>>Walz Meets with Legislative Leaders
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders held a closed-door meeting this morning to discuss the upcoming legislative session and how power will be distributed between Democrats and Republicans. Right now, the Minnesota house is split 67-67, with two recounts still needing to be done. Leaders from both parties have said they would work together. After the meeting, Republican leader Lisa Demuth described the meeting as
“Cordial. We’ve worked together the last two years, and it was very cordial, and I would expect that. It’s professional, and we need to do that. Minnesotans recognize we have a unique opportunity to shut down with the complete partisanship where it’s been so controversial, and we can have civil discussions.” Democratic Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman said after the meeting, (quote) “We’re tied 67-67, so we’re working as hard as we can to negotiate a shared power agreement.” She added the committee structure is the only thing that’s been decided.
>>Gov. Walz Announces MN Recognized as 1/2 States for Data-Driven Policymaking
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz announced today (THURS) that Minnesota is one of two states recognized by Results for America for data-driven, evidence-based policymaking. Minnesota received a Platinum Certification from the national nonprofit, which promotes evidence-based policymaking. MN was also one of seven states designated national leaders in such decision-making. The work highlighted included the over $2.1 billion invested in supporting children and families, including Universal School Meals and Voluntary Prekindergarten, evidence indicators in public budget documents, and promoting budgeting towards equitable outcomes.
>>AG Ellison Proposing Remedies for Ending Google’s Monopoly Over Search Engines
(St. Paul, MN) — Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined 38 other AGs in proposing solutions to end Google’s search-engine monopoly. In December 2020, the coalition filed a lawsuit alleging Google held power over general search engines through anticompetitive contracts and conduct. In August 2024, a D.C. federal court ruled Google violated antitrust laws and has “acted as a monopoly to maintain its monopoly.” Now, the coalition asks the court to force Google to end this conduct and restore competition to benefit consumers. A hearing on proposed remedies is scheduled for April 22nd through May 2nd (2025).
>>Chicago Man Pleads Guilty in Rochester Fentanyl Bust
(Rochester, MN) — A Chicago man has pleaded guilty to a Rochester drug bust that turned up nearly 500 fentanyl pills. Olmsted County deputies executed a search warrant on a Rochester apartment building in late March, spotting 31-year-old Robert Collins III leaving in his vehicle. Collins was the subject of multiple active arrest warrants and fled on foot after being stopped by law enforcement. While being pursued, Collins threw a blue object away that was later found to contain the fentanyl pills. Collins is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
>>Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison After Two-Day Standoff in St. Michael
(St. Michael, MN) — A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison after a two-day standoff in St. Michael in 2022. Brandon Gardas was convicted of one count each of attempted second-degree murder and illegal firearm possession. Gardas was arrested in June 2022 after a nearly two-day standoff with police. Officials say Gardas pulled a gun on a pastor and assaulted his wife. Due to two outstanding arrest warrants, police got a search warrant for his home. Gardas barricaded himself and his 13-year-old son in his home. His son was released soon after, but Gardas didn’t give up. He made threats to law enforcement and the surrounding neighborhood and fired rounds at an armored vehicle. Gardas was eventually arrested and fired multiple shots at officers. An officer shot Gardas, hitting him in the chest. Authorities found multiple handguns, rifles, and over 12,400 rounds of ammunition in the home.
>>November Rains Ease Drought Conditions in Minnesota
(Lincoln, NE) — All the rainfall in November is easing the drought conditions in Minnesota. The new U-S Drought Monitor map shows just over 15 percent of the state remains in a severe drought—down from nearly 45 percent last week. The area of Minnesota in a moderate drought dropped from 79 to 65 percent. Ninety-nine percent of the state is still abnormally dry. Northeastern and north-central Minnesota have the driest conditions.
>>Bemidji Man Convicted of Advertising, Distributing, Possessing CSAM
(Duluth, MN) — A Bemidji man has been convicted of advertising, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Court documents say 47-year-old Craig Myran was actively participating on the dark web that was dedicated to discussing and trafficking CSAM. For years, Myran used his account to make over 1,000 posts to the site, including one in which he asked for specific files of CSAM and another where he distributed files to others. The FBI conducted a search warrant of Myran’s Bemidji apartment on December 8th, 2022, finding multiple hard drives and a cell phone filled with CSAM. Myran was found guilty Wednesday after a three-day trial. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled later.
>>Cass County Deputy Resigns Due to ND BCI Investigation
(Fargo, ND) — A Cass County Sheriff’s deputy has resigned due to an investigation into his alleged criminal activity. The Office was notified in September that the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) was looking into Deputy Carson Quam. No other information is known.
