>>Woman Charged In Connection With Hit-And-Run That Killed St. Thomas Student
(Minneapolis, MN) – A woman is accused of drinking and driving before causing a deadly hit-and-run crash in Minneapolis. Gabryella Liebgott has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Police say the 22-year-old defendant struck and killed pedestrian and St. Thomas student, Seham Hassen, on March 28th. Two women who were in the car with Liebgott allegedly told police that they had all been drinking at a bar prior to the incident. The defendant was arrested on Friday and reportedly has previous convictions for speeding, driving without a license, and driving with open alcohol in her vehicle.
>>Judge Vacates Murder Conviction After New Ballistics Evidence
(Minneapolis, MN) – Nearly 18 years after being convicted of first-degree murder, Jerrell Brown is free. In 2008, Brown was convicted of the death of Darius Miller. This was based largely on circumstantial evidence and testimony from jailhouse informants. At the time of trial, ballistic testing was inconclusive. Hennepin County prosecutors say advances in 3‑D microscopy allowed experts to re‑examine the evidence. Two independent analysts found the bullet that killed Miller could not have been fired by Brown. The charges have been dismissed. Brown was present at the scene, but officials say no further charges are appropriate.
>>Sauk Centre Daycare Death Leads to Manslaughter Charges
(Sauk Centre, MN) – A Sauk Centre woman is facing criminal charges following the death of an infant at an unlicensed, in-home daycare last fall. Court records show 53-year-old Janel Dierkhising has been charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter and operating a childcare program without a license after a three-month-old baby died in her care in November. Stearns County deputies were called to the home after reports that the infant was not breathing. Investigators say Dierkhising was attempting C-P-R when they arrived. According to the complaint, the baby had been placed in a pack-and-play with a pillow and blanket. Authorities say the child was found on his side with his face covered. An autopsy determined the cause of death was suffocation due to an unsafe sleep environment.
>>Six Arrested in Rochester Undercover Sex-Crimes Operation
(Rochester, MN) – Six people are in custody after a proactive undercover operation targeting people attempting to solicit sex acts from minors. Rochester police headed the operation on April 2nd, involving undercover online communications, surveillance teams, and arresting officers. Detectives posed online while working to identify offenders before making arrests at meeting locations. Four men face felony charges for engaging in, hiring, or agreeing to hire a minor for prostitution. They are 27-year-old Arunkumar Manimozhian of St. Paul, 63-year-old Dondi Hanson, 44-year-old Brian Tackmann, and 43-year-old Richard Mayweathers, all of Rochester. Two others face gross misdemeanor charges as patrons of prostitution: 30-year-old Casey Swanton of Rochester and 58-year-old Scott Maarleveld of Swea City, Iowa.
>>DNR Officer Injured While Removing Illegal Deer Stand
(Wabasha County, MN) – A Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officer is expected to make a full recovery after being rescued from the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area in Wabasha County. The Minnesota State Patrol says officer Annette Schlag was removing an illegal deer stand in a heavily wooded area when she fell nearly 20 feet. Ground crews were not able to safely get to Schlag, so the Minnesota Air Rescue Team was called in to help. A helicopter crew and St. Paul Fire Department personnel flew into the area. They used a hoist to lift Schlag out. Schlag is recovering at home.
>>Rep. Craig Calls for Primary Debates in U.S. Senate Race
(Minneapolis, MN) – Representative Angie Craig is calling for a series of debates in the Democratic primary race for Minnesota’s open Senate seat. Craig has proposed three debates with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, two before the May 29th DFL state convention and one ahead of the August primary. The ask includes one televised debate, one radio debate, and a forum at Farmfest. No debates have yet been scheduled in the DFL primary. Flanagan says she “looks forward to debating Craig this summer.”
>>CAIR‑MN Responds to Pres. Trump Social Media Post About Somalis
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Minnesota Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) is responding to the latest Truth Social post by President Donald Trump. The video featured Somali Americans at the Mall of America (MOA) with a “sad” song in the background. CAIR‑MN says the post mischaracterizes everyday scenes and portrays Somali Americans in a negative light. Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said the images show ordinary families shopping and warned that framing such footage as suspicious risks contributing to harassment and bias. The White House has not responded to CAIR‑MN’s statement.
>>MDA Weekly Recalls
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is pointing out two products facing voluntary recalls. RAW FARM is recalling multiple batches of cheddar cheese due to possible E. coli. This includes all cheddar cheese products, with expiration dates varying from May to September of this year. Karns Foods is recalling its eight-ounce packages of Mini Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups due to undeclared peanuts. Those products are marked with a pack date of September 18th, 2025.
>>Superior National Forest to Begin Prescribed Burns
(Duluth, MN) – Superior National Forest officials are planning a series of prescribed burns, pending final approvals. Officials say the controlled fires could continue through June as weather conditions permit. Prescribed fires are intentionally set and carefully managed to reduce overgrown vegetation. Forest managers say the burns help protect nearby communities, infrastructure, and natural resources by lowering the risk of future wildfires. Maps showing the locations of planned burns will be posted on the Superior National Forest’s webpage.
>>Peak Time for Oak Wilt in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota is entering the peak danger period for oak wilt, a deadly tree disease. The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) is urging people not to prune or cut oak trees from April through July, when the disease spreads most easily. Oak wilt is caused by a non-native fungus. Sap beetles are attracted to fresh cuts in healthy oaks, where they spread spores that can kill a tree in just weeks. The disease can also spread underground through root systems, infecting nearby oaks. With beetles most active in warm weather, spring and early summer are especially high-risk. The DNR also reminds residents to use locally sourced or certified firewood. Oak wilt has now been confirmed in 31 Minnesota counties.
>>Bob Dylan to Coming to Mystic Lake Amphitheatre in July
(Shakopee, MN) – Minnesota music icon Bob Dylan will perform at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee. Dylan is playing with Lucinda Williams and the John Doe Folk Trio on Monday, July 6th. The 84-year-old Hibbing native just played on March 24th at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. Dylan also performed at Farm Aid on the University of Minnesota campus in September. Tickets for the Mystic Lake show go on sale Friday.
