>>FBI Searching for Fugitive Linked to ‘Family Mob’ Drug Operation
(Minneapolis, MN) – Federal authorities are asking for the public’s help finding a suspect in a major drug‑trafficking investigation targeting the Minneapolis “Family Mob” street gang. The F-B-I says 43‑year‑old Kiron Williams, also known as “Killer,” remains at large following a coordinated operation earlier this week. Investigators executed warrants across the Twin Cities in connection with fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs. Eleven suspects are now in custody. Williams is described as five feet nine inches tall, 175 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Anyone with information is urged to contact the F-B-I.
>>Drunken Driver Crashes into Hospital ER Entry in Staples
(Staples, MN) — Authorities believe the driver who crashed into the emergency room doors at Lakewood Hospital in Staples had been drinking. The driver was injured and being treated by medical staff when police arrived Thursday night. The Staples Fire Department determined the entryway was unsafe due to structural damage and secured the area. Officers say the preliminary investigation indicates alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.
>>Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Sex Trafficking Two Victims
(Stillwater, MN) – A Minneapolis man faces 40 years in prison for trafficking and assaulting two victims, including a 14‑year‑old girl. Washington County prosecutors say 52‑year‑old Billy Wiley was convicted last fall of multiple counts involving sexual assault and exploitation. Investigators say Wiley targeted vulnerable young women and girls in the Twin Cities, offering rides or money before taking them to an apartment in Mahtomedi (maht-oh-me-dye). The 14‑year‑old victim was found outside the building in June 2025 and later told authorities Wiley had assaulted her. A second victim, a 20‑year‑old woman, reported a similar experience days earlier, and investigators recovered video evidence on Wiley’s phone. Wiley will also face mandatory conditional release and lifetime predatory‑offender registration. A second man involved in the case has already been sentenced.
>>Gov. Walz Says He’ll Leave State in Good Shape
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota lawmakers are cautiously optimistic about a better budget outlook for the state. The new February Budget and Economic Forecast shows a surplus of 3.7 billion dollars for the next two years, and a smaller surplus for 2028-29. Governor Tim Walz says this is good news and that “Minnesota’s policies are working and they’re making a difference.” Democrats expressed concern over pending federal cuts, and Republicans say the fraud problem has to be solved. Otherwise, the state could fall back into a deficit.
>>Food Insecurity Focus of House Bills at Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) – Four bills were introduced this week in House committee to prevent children from going hungry. The two bills that moved forward would provide 5.39 million dollars to the Minnesota Food Shelf Program in 2027, and the other would establish a regional food bank grant program and allocate 10 million dollars. The two bills laid over would add additional money to the SNAP program and establish a prepared meals grant program. According to Second Harvest Heartland, one in five Minnesota families cannot afford the food they need without assistance.
>>Senate Bill Would Allow Out-of-State Testing of Hemp Products
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill headed to the Senate floor aims to speed up the testing of cannabis in Minnesota. Senator Lindsey Port of Burnsville says there are only two state testing labs, and it’s taking a long time to get results. She explains, With the adult-use products and the medical products needing to go through those testing labs, we’re seeing a bottleneck.” Hemp-based T-H-C could be tested at those labs through May of 2027. Port’s bill was approved by the Senate Commerce committee.
>>Minnesota Frost Place Coyne-Schofield on Long-Term Injured Reserve
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Frost is placing captain Kendall Coyne Schofield (SKOH’-field) on long-term injured reserve. The team says Coyne Schofield suffered an upper-body injury while playing for Team U-S-A at the Winter Olympics. Frost G-M Melissa Caruso says they are committed to supporting Kendall throughout her recovery, and the medical team will be working to help prepare her return to the ice. The two-time Olympic gold medalist has 10 goals and 6 assists in 15 games this season.
>>Fishing Tournament is Big Draw at Grumpy Old Men Festival
(Wabasha, MN) – The 33rd annual Grumpy Old Men Festival continues today (SAT) along the Mississippi River in Wabasha. Abby Oxendine of the Wabasha Kellogg Area Chamber says the ice fishing tournament is one of the most popular activities, drawing “thousands of people of all ages.” The winners get homemade trophies, including the Green Hornet. That is the name of the ice fishing rod in the movie that Max drops into the hole in the ice. Grumpy Old Men is showing this afternoon at the National Eagle Center, and there is also a live eagle program.
>>Ice Fishing Isn’t Over Yet in Central MN
(Undated) – Ice fishing in Central and Northern Minnesota isn’t over just yet. While perch are somewhat in stock, Glenn Schmitt with Outdoor News says this is the time of year when “eelpout become real aggressive as they start their spawning cycle under the ice.” Schmitt says his jog choices include Tungsten, plastics, and euro larvae. He notes that “people have figured out that they’re good to eat and not a junk fish anymore, which a lot of people thought they were for years.” Schmitt recommends heading to Leech Lake, Mille Lacs Lake, and Lake “Winnie” Winnibigoshish to catch the ray-finned fish.
