>>Mangione Won’t Face Death Penalty in UnitedHealthcare Murder Trial
(Brooklyn, NY) — Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty in the killing of UnitedHealthcare C-E-O Brian Thompson from Maple Grove. U-S District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed two federal counts that could have carried a death sentence, ruling that the government’s claim Mangione stalked Thompson did not meet the legal definition of a “crime of violence.” Mangione still faces federal stalking charges that could bring life in prison without parole. Thompson was shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4th, 2024, as he arrived for an investor conference. Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both federal and state cases.
>>Republican Representative Torkelson Not Seeking Re-election
(St. Paul, MN) — A Republican from south central Minnesota is the latest member of the House to announce he won’t seek re-election this fall. Representative Paul Torkelson of Hanska was first elected in 2008 and is serving his ninth term. Torkelson co-chairs the powerful Ways and Means Committee and was one of the key G-O-P leaders involved in the budget negotiations during the last session. Torkelson represents House District 15-B which consists of Brown, Redwood, and Blue Earth counties.
>>Anti-ICE Concert Featuring Tom Morello at First Ave Friday Afternoon
(Minneapolis, MN) — First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis will be packed today (Fri) for “A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance To Defend Minnesota!” Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Rise Against are headlining the anti-ICE show. The very special guest has yet to be announced. There are rumors it could be Bruce Springsteen or Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam. All of the proceeds go to the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
>>Broadcaster Lemon, Journalist Fort Arrested for Covering ICE Protest in St. Paul Church
(Los Angeles, CA) — Former C-N-N anchor Don Lemon and independent Minnesota reporter Georgia Fort are under arrest for covering a January 18th ICE protest in a St. Paul church. Attorneys say Lemon was taken into custody Thursday night in Los Angeles. Lemon was doing interviews at Cities Church when protesters interrupted the service. Fort was livestreaming during the protest. Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong and two other activists were arrested. A federal judge last week rejected attempts by federal prosecutors to charge Lemon. Protesters claimed the church’s pastor is an ICE official.
>>Fischbach Announces $9 Million for 11 Infrastructure Projects in 7th District
(Washington, DC) — Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach says more than nine million dollars in federal funding is going to 11 infrastructure projects in Minnesota’s 7th District. Fischbach says these investments span across several counties, focusing on essential water management, public health, and agricultural innovation. The projects are in Elizabeth, West Union, Barnesville, Ruthton, Hanley Falls, Lake Lillian, Henderson, Polk County, Lake Henry, Wheaton, and at Southwest State University in Marshall.
>>Man Dies from Injuries Suffered in Otter Tail County House Fire
(Wadena, MN) — Authorities in Otter Tail County are investigating a deadly fire near Wadena. Firefighters from five departments were called to the fire last night in rural Compton Township. Deputies say a 73-year-old man was found unresponsive in the residence and life saving measures were performed, but he died in the hospital. The family’s dog also died in the fire and the home is considered a total loss. Investigators say the cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.
>>Woman Sentenced to 35 Years for Stabbing Death of 76-Year-Old Man in Faribault
(Faribault, MN) — A woman from Bemidji is sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing a 76-year-old man in Faribault in February of 2024. Rice County prosecutors say 34-year-old Arlene Bell pleaded guilty last month to the second-degree murder of disabled veteran Gary Lehmeyer. Bell was living with Lehmeyer and admitted to stabbing him multiple times during a fight. Bell was arrested driving Lehmeyer’s car in Dallas County, Iowa. She was given credit for 698 days already served.
>>Minnesota Twins and President Derek Falvey Part Ways
(Minneapolis, MN) — Derek Falvey is out as Minnesota Twins president of baseball and business operations. The Twins say the club and Falvey have mutually agreed to part ways. Executive vice president and G-M Jeremy Zoll will continue to lead the Twins baseball department and executive chair Tom Pohlad will assume interim oversight of business operations. Falvey had been with the Twins since 2016. Falvey said he agreed that this was the “right time” to part ways.
>>Golden Gopher Men’s Hockey Hosting Border Rival Wisconsin
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota men’s hockey team looks to snap a seven-game losing streak tonight (Fri 7pm) when Wisconsin visits Mariucci Arena. The Golden Gophers are coming off a two-game sweep at number two Michigan State. The ninth-ranked Badgers were swept by number five Penn State last weekend. Wisconsin and Minnesota wrap up the Big Ten series tomorrow (Sat 6pm) in Dinkytown.
