>>Two People Killed in Hermantown Townhome Explosion
(Hermantown, MN) — Fire officials in northeastern Minnesota continue to investigate a townhome explosion in Hermantown that left two people dead. Crews were called around 6:20 Saturday night after reports of a significant explosion. Investigators said six units exploded, and the roof was blown off. Firefighters were searching for two missing residents. One was located at 10 pm Saturday, and the other victim was found around 4:30 Sunday morning. They were identified as 89-year-old Gayle Nelson and 88-year-old Joan Wisneski. The Red Cross reported eight residents are displaced.
>>Five-Year-Old Liam Ramos, Father Home After Immigration Detention in Texas
(Undated) — Five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father, Adrian, are home after being detained by immigration authorities in Texas. Their detention drew national attention after photos circulated showing Liam being taken into custody in his driveway. Liam and his father were released following an emergency order from U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, who directed the government to free them from the Texas detention center immediately. The ruling came after days of mounting pressure from lawmakers, school leaders, and immigration advocates, who said the detention of a five-year-old child crossed a line. According to their attorney, the Ramos family is originally from Ecuador and has an asylum case pending.
>>State Lawyers Weigh Unprecedented Prosecution of Federal Agents
(Undated) — Attorneys for the State of Minnesota are considering an unprecedented legal move: prosecuting federal law enforcement agents. There is no modern example of a state filing criminal charges against federal officers for the use of deadly force without cooperation from the federal government. If charges are pursued, the cases would likely hinge first on legal battles over jurisdiction, specifically, whether they belong in state or federal court. and whether federal agents are immune from state prosecution. State attorneys acknowledge those questions could take years to resolve. The potential charges stem from a January incident in which federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
>>St. Paul’s 1st Homicide of 2026
(Saint Paul, MN) — St. Paul police are investigating the city’s first homicide of the year after a shooting on the East Side on Wednesday afternoon. Officers responded around 2:25 p.m. to a shooting report. When they arrived, they found an adult man with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are now working to determine what led to the shooting and who the possible suspects are. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to confirm the victim’s identity and cause of death.
>>Senate Rules Committee Endorses New Security Measures at Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) – The Senate Rules Committee has endorsed two measures to increase safety and security in both the Minnesota Senate Building and the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol. Senate President Bobby Joe Champion requested the changes, which include screening visitors for weapons and implementing a ban on firearms and other dangerous weapons. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said, “We have spent many months working to expand security so that everyone who comes to the Capitol can participate in the people’s house safely.” Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson said in response, “Republicans agree that keeping the people who work, serve, and visit our state Capitol safe is our top priority. Restricting the accessibility of law-abiding citizens to witness routine Senate activity is a step too far.”
>>DEED names February as “Shop Local, Stand Together” month
(Undated) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is designating February as “Shop Local, Stand Together” month. Commissioner Matt Varilek says federal actions in the state are leading to big economic impacts, with some small businesses reporting revenue drops as high as 70 percent, and others closing their doors. He says both workers and customers are staying home out of fear, further hurting local shops. The state has also set aside 5 million dollars in grants to help businesses cover payroll, rent, staffing, and inventory as they work to stay afloat.
>>Wolves Edwards Named to Western Conference All-Star Team
(Minneapolis, MN) — Anthony Edwards will represent the Minnesota Timberwolves at the 2026 N-B-A All-Star Game. Ant was named a Western Conference reserve by the head coaches. This is his fourth straight All-Star appearance. Many N-B-A analysts and fans thought Edwards should be a starter. He’s averaging 29.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season for the 31-19 Timberwolves. The N-B-A All-Star Game is on February 15th at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
