>>GOP Candidate for Governor to Represent ICE Agent in Minneapolis Shooting
(Minneapolis, MN) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel says he will provide legal counsel to the ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Madel, a defense attorney, confirmed he has applied with the U.S. Department of Justice to represent agent Jonathan Ross. Madel says he has already met with Ross and advised him on the next steps. At this time, Ross has not been charged with a crime, nor have any civil lawsuits been filed in connection with the January 7th shooting. Madel is currently campaigning for the GOP nomination for Minnesota governor.
>>Minnesota Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Face Coverings for Federal Agents
(Burnsville, MN) — A Minnesota state senator wants to prohibit federal immigration agents from wearing face coverings while on duty. DFL Senator Lindsey Port says she will introduce legislation requiring federal agents to keep their faces visible, arguing that masks erode public trust in law enforcement. Port acknowledged that federal agents are unlikely to comply but hopes the measure will encourage local police to recognize the impact of face coverings on community confidence. The bill is expected to be introduced when the Minnesota legislative session begins next month.
>>Minneapolis Faith and Community Leaders Urge Economic Blackout on January 23rd
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesota faith and community leaders are calling for a one-day economic blackout in response to ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions. The event, titled “A Day of Truth and Freedom,” is scheduled for January 23rd. Organizers are urging residents to refrain from going to work, attending school, or making purchases that day. In addition, a march and rally will take place that afternoon in downtown Minneapolis to amplify the message.
>>State Senator Tou Xiong Won’t Seek Re-election
(St. Paul, MN) Minnesota state Senator Tou Xiong (too-shung) of Maplewood has announced he won’t seek another term in the Minnesota Senate. Xiong is the chair of the Senate Committee on State and Local Government. He served in the Minnesota House from 2018 to 2022 and was elected to the Senate in 2022. Xiong also served on the Capitol Investment and Energy committees. Xiong says after his current term ends, he will continue working in corporate law in St. Paul.
>>Minnesotan Recounts “Vile” Behavior by ICE Agents
(Minneapolis, MN) — On Sunday, Patty O’Keefe says she and her friend were violently arrested and detained by ICE. She explains that federal officers pepper-sprayed the air vent to their car, broke their windows, dragged them out of the car, handcuffed them, and brought them to the detention center at the Federal Whipple Building in separate vehicles. She says that, “One of the agents said, ‘You guys gotta stop obstructing us, that’s why that lesbian bitch is dead.’ Speaking about Renee Good.” For the rest of the ride, she says she was “taunted, mocked, insulted, belittled, and demoralized.” This is just one account of attacks by ICE agents being reported across Minnesota. O’Keefe spoke publicly today (WED) as local and state leaders highlighted escalating ICE activity, and announced that new, local, and live community briefings will begin soon.
>>Hib-Tac Announces 45 More Layoffs from Iron Range
(Iron Range, MN) — More layoffs are coming to the Iron Range. Hib-Tac announced an additional 45 employees will be laid off on February 1st. This is on top of the more than 600 layoffs a year ago. D-F-L Senator Grant Hauschild of Hermantown says here is a real sense of uncertainty; that’s why we’ve got to look to the horizon and figure out how we can open new opportunities for helium in northern Minnesota or the Mesabi Metallics Project.” State lawmakers passed an extension of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits for these miners and their families, but for many, those benefits are set to run out this summer.
>>Brothers Sentenced to Life for Coon Rapids Triple Murder
(Anoka, MN) — Two brothers will spend the rest of their lives in prison for a triple murder in Coon Rapids. Thirty-three-year-old Demetrius Shumpert and his 20-year-old brother Omari Shumpert were sentenced in Anoka County to three life terms without parole. Prosecutors say they killed 42-year-old Shannon Jungwirth, her husband,39-year-old Mario Trejo Estrada, and their 20-year-old son, Jorge Reyes.Jungwirth inside the family’s home last January. Investigators believe the motive was robbery tied to drug money. A third man, Alonzo Mingo, was sentenced last fall. Authorities say he posed as a UPS driver to get inside the home before the killings.
>>Cabin Fire on Lake Vermilion
(Greenwood Township, MN) –Early this afternoon (WED), law enforcement and multiple fire departments responded to a cabin fire in rural Greenwood Township. The initial report came from a snowmobiler who noticed smoke coming from Meads Island on Lake Vermilion. Upon closer inspection, the caller discovered a cabin fully engulfed in flames. It was determined that earlier in the day, a caretaker had started the furnace for the property owner, who was scheduled to arrive later. After the caretaker left, a fire broke out inside the cabin. No one was inside at the time, but the structure was a total loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, it is not considered suspicious.
>>Duluth Police Add First Armored Rescue Vehicle
(Duluth, MN) — The Duluth Police Department has added its first armored rescue vehicle to the fleet, a Lenco BearCat G-3. Until now, Duluth officers relied on Superior Police for armored support during high-risk incidents. Chief Mike Ceynowa says the BearCat will give officers the protection they need to slow situations down safely, improving safety for both police and the community. The vehicle is designed for ballistic protection and emergency response and will also be available to neighboring jurisdictions. The purchase was made using surplus funds from unfilled department positions.
>>Longtime Minnesota Vikings Receiver Thielen Announces Retirement
(Undated) — Longtime Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is officially retiring from the N-F-L. Thielen said in a social media post, “What a ride it has been!” and “13 years, what a blessing!” The Detroit Lakes native signed as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State Mankato in 2003 and spent parts of ten seasons with the Purple. Thirty-five-year-old Thielen played two years with Carolina before being traded back to Minnesota this fall. He’s fifth on the Vikings franchise list with 6,751 receiving yards, number four with 542 receptions, and ranks third with 55 touchdowns.
