>>Grand Jury Convened in Burnsville First Responder Shootings
(Minneapolis, MN) — Multiple sources are reporting the U.S. Attorney’s office convened a federal grand jury in the investigation into the killing of two Burnsville Police Officers and a firefighter/paramedic killed while responding to a domestic disturbance in February. The mother of three of Shannon Gooden’s children testified on Tuesday. It’s believed testimony focused on how Gooden was able to obtain the firearms used in the shooting. He was prohibited from possessing firearms as the result of a 2008 second-degree felony assault with a deadly weapon conviction. The purpose of a grand jury is to decide whether there’s enough evidence to proceed with criminal charges. If so, a grand jury could return an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are secret, but a person who is subpoenaed can share information about their testimony.
>>Update: Missing U-of-M Student Found Safe
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)has canceled a missing person alert for a University of Minnesota student. 20-year-old Margot Langford has been found safe. No other information is being released currently.
>>Jesse Ventura and Aaron Rodgers on Kennedy Jr’s Short List as Running Mate
(Washington, DC) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a short list when it comes to his running mate on the independent presidential ticket. On Tuesday, it was reported that Kennedy has been in talks with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota governor and professional wrestler Jesse Ventura. Kennedy later confirmed the two were at the top of his list for potential running mates. He plans to announce his choice in the next two weeks.
>>Cannabis Flower Crackdown
(St. Paul, MN) — State regulators plan to go after Minnesota businesses that are illegally selling raw cannabis flowers. Cannabis use and cultivation became legal in August, but retail sales licenses won’t be issued to businesses until next year. The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management says it’s received complaints about retailers selling cannabis under the label of hemp flower. State health inspectors are stepping up examinations and expanding testing of raw flowers to ensure they contain less than percent T-H-C. Violators could face an embargo on products and fines of up to one million dollars.
>>Social Justice Groups Want ShotSpotter Technology Removed
(Minneapolis, MN) — Social justice groups are asking the City of Minneapolis to stop using ShotSpotter technology. Police use the technology to pinpoint gunshots, but critics say it is often placed in brown and black communities and can misinterpret other loud noises for gunshots, which can lead to racial profiling when police arrive at the scene. Minneapolis Police say it’s placed in areas with more gun-related violent crime.
>>Woman Killed When Car Strikes Bridge Pillar in Moorhead
(Moorhead, MN) — A woman was killed when the car she was driving ran into a railroad underpass pillar in Moorhead Tuesday morning. Police say traffic and road conditions do not appear to be factors. The woman was dead at the scene. The body was sent to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Paul. The concrete pillar was inspected and found to be structurally sound.
>>Fargo Man Faces 8 Felonies Involving Child Porn
(Fargo, N.D.) — A Fargo man faces eight felony charges related to child pornography possession. Court records indicate that 27-year-old Joseph Retzlaff allegedly possessed hundreds of photos and videos of child pornography. The discovery was prompted when Google flagged material on one of Retzlaff’s accounts, which was then forwarded to local law enforcement by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Retzlaff’s court appearance is scheduled for April 17th. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
