>>State, Feds to Announce Joint Probe into Alex Pretti’s Fatal Shooting
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the F-B-I are expected to announce a joint investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti. The move signals a rare point of cooperation between state and federal authorities, as leaders work to reset strained relationships that emerged during Operation Metro Surge under the Trump administration. Questions remain about the scope of the collaboration. It is unclear whether state investigators will gain access to federal evidence tied to the separate killing of Renee Good.
>>Woman Crashes Car near Robbinsdale City Hall While Followed by Federal Agents
(Robbinsdale, MN) — Police in Robbinsdale say a woman crashed her car into a retaining wall near City Hall Thursday while federal agents were trying to stop her. The vehicle was unoccupied and the woman was found inside experiencing a high level of anxiety. Officers say they learned federal agents were attempting to stop the vehicle to arrest a different passenger. The woman cooperated and was given a ride home. The Robbinsdale P-D said it does not cooperate with ICE agents.
>>NAMI Officials say ICE Operations Affecting Mental Health
(St. Paul, MN) — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota is sounding the alarm, warning that ongoing ICE activity is worsening an already critical mental health crisis. Executive Director Marcus Schmit they’re seeing an influx of people reaching out since Operation Metro Surge began. He says there’s been a pretty significant uptick in phone calls, in engagements with our social media accounts, and registrations for all of the classes and trainings that we provide, specifically ones around trauma. Schmit says our communities are navigating intense fear, and for people with serious and persistent mental illnesses, that fear can quickly become overwhelming.
>>Waconia Man Accused of Threatening Politician in Otter Tail County
(Fergus Falls, MN) — A Waconia man is charged with threats of violence for allegedly harassing a politician in Otter Tail County. Prosecutors say 25-year-old Brandon DeWolf called the victim multiple times and sent derogatory and aggressive text messages after receiving a call from the politician regarding a campaign. The victim described the calls as “angry” and “threatening” and law enforcement took safety precautions to protect the politician’s family. DeWolf made his first court appearance Thursday in Fergus Falls.
>>Trial of Ex-State Trooper Roper Postponed for Change of Venue Request
(Rochester, MN) — The trial of a former Minnesota state trooper accused of causing a deadly crash in Rochester is postponed while the judge considers a change of venue request. Thirty-three-year-old Shane Roper of Hayfield is facing criminal vehicular homicide and other charges in the May 2024 death of 18-year-old Olivia Flores of Owatonna. Investigators say Roper was driving more than 80 miles per hour without his emergency lights activated when he collided with the vehicle Flores was riding in. His defense attorney argued Thursday that Roper cannot get a fair trial in Olmsted County due to extensive media coverage. His trial was set for early March.
>>Farmington Mayor Resigns Days After Council Chambers Confrontation
(Farmington, MN) — Farmington Mayor Joshua Hoyt is stepping down from office, citing mental health concerns. Council Member Nick Lien will serve as acting mayor. The Farmington City Council is scheduled to vote on formally accepting Hoyt’s resignation on February 17th. The resignation comes just days after a confrontation during Monday night’s council meeting. Tensions escalated after a resident objected to a strict five-minute time limit on public comments.
>>Forest Lake Ice Fishing Classic Supports Invisible Wounds Project
(Forest Lake, MN) — The Forest Lake Ice Fishing Classic this Saturday will support several community groups including the Invisible Wounds Project, which helps veterans, first responders, and their families with mental-health and crisis support. Founder Russ Hanes says demand for their services continues to grow, with more than two thousand people helped last year and over a hundred suicide or crisis interventions. He says events like the Ice Fishing Classic make their work possible. The Classic runs from noon to 3 p.m., with prizes including an Ice Castle fish house and guided hunt.
>>Minnesota Women’s Basketball Upsets #10 Iowa at Carver Hawkeye Arena
(Iowa City, IA) — The Golden Gopher women’s basketball team improved to 8-4 in Big Ten play with a 91-85 upset win last night at number ten Iowa. Minnesota shot 10-for-14 from three-point range and claimed its fifth straight victory. Grace Grocholski scored a team-high 21 points, Mara Braun added 16, and Amaya Battle had 12 points and 14 rebounds. The Gophers outrebounded the Hawkeyes 41-28. Minnesota plays Sunday at Rutgers.
