>>Murder Charges for Man Accused of Killing Man, Stuffing Him in Garbage
(Hennepin County, MN) — A 31-year-old man faces counts of first- and second-degree murder for killing 51-year-old Reid Johnson in Minneapolis last year and stuffing him into a garbage can. A Hennepin County grand jury brought charges against 31-year-old Miguel Ugalde on July 25th, but the indictment remained sealed until this week. Johnson’s body was found by a real estate agent and homeowner last year, and his cause of death was listed as homicide by multiple gunshots. Ugalde is being held at Hennepin County Jail on $1.5 million bail. A hearing is set for February 24th.
>>Manhunt for Woman Accused of Straw Purchasing Guns That Killed MN Border Patrol Agent
(Undated) — A manhunt is on for the 32-year-old woman accused of straw purchasing the guns used to kill a Minnesotan Border Patrol agent in Vermont last week. Authorities say they’re searching for Michelle Zajko, who’s considered armed and dangerous, in multiple states. This comes after agent David Maland was fatally shot during a traffic stop between Newport and Orleans, Vermont. Zajko bought the guns that suspect Teresa Youngblut and her passenger, German native Feliz Bauckholt, used in the shooting. Zajko is also a person of interest in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California.
>>20 Animals Dead in Colfax Home Fire
(Colfax, MN) — Two people are injured, and several cats and dogs are dead after a house fire near New London. Fire crews responded to the fire at a home in Colfax Township around 3:50 p.m. Thursday and found heavy smoke and flames. No people were inside the home, but 17 dogs, mostly puppies, and three cats were. Two people tried to save the animals and were both taken to Paynesville Hospital for smoke inhalation. All of the animals died. The condition of the two people injured is unknown. The fire was put out in three hours; the cause is under investigation.
>>AG Ellison, 11 Other States, Accuse Pres. Trump of Misleading Americans on DEIA
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and 11 other attorneys general have issued a joint statement accusing President Donald Trump of misleading the American people on the purpose of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. This comes after Trump signed executive orders to rid the nation of DEIA programs. The letter says Trump’s “attack on DEIA initiatives is unnecessary and disingenuous” and “undermines the simple and unassailable goal to create fairer workplaces and opportunities for all to succeed.” Trump recently claimed DEI initiatives were the reason for a tragic plane crash that killed 67 people, which the leaders call “baseless” and “offensive.”
>>Minneapolis to Charge When Officers Use Resources Off-Duty
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis can now charge fees for off-duty police work after the City Council passed an ordinance Thursday. The city’s off-duty program allows officers to work shifts using city cars, weapons, and uniforms. Now, there will be a $19-an-hour fee for using a squad car, allowing the city to recoup wear-and-tear costs. The U.S. Department of Justice’s 2023 report on MPD conduct scrutinized the overtime program as it “undermines supervision.”
>>MN Senate GOP Announce Education a Priority
(St. Paul, MN) – Senate Republicans announced their agenda this week for putting Minnesotans first when it comes to state government. Education Policy Chair Julia Coleman of Waconia says, “School leader, after school leader, after school leader told us directly from their experience how these mandates and one-size-fits-all heavy-handed governmental approaches are hampering their ability to serve our students.” Coleman says priorities need to include help with district budgets, providing educational tools, and school safety.