>>U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Motion to Dismiss Consent Decree Case Against Minneapolis
(Washington, D.C.) — The United States Attorney’s Office has filed a motion to dismiss the case against the City of Minneapolis, stating that it no longer believes the proposed consent decree would serve the public interest. The consent decree is part of a settlement that outlines extensive reforms for the Minneapolis Police Department. A two-year investigation by the Department of Justice, which was launched after the murder of George Floyd, revealed that the Minneapolis Police Department engaged in a pattern of racist and abusive behavior that violated residents’ civil rights. A federal judge must still decide whether to dismiss the case or allow it to proceed.
>>Working Groups Continue Looking for Common Ground on Budget Bills
(St. Paul, MN) – State lawmakers are back at the Capitol this morning looking for common ground on the remaining budget bills. Each bill has an assigned working group, a set of lawmakers from both the House and Senate. House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman said she would like the groups to finish their work by 5 p.m. today so the governor can call a special session this week. Hortman noted that the special session could start Thursday if the job gets done today, but it would most likely be Friday.
>>Suspect in Willmar Drug Death Enters Plea
(Willmar, MN) — A Maynard woman entered a plea agreement related to the drug-related death of a Willmar man nearly three years ago. 21-year-old Mercedes Carpenter pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Manslaughter through an Alford Plea, with five other charges, including 3rd Degree Murder, being dismissed. Sentencing is set for July 17th. An Alford Plea means she does not admit guilt but acknowledges sufficient evidence for a conviction. A co-defendant, 28-year-old Lateef Mahaffey Junior, was found guilty on six charges and will be sentenced on July 14th. Court records indicate Carpenter and Mahaffey sold drugs to a Willmar man in September 2022, who was later found dead in his bathtub from fentanyl toxicity.
>>One Person Injured in Willmar House Fire
(Willmar, MN) — One person suffered burns in a house fire in Willmar early this morning. When firefighters arrived, flames were coming out of several windows. Firefighters learned the occupant of the home was at CentraCare Rice Hospital with burn injuries. No one else was in the house. No firefighters were injured while fighting the blaze, and the name of the injured occupant has not been released. The state fire marshal’s office is helping investigate the cause of the fire.
>>May is Stroke Awareness Month
(Undated) — May is Stroke Awareness Month. Minnesota Department of Health Stroke Program Supervisor Nicky Anderson says signs of a stroke include balance loss, eyesight changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and terrible headaches. Anderson says when someone recognizes the signs of a stroke, it’s crucial to get to a hospital quickly so proper treatments can be done. 94% of Minnesotans live within a 30-minute drive of a designated stroke system hospital, up from 60% in 2012. More information can be found on the MDH website.
>>Jelly Roll Makes Surprise Visit to Hennepin County Jail
(Minneapolis, MN) — Staff at the Hennepin County jail are still discussing a surprise visit by country music star Jelly Roll on Tuesday afternoon. Officials say Jelly Roll talked to detainees about turning his life around after being locked up for years and becoming a father. He said he earned his G-E-D while incarcerated and wanted to be the “dad he never had” when he got out. Sheriff Dawanna Witt presented Jelly Roll with a commemorative key to the jail. Jelly Roll played a concert last night at U-S Bank Stadium.
>>Duluth Dylan Fest Kickoffs Sunday
(Duluth, MN) — The 2025 Duluth Dylan Fest kicks off Sunday and will feature special Twin Ports and Hibbing events over the next eight days.
The festival celebrates the 84th birthday of Bob Dylan on May 24th. It begins Sunday morning with live music on the lawn of Dylan’s boyhood home on 7th Avenue East in Hibbing, which also features a tour of Hibbing High School. Jam sessions, dance parties, a singer-songwriter contest, lectures, and concerts will be at various locations throughout the week. Dylan’s birthday on the 24th will be celebrated on the front porch of his childhood home on 3rd Avenue East in Duluth with live music. Get the complete schedule for the week and all the details online at duluthdylanfest.com.
>>Minnesota Vikings Foundation Working with North Dakota DOT on Custom License Plates
(Fargo, ND) — Minnesota Vikings fans in North Dakota may soon be able to get custom license plates supporting their favorite team. The Vikings Foundation works with the North Dakota Department of Transportation to make plates like those available here. At least 50 drivers in North Dakota need to sign up, and those applicants will be given a special gift from the foundation for their support. The design for the North Dakota Vikings license plate hasn’t been released.
>>Twins and Guardians Scheduled to Play 2 Games at Target Field
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Twins and Guardians are scheduled to play baseball today (Wed) following two days of rainouts at Target Field. The series opener, suspended on Monday, will resume at 12:10 this afternoon. The Twins had a 2-1 lead over Cleveland when the game was stopped in the top of the fourth inning. Today’s matinee will be played 30 minutes after the suspended game ends. Tuesday night’s game was moved to September 20th as part of a doubleheader.
