>>Judge rejects motion to drop 2nd-degree murder charge against Trooper Londregan
(Minneapolis, MN) — A judge will not dismiss the second-degree murder charge against the state trooper who fatally shot Ricky Cobb the Second on I-94 in north Minneapolis. The Hennepin County judge rejected a motion filed by defense attorneys for State Trooper Ryan Londregan at a hearing this morning (Mon). Londregan is also facing first-degree assault and second-degree manslaughter for the shooting death of Cobb during a traffic stop last summer. Supporters of Trooper Londregan and of Cobb’s family and friends packed the courtroom. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced today that a team of former federal prosecutors will handle the case.
>>MN House to vote on controversial gun-safety bills
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota House debates and votes on several controversial gun-safety bills later today — and opponents want a measure that would ban binary triggers voted on separately from one that would increase penalties for those who “straw purchase” firearms for someone who can’t legally possess them. Bill sponsor, Burnsville Democrat Kaela Berg, says she won’t agree to separate the measures because there’s no legitimate use for binary triggers on guns. Berg says, “You can’t use it hunting. You would obliterate whatever you’re trying to hunt.” She says the Burnsville shooter used a binary trigger when two officers and a paramedic were killed. Votes in the House are also scheduled today on what backers call a gun safe-storage bill… and on a bill that would require owners report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours.
>>Pilot Hospitalized After Crashing Plane in Clearbrook
(Clearbrook, MN) — The pilot of a small plane is hospitalized in Fargo after crashing early this morning (MON) in Clearbrook, Minnesota, just northwest of Bemidji. Officers found the pilot outside of the plane when they arrived. The initial investigation suggests the plane experienced mechanical failure. The pilot’s condition is not available and the FAA is investigating.
>>Childcare UNaffordability Day in MN
(St. Paul, MN) — Advocates have dubbed today (MON) Childcare UNaffordability Day in Minnesota — the point where childcare becomes unaffordable for the average family for the rest of the year. According to nonprofit ThinkSmall, Minnesota parents have already paid 7% of their income to childcare by now. Spokesperson Ericca Maas says, “That’s the federal standard for affordability. That’s what the Federal government under both Presidents Trump and Biden have said a family can afford for childcare. By the end of the year, that typical Minnesota family will have spent nearly 40% of their household income on the cost of childcare.” Maas says several bills with bipartisan support this legislative session, if passed, could help bring costs down for Minnesota parents.
>>Five People Injured in I-94 Crash
(Minneapolis, MN) — Five people are injured from a single-vehicle rollover crash Sunday morning on eastbound I-94 in Minneapolis. Authorities say three women were ejected from the vehicle, another partially ejected, and a fifth woman was trapped inside. It happened on an exit ramp and officers found the Toyota RAV4 severely damaged and leaning against a telephone pole. Three of the women suffered potentially life-threatening injuries.
>>Father and Son in Jail on Burglary Charges
(Fergus Falls, MN) — A father is now in jail after his son was arrested earlier in connection with a burglary at Billy’s Corner Bar & Grill in the west-central Minnesota community of Vergas. Last month, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office took a report that a handgun to be given away in a raffle had been stolen. Deputies arrested 24-year-old Donald Merrill Jr. for burglary and being a felon with a gun. And now his father, 52-year-old Donald Merrill, has been arrested for his alleged part in the crime. The father and son are both jailed in Fergus Falls.
>>Le Sueur County Authorities Remind Resident to be Vigilant of Scams
(Le Sueur County, MN) — Le Sueur County officials are reminding residents, especially senior citizens, to be on the lookout for scams. Sheriff Brett Mason says in the past three months alone, various residents have been scammed out of $209,000 that will never be recovered. Scams can include grandson or granddaughter in jail or an accident; warrant for your arrest; taxes owed to the IRS; someone claiming to be from Geek Squad or Microsoft reporting a virus on your computer; or fraudulent Publishers Clearinghouse contest calls. Officials urge people to review and screen phone calls, U-S mail, and emails — and to be cautious even when someone stops by.
>>CAIR-MN to Attend Lino Lakes City Council Meeting to Discuss Muslim-Friendly Development
(Lino Lakes, MN) — Members from the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will attend the Lino Lakes City Council meeting tonight (MON, 6 p.m.) to discuss a proposed Muslim-friendly development project. The Madinah Lakes project would consist of a mosque surrounded by single-family homes, townhomes, row homes, apartments, and senior living condos on 156 acres of land. Backers say it will cater to accessibility and inclusivity. Advocates say the project has faced opposition from anti-Muslim groups.
>>Edina Man Charged with 9 Felony Counts of Tax Fraud
(Edina, MN) — An Edina man faces nine felony counts of tax fraud. Court documents say Paul Vazquez did not file income tax returns from 2017 through 2020 and did not pay income tax from 2017 through 2021, despite earning enough money from employment and gambling winnings. Vazquez had filed in previous years, demonstrating he knew of his obligation. He allegedly owes over $142,000 in income tax. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both, meaning Vazquez faces up to 45 years in prison and $90,000 in fines.
