>>Education is Large Part of Minnesota State Budget
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota lawmakers can get to work on the state budget now that the Senate and House will both be back in session this week. Republican Senator Julia Coleman of Waconia says schools are one of the state’s biggest expenses. She says, “I think that education is one of those pillars where we should do everything we can to make sure our dollars are not only robustly given but smartly given.” The next economic forecast comes out the first week in March. Legislators have until May 19th to pass a new two-year budget.
>>Space Heater Suspected in Deadly St. Paul Garage Fire
(St. Paul, MN) — Investigators believe that a space heater is to blame for a fire in St. Paul Sunday that left two people dead. Firefighters found the detached garage fully engulfed in flames when they arrived at the home on the city’s East Side. Crews were able to put out the fire and found two people dead inside. Officials say it appears the fire started when a space heater was accidentally knocked over. They say the two victims were living in the garage. Their names haven’t been released.
>>St. Paul Officers Justified in Fatal Shooting of Murder Suspect in Belle Plaine
(Belle Plaine, MN) — The Scott County Attorney’s Office says two St. Paul police officers were justified in the shooting death of 29-year-old Seantrell Murdock in Belle Plaine. Murdock was accused of fatally shooting local artist, 66-year-old Carrie Kwok, in St. Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood last September. Officers confronted Murdock in Belle Plaine the morning after the killing and shot him when he displayed a handgun. Murdock died in the hospital. Prosecutors said the use of deadly force was “necessary to protect these officers from death or great bodily harm” and that the St. Paul officers acted within the law.
>>Wounded Fargo Officer Dotas Returns to Police Department
(Fargo, ND) — Fargo Police officer Andrew Dotas is returning to the force today (Mon) more than a year-and-a-half after being shot in the line of duty. Dotas and two other officers were ambushed by a gunman in July 2023. Officer Jake Wallin from St. Michael, Minnesota was killed in the incident. Officer Tyler Hawes and bystander Karlee Koswick were also wounded. Hawes returned to the force last week. Dotas credits firefighters, who he says stayed even though they were not wearing bullet proof vests, with saving his life. He says he stays in contact with Wallin’s family and has a great relationship with them.
>>6 Juveniles Arrested for Violent Carjacking in Northeast Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) — Six juveniles ages 11 to 15 are in custody in connection with a violent carjacking Friday night in northeast Minneapolis. Police say the suspects tackled a 62-year-old woman, stole her car keys, and fled in her vehicle. The stolen car was located about three hours later in north Minneapolis thanks to the help of some of the juveniles’ parents. Officers and a State Patrol helicopter tracked the suspects to a garage where five boys and one girl were hiding. Investigators say all the juveniles have active investigations pending and a 15-year-boy was wanted for attempted murder.
>>Public Meeting on Northeast Minnesota Elk Restoration Project
(Cloquet, MN) — There’s a public meeting on the D-N-R’s website tonight (Mon 6-8pm) about a proposal to bring elk back to northeastern Minnesota. Elk program coordinator Kelsie LaSharr says there’s also an in-person hearing Thursday at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. She says, “If you are excited about elk, if you’re concerned about elk, come out and give us your opinions.” The D-N-R also has a questionnaire on its website where people can provide feedback. The D-N-R and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are working on an elk restoration and management plan for the area. There are currently about 75 elk in northwestern Minnesota.
>>Minnesota Dog Wins MVP at Puppy Bowl
(St. Paul, MN) — A Minnesota rescue dog took home top honors at the Puppy Bowl on Sunday. Foxtrot, a Collie from Pet Haven of Minnesota, was named Most Valuable Puppy after a standout performance in the annual Animal Planet event. His efforts helped Team Fluff secure a 68-66 win over Team Ruff with a last-second touchdown. Another Pet Haven pup, Potato, also played for the winning team. The shelter in St. Paul celebrated Foxtrot’s achievement, calling it a proud moment for their rescue.
>>Mankato West and Anoka Boys Hockey Face Off at the X
(St. Paul, MN) — The Mankato West and Anoka high school boy’s hockey teams face off tonight (Mon 7pm) at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The game was scheduled to be played December 10th at a tournament in Duluth, but all of Mankato West’s hockey sticks were stolen from their bus. The Minnesota Wild decided to host the postponed game and plans to make it feel like an N-H-L matchup. It will include their P-A announcer, national anthem singer Wild mascot Nordy, and a D-J. The game is free and open to the public.
