>>BCA Identifies Man and Deputies in Wright County Shooting
(St. Paul, MN) — State investigators have released the names of those involved in a Wright County use-of-force incident last week. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says 18-year-old Dwayne Trunnell of Monticello was shot after advancing toward deputies with a knife on November 25th. Deputy Benjamin Skweres, a five-year veteran, fired his weapon, while Deputy Kyle Phillips deployed a Taser. Trunnell was hospitalized after the confrontation. Both deputies are on critical incident leave. The B-C-A recovered a knife, spent cartridges, and body camera video. Once the investigation is complete, findings will go to the Wright County Attorney’s Office for review.
>>Judge Blocks Effort to Defund Planned Parenthood in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — A federal judge temporarily blocked a Congressional measure this week that would cut Planned Parenthood off from Medicaid funding in Minnesota and several other states. The preliminary injunction, issued Wednesday, takes effect in seven days to allow time for appeals. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by 22 attorneys general, including Minnesota A-G Keith Ellison. Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS) says the decision protects access to essential care like birth control, cancer screenings, and S-T-I testing for thousands of patients. The injunction only applies to states involved in the lawsuit and does not affect clinics in Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota.
>>Minnesota DNR Protects 16,000 Acres in Landmark Deal
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota DNR has finalized one of its largest land acquisitions ever, permanently protecting nearly 16,000 acres of forest across ten northern counties. The move ensures these lands remain forested for generations, preserving wildlife habitat, water quality, and outdoor recreation while supporting the state’s forest economy. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to protect these forests, lakes, and waterways, now and for generations to come,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. She adds, “Public lands are essential to Minnesota’s environmental stewardship, identity, and economy.”
>>Flanagan Brings “Loud and Clear Voice Tour” to Litchfield and Montevideo
(Undated) — Today, U.S. Senate candidate and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan kicks off her “Loud and Clear Voice Tour: Roadmap to the Caucus” with stops in Litchfield and Montevideo. These events are the first of nearly 40 stops leading up to Minnesota’s precinct caucuses on February 3rd. Flanagan says her Ojibwe name means Speaks with a loud, clear voice and it’s core to who she is and how she wants to deliver for Minnesotans in Washington, D.C. Flanagan says you can’t help people if you don’t stop and hear what they’ve got to say.
>>Heating Assistance Funds Available
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance Program has more than $112 million available to help eligible households pay for heating this winter. Director Michael Schmitz says the federal funding arrived just as snow and colder weather hit the state. Last winter, the program awarded funding to more than 125,000 households, with an average benefit of $736. Residents can apply online through the Minnesota Department of Commerce website or contact their local service provider. Assistance is available for heating bills and related energy costs.
>>Minneapolis Rally Planned Against Military Escalation, ICE Raids
(Minneapolis, MN) — Activists are rallying today (SAT, 1 p.m.) at Peavey Park in Minneapolis to protest U-S military actions in the Caribbean and immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Organizers say the Trump administration’s buildup near Venezuela threatens war and regime change, while local Somali communities face increased ICE raids. This comes after scrutiny about fraud in the state and disparaging comments from Trump. The event, led by groups including the ANSWER Coalition and Black Alliance for Peace, calls for an end to military escalation and the removal of ICE from Minnesota.
