>>Alleged Political Assassin Boelter to be Arraigned in Federal Court
(Minneapolis, MN) — There’s a federal court appearance today (Thurs) for the man charged with the murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Fifty-eight-year-old Vance Boelter of Green Isle will be read his six charges, including murder and stalking, and is expected to plead not guilty. Investigators say he had a “hit list” of mostly Democratic politicians. Prosecutors could seek the death penalty if Boelter is convicted on federal murder charges.
>>Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty Won’t Seek Re-election
(Minneapolis) — Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says she will not run for re-election in 2026. Instead, she says she is choosing to focus on creating enduring change in the system over the final 17 months of her administration. In her statement, Moriarty lists many accomplishments including devoting more resources to preventing violence and crime numbers that continue to drop. There was controversy surrounding her term. Moriarty was criticized for accepting a plea deal from two juveniles charged in the murder of a 23-year-old man. The case gained national attention when Attorney General Keith Ellison removed her from the case and prosecuted it. Moriarty was elected in 2022.
>>U of M’s Osterholm Rips $500 Million in Cuts to Vaccine Development
(Minneapolis, MN) — The nation’s top infectious disease experts are blasting the Department of Health and Human Services’ plan to cancel 500 million dollars in vaccine development funding. The University of Minnesota’s Doctor Michael Osterholm says, “I’ve advised seven presidential administrations, I’ve responded to several pandemics, and I can say with absolute certainty that this is one of the most dangerous decisions I’ve seen made public health.” Osterholm says the COVID vaccine is not perfect, but it has saved millions of lives. H-H-S Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior’s plan will pull funding and contracts for 22 projects to develop m-RNA vaccines.
>>St. Paul Mayor Carter says City Recovering from Malware Attack
(St. Paul, MN) — St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter says the city is still recovering from a malware attack on its computer system and services. He wouldn’t reveal whether it was a ransomware attack. Carter says St. Paul’s emergency systems are fully operational, but the city’s libraries and recreation center still do not have internet. The city is not accepting online payments for water bills and other services. Two national cybersecurity companies are helping to locate the alleged attackers.
>>Senate Ag Chair Pleased MPCA Rescinds Feedlot Permit Fee Increases
(St. Cloud, MN) — Livestock producers can breathe a sigh of relief after the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rescinded a 48- to 56-percent increase in feedlot permit fees. Senate Ag Committee Chair Aric (Putnam of St. Cloud says the process was flawed and state regulators made the right move. He says the P-C-A understood that and responded responsibly by saying, ” look we shouldn’t just surprise people with this stuff. Let’s think about it and talk with them first. And so that’s what they’re doing. So, I’m pleased with the response.” Putnam says the decision to rescind the feedlot permit fee increases suggests the M-P-C-A wants to do the right thing.
>>Amber Alert Cancelled for Columbia Heights Woman and 3-Week Child
(Columbia Heights, MN) — The Minnesota B-C-A cancelled the Amber Alert for a Columbia Heights woman and a three-week old child. Police say 37-year-old Ashley Gooch and Dior Gooch were located safe in Minneapolis. Officers said that Dior was taken from her guardian’s home by Ashley Tuesday morning and that she threatened violence. Ashley Gooch was arrested on an Anoka County warrant.
>>2 Cats Dead, Resident Displaced After Duluth Fire
(Duluth, MN) — Two cats are dead and a resident is displaced after a fire Wednesday morning at a multifamily housing complex in Duluth. Crews found heavy smoke inside a single room of one unit. No injuries were reported, but the cats died of smoke inhalation. Damage to the room and its contents is estimated at 100 thousand dollars. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
>>Twins Off-Day Thursday after Winning Series at Detroit
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Twins are off today (Thurs) following a series win at first-place Detroit. Minnesota won the series finale 9-4 Wednesday afternoon at Comerica Park. Rookie Luke Keaschall drove in three runs and Brooks Lee, Austin Martin, and Alan Roden all hit home runs. The Twins open a three-game series with the Royals Friday night at Target Field. All-Star Joe Ryan is scheduled to start the opener.
