after dogs attack child
(St. Paul, MN) — A St. Paul man, 37-year-old Marco Mendoza Landaverde, is charged with four misdemeanors after his dogs attacked and injured a child in February. Police found seven-year-old Sumaya Farah Ali with injuries to her face and ear, which her parents said happened when their neighbor’s five dogs ran up and attacked her as she was getting off the bus. The incident was caught on a surveillance camera. The owner said he let the dogs out not knowing the gate was open. Officers took the dogs the next day, all of which were declared dangerous and euthanized.
>>Youth crime reduction bill laid over in MN Senate committee
(St. Paul, MN) — Proposed legislation aimed at reducing youth crime — specifically in Ramsey, Hennepin, and Anoka counties — has been laid over for further consideration by a Minnesota Senate committee. Bill author Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten from Saint Paul says the collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations and young community members would help save lives. Senator Jeff Howe of Rockville asked, “Why just these three counties? Does crime not exist anywhere else?” Oumou Verbeten responded, “Our intention is to quickly get resources to some of the counties that are experiencing the highest amount of youth crime right now.” Oumou Verbeten acknowledges progress in addressing criminal youth during the last legislative session, highlighting Yellow Medicine County as a leader in related programs.
>>Alleged Minneapolis Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charges
(Minneapolis, MN) — A 32-year-old alleged Minneapolis gang member has pleaded guilty to firearm charges. James Hollman admitted to possessing a firearm as a felon and carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. This comes after a city-wide street gang crackdown in Minneapolis last summer, resulting in 14 alleged gang members being arrested. Hollman’s sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
>>Chatfield Couple Charged with Tax Crimes
(St. Paul, MN) — A Chatfield couple has been charged with six felony counts each for allegedly failing to file their taxes. Officials say Jeffrey Paul and Trisha Jean O’Connor didn’t file tax returns from 2017 through 2022, and Jeffrey did not file corporate tax returns for his business, Twin City Trimmers LLC, during the same time period. It’s alleged the couple failed to pay more than $470,000 in income and corporate tax, penalties, and interest. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
>>Queer Minnesotans, allies rally at State Capitol ahead of Sunday’s Trans Day of Visibility
(St. Paul, MN) — Queer Minnesotans and allies are celebrating at the State Capitol today (WED) ahead of this Sunday’s Trans Day of Visibility, dedicated to recognizing transgender and gender-diverse individuals’ rights, access, and advocacy. Kat Rohn, the Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota, says it’s a counterpart to Trans Day of Remembrance in November, which commemorates those lost to violence. Today’s State Capitol rally featured performances by queer Minneapolis artists Pedra Pepa and Mikko Blaze, as well as remarks from over 16 different metro LGBTQ+ organizations and state legislative leaders.
>>U-of-M chooses California administrator to head Duluth campus
(Duluth, MN) — Charles Nies, an administrator at a satellite campus of the University of California, will be the next chancellor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, pending the Board of Regents approval in May. The Star Tribune reports interim U-of-M President Jeff Ettinger recommended Nies, calling him an “experienced, strategic leader who is ready to tackle UMD’s challenges and celebrate its success.” Nies and two other finalists participated several weeks ago in public forums on the U-M-D campus.
>>”The Lion King” opens five-week run at Orpheum in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) _- Disney’s “The Lion King” opens a five-week run tonight (Wed 7pm) at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Brooklyn Park native Nick Cordileone plays the role of Timon and says this Broadway musical is similar to the animated movie. Cordileone says he loves coming back to Minnesota, which has a great theatre community. This is the 14th time he’s played Timon in The Lion King production.
