>> Family of Woman Killed During Metro Surge Files Lawsuits
(Minneapolis, MN) – The family of Renee Good, the Minneapolis woman shot and killed by an ICE agent during Operation Metro Surge in January, has filed civil lawsuits against the federal government. Attorneys for the family say the claims include wrongful death and civil rights violations stemming from the shooting. The lawsuits also challenge the broader conduct of Operation Metro Surge, alleging discriminatory enforcement practices. Federal officials have not yet responded in court to the new filings.
>>Full Line-up for 17th Annual Twin Cities Film Festival
(Minneapolis) – The 17th annual Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) kicks off two weeks from today with more than 110 movies set to both screen and stream October 15 – 24. The visual arts celebration is set to return for in-person events and screenings at The Shops at West End’s Marcus West End Cinema and Edina Mann 4 Theatre at 50th and France. Stars expected to attend include Steve Zahn, Jeremy Swift and Frances Fisher, who will be honored with the TCFF Lifetime Achievement Award. Tickets range in price from $10 online to $15 in person.
>>Governor Issues Executive Order Over Diesel Prices
(St. Paul, MN) – Following calls from Senate Agriculture Committee Democrats, Governor Walz has issued an executive order providing immediate relief to farmers, loggers and truckers. The new executive order authorizes vehicles transporting agricultural and forest products to exceed regular weight limits by up to 10 percent on state and local highways. By allowing producers and haulers to move more products per trip, the order helps conserve fuel and reduce costs during critical harvest season. The executive order is in effect from now until October 30th.
>>Slow Housing Stats Reported in September
(Roseville, MN) – The new homebuilding statistics show activity slowed down in September in the Twin Cities metro area. Housing First Minnesota says persistent affordability challenges, elevated borrowing costs and broader economic uncertainty put additional pressure on the housing market. Single-family homebuilding activity fell eight percent from the same period last year. However, multifamily activity had another solid month of building activity. Developers reported 527 multifamily units under construction—accounting for nearly 50% of all construction activity for the month.
>>Raymond Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Pornography with Minor
(Raymond, MN) – A Raymond man pleaded guilty to three counts of Possession of Pornographic Works With a Minor Under 14 Years Old. 69-year-old Glenn Lotthammer will be sentenced December 21st, and Kandiyohi County Judge Steve Wentzell ordered Lotthammer undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation before sentencing. In exchange for the guilty plea, eight other child pornography-related charges will be dismissed. Lotthammer is a former school bus driver and member of the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad. He was arrested in 2024 after The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at his home and found images of child pornography on his electronic devices.
>>Health Insurance Premiums Set to Rise Again in Minnesota
(Undated) – Minnesotans who buy their own health insurance could see higher costs next year. Final 2027 rates released by the Minnesota Department of Commerce show average premium increases ranging from about 10 to 21 percent in the individual market. Small business health plans are also expected to see double-digit increases. Roughly 200-thousand Minnesotans purchase coverage through the individual market, while about 184-thousand receive coverage through small employers. A Minnesota advocacy group says rising premiums and upcoming federal policy changes could make health coverage less affordable for many residents.
>>Report Details Strained Relationship Between St. Paul Mayor and Police Chief
(St. Paul, MN) – A newly released investigative report sheds more light on allegations involving St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. The report found the mayor engaged in offensive and inappropriate workplace behavior but did not sexually harass or retaliate against employees. Investigators say Her’s relationship with Police Chief Axel Henry deteriorated after disagreements over the city’s response to Operation Metro Surge. Henry has since filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, battery, and retaliation. Her has denied wrongdoing.
