Tag: Minneapolis News

Dakota County in midst of fentanyl-related overdose boom: “We need to alert the public”

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A Twin Cities sheriff is calling a spike in overdose cases an epidemic. Sheriff Joe Leko says Dakota County, which has just under a half-million residents, has seen 25 suspected overdoses between May 29 through June 2. Two of those cases were fatal. “It’s at the point we need to alert the public and that there’s a danger to first responders,” Leko said. He says this isn’t the first time they’ve seen a spike like this. “There’s a lot of people experiencing this loss in overdoses that might not be your traditional drug addicts,” he said. 

Leko says things have changed, but remained the same in some form. In the past, meth labs were popular, but now it’s fentanyl that’s taking over. “We are in a hub, Minneapolis, St. Paul,” he said. “We found out in the seven-county metro, there’s an overdose every 30 minutes.” In Hennepin County, the state’s most populated at 1.3 million, the problem is much worse. The sheriff’s office says on average since March, they’ve had around 200 suspected overdose events each week. About three of those cases were deadly. “I think we just need to be open-minded and create awareness,” Leko said. “These drugs go beyond just using drugs.” Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a drug that helps someone who is overdosing.

Source: Dakota County in midst of fentanyl-related overdose boom: “We need to alert the public” – CBS Minnesota

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
1 Corinthians 15:22

God Sees Your Unseen Efforts

God has not overlooked a single act of your faithfulness, not one prayer, not one quiet sacrifice. Even when no one else sees, He remembers, and your labor in love is never wasted. God…

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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigns after internal probe into his conduct, mayor says

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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has resigned following an internal investigation into his conduct, the mayor announced Tuesday evening.  In a press conference, Mayor Jacob Frey said Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell is the acting police chief effective immediately.  In a written reprimand to the police chief, Frey said an investigation into O’Hara’s behavior found he interfered with a prior investigation that included allegations he had “engaged in sexual intimate relationships” with city employees. 

Frey said the investigation substantiated that O’Hara “knowingly and intentionally” deleted a contact card for a city employee from his city-issued cell phone during the original investigation, “in an attempt to shield that evidence” of his connection to the employee from investigators.  “Although the investigators have concluded that the underlying allegations from the original investigation remain not substantiated, your interference with the investigation risked the integrity of the investigation and constitutes a significant breach of trust,” Frey’s reprimand to the chief said.  Earlier this month, O’Hara was re-nominated as police chief by Frey, with the mayor saying, “he’s the right leader for this moment.”

Source: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigns after internal probe into his conduct, mayor says – CBS Minnesota

And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Mark 7:20-23

A House Divided

Division within the church is one of the enemy’s greatest tools because it weakens unity, damages witness, and distracts believers from the mission of Christ. I personally believe that all of…

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Ecclesiastes 3:1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: In the Book of Ecclesiastes verse 3:1, we’re reminded that life moves in seasons, every moment has…

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Volunteers set out to lay flags on every headstone at Fort Snelling National Cemetery

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patriotic tribute at military cemetery

Thousands of Minnesotans are called to action this Memorial Day weekend, stemming from a simple conversation a decade ago. “We just feel like this is what we’re supposed to be doing on Memorial Day,” said Jill Cooper, a volunteer with Flags for Fort Snelling. Over 2,500 volunteers walk the hundreds of acres of Fort Snelling National Cemetery. “I was on a submarine and having served and lost people, you realize each one of these is a person or two people. These aren’t just symbols. These were people,” said Sean Wait, volunteer and veteran. It’s an annual tradition recognizing those people who served us. It started in 2015 with one mastermind who inquired with the cemetery and had a fraction of the volunteers she has now, to help her place the flags.

“For me, it’s very humbling, bringing it back to ‘this is what matters,'” said Joanne Malmstedt, president and founder of Flags for Fort Snelling. “I feel like so much of the younger generations have lost the importance of what all of this means.” Throughout the weekend, volunteers are placing roughly 195,000 flags to cover every headstone at Fort Snelling. Organizers told WCCO they’re still looking for those to help them collect the flags on Saturday. “It’s just really impactful when you look around, and you see and think, how many cemeteries there are around the country,” said Wait.  Flags for Fort Snelling is a registered 501C3. “I don’t collect a penny from this. Nobody gets a paycheck from this. Every penny that we receive goes right back to making sure these veterans can be honored and remembered from year to year,” said Malmstedt. “A promise was made to never forget so we need to make sure that’s upheld and remembered.”

Source: Volunteers set out to lay flags on every headstone at Fort Snelling National Cemetery – CBS Minnesota

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you may be no priest…

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Matthew 4:7

Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.” This verse records Jesus’ response to Satan during His…

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Several Twin Cities police departments considering the use of drones as first responders

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Police drone with flashing lights flying above an urban area with tall buildings and a river

Several municipalities in the Twin Cities metro area are considering a program that would make drones first responders, essentially sending a camera in the sky to 911 calls ahead of police and firefighters. The Edina Police Department just concluded a two-week trial period and the Bloomington Police Department started testing drones soon after.  “[The drones] can go out there and be there before we have to put actual humans on the ground,” said Damon Bitney, Bloomington’s assistant police chief.  Bitney sees this technology as a way to keep first responders safer, while improving response times and tracking down suspects. “If we don’t have to send cars, that means that’s less cars that are going lights and sirens to calls,” Bitney said. “

It also means that if someone’s trying to hide or do something, or there’s a significant incident, that we can have, hopefully, have eyes on to see where those people might be.” While the drones are in the air responding, police officers are monitoring the camera feed and location from the station. It allows them to send out real-time information and, Bitney hopes, to deploy resources more effectively.  Sgt. Jason Behr from the Edina Police Department said speed is also a metric his officers are taking a closer look at. “When you call 911, you wanted them there five minutes ago, not 10 minutes from now,” Behr said. “If you can get somebody there faster and provide that overwatch and that insight to the officers, it just helps with public safety.”  Behr said over two weeks, the drones responded to a few dozen calls, including assault, theft and a medical emergency.  The drone program is already in place at the Minnetonka Police Department.

Since August, police there have logged over 600 flights. A spokesperson for the city said drones were first to the scene 68% of the time and police cleared 18% of calls without sending officers. The program costs about $260,000 a year to operate. The City of Minneapolis is also considering piloting a similar drone program. During a council committee meeting last week, several council members raised issues with privacy and unnecessary surveillance.  Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw is backing the pilot program and, during the meeting, praised the way drones could cut down on response times in her district. 

Source: Several Twin Cities police departments considering the use of drones as first responders – CBS Minnesota

As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
Ecclesiastes 11:5

The News Part 2

Dear Heavenly Father, as I enter this day please give me the words that I need to share who you are and help me present your love to all that seriously…

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Daily Bread; Psalm 91:4

Daily Verse He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4 ESV Refuge: shelter or protection…

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The News Part 1

Dear Heavenly Father, as this is read give understanding and conviction to those reading this. May there be understanding where there needs to be understanding and conviction where there needs to…

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Minneapolis City Council unanimously passes gun control ordinance

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The Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed a gun control ordinance on Thursday, which includes a ban on assault-style weapons, large-capacity magazines, ghost guns and would restrict firearms in some public places.  The measure’s future is unclear, however, because state preemption laws prevent cities from creating their own gun ordinances. A spokesperson for Mayor Jacob Frey says he is supportive, and the ordinance now heads to his desk. The City Council heard from the public about the measure earlier this week.  “Weapons of war do not belong in our neighborhoods.

minneapolis community and technical college on street in minneapolis
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And today, Minneapolis is saying: enough,” said Council member Aurin Chowdhury, the ordinance’s lead author. “This harm has touched every corner of our city – from the north side to the south side. With this action, we say to every impacted community member: we stand with you in your grief, and we will do everything in our power to end this violence.” Earlier this week, Minnesota state senators passed a gun control bill along party lines, though it’s unlikely the legislation would pass the divided Minnesota House. The St. Paul City Council passed a similar ordinance last fall. Soon after passage, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus challenged the capital city in court. Rob Doar, general counsel for the caucus, said they’re still in litigation.  As for Minneapolis, Doar said he would be watching the final language of the ordinance closely and expects to file a lawsuit.  “We have a significant number of members who are in Minneapolis who would be affected by this ordinance, and there seems to be a disconnect about ability to enforce versus ability to pass,” Doar said. “The state statute doesn’t preempt enforcement; it preempts their authority to even pass this ordinance.”

Source: Minneapolis City Council unanimously passes gun control ordinance – CBS Minnesota

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10

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Over 30 cars reportedly damaged in Minneapolis in 8-hour span, police say

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Minneapolis police are investigating after they said at least 31 cars were reportedly damaged on the city’s south side within eight hours on Monday morning. Officials said the following incidents were reported to police between 1:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.:

  • Two vehicles were damaged on the 4600 block of 17th Avenue South at 1:34 a.m.
  • One vehicle was damaged on the 4900 block of 35th Avenue South at 2:12 a.m.
  • Fourteen vehicles were damaged on the 5700 block of 24th Avenue South at 4:18 a.m.
  • One vehicle was damaged on the 5400 block of 27th Avenue South at 6:23 a.m.
  • Five vehicles were damaged on the 5600 block of 25th Avenue South at 6:52 a.m.
  • One vehicle was damaged in the area of Hiawatha Avenue and 42nd Street East at 7:16 a.m.
  • Three vehicles were damaged on the 4400 block of Snelling Avenue at 7:49 a.m.
  • At least one vehicle was damaged on the 5000 block of 30th Avenue South at 9:01 a.m.
  • Three vehicles were damaged on the 5700 block of 20th Avenue South at 9:16 a.m.

As of Monday night, no arrests have been made.

Source: Over 30 cars reportedly damaged in Minneapolis in 8-hour span, police say – CBS Minnesota

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8

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FBI raids nearly two dozen Minnesota child care centers in fraud probe, including ‘Quality Learing Center’

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FBI agents in tactical gear entering childcare building behind police tape

The FBI raided 22 childcare centers in Minnesota Tuesday morning as part of a wide-ranging investigation of social services fraud. Unlike this past winter’s Operation Metro Surge, the raids were not focused on immigration enforcement, but reportedly on prominent businesses tied to the Somali-American community. “Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” a Justice Department official told The Post.

The targets included the Quality Learning Center — a Minneapolis day care that infamously misspelled the word “Learning” in its signage. President Trump announced a “war on fraud” in his February State of the Union address and put Vice President JD Vance in charge of a task force leading the effort.

Source: FBI raids nearly two dozen Minnesota child care centers in fraud probe, including ‘Quality Learing Center’

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1 John 5:14

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Minneapolis man dies days after being assaulted by his neighbor, police say

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A man in his 70s died days after his neighbor assaulted him inside a Minneapolis apartment building last week, according to police. Officers were called to the apartment building at 314 Hennepin Avenue around 6 p.m. on April 5. Responders arrived to find the victim, a 71-year-old man, unresponsive near the elevators on the 15th floor. Charges say the victim was not breathing, did not have a pulse, had blood coming from both ears and had lost control of his bodily functions, all of which are “evidence consistent with significant head trauma.” Emergency medical services performed life-saving measures and the victim regained a pulse before he was transported to Hennepin Healthcare.

Survelliance footage allegedly shows the victim holding a laundry basket while arguing with the suspect, a 61-year-old man who alos resided in the building. The other man attempted to walk around the victim to get in the elevator when the victim nudged him with his laundry basket. Charges say that’s when the suspect punched the victim on the left side of his face with a closed fist. The victim immediately dropped his laundry basket and fell to the ground before the suspect rode the elevator down to the first-floor lobby, according to the complaint. A security guard at the apartment told police that the two men had an “ongoing feud,” charges say. The guard says they were at the lobby desk when the suspect came out of the elevator and said he “knocked that motherf***** out.” Police arrested the suspect, who told investigators he punched the victim after he would not let him into the elevator, charges say, adding that the two used to be friends but “their relationship soured.” The Minneapolis Police Department says it was notified on Tuesday that the victim had died at the hospital.

Source: Minneapolis man dies days after being assaulted by his neighbor, police say – CBS Minnesota

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”
Romans 7:7

Jury convicts man of first-degree murder for killing ex-girlfriend minutes after she posted about him online, HCAO says

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A jury convicted David Wright, 51, of first-degree murder on Wednesday for killing his ex-girlfriend Mariah Samuels in Minneapolis minutes after she wrote on Facebook that he threatened her family and damaged her car, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said. Wright was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm. The first-degree premeditated murder conviction means Wright will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the attorney’s office said.

He will be sentenced on Friday at 10 a.m. “We are happy with the results that justice was served today. While it will not bring back my sister, we will always honor her and keep her spirit alive,” said Salina Owens, Samuels’ sister. He had dated 34-year-old Samuels for a few months before she broke up with him, Samuels’ family said. She had a restraining order against him and had also posted a video online that she said showed him hitting her several times.  She was shot just feet from her front door on North 14th and Russell avenues in the Willard-Hay neighborhood, according to the criminal complaint.

Source: Jury convicts man of first-degree murder for killing ex-girlfriend minutes after she posted about him online, HCAO says – CBS Minnesota

But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:11

Spring Lake Park schools closed Monday after suspected ransomware attack

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hacker coding on multiple monitors at night

Classes are canceled in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, on Monday after the school said it suffered a “suspected ransomware incident.” According to Spring Lake Park schools, an “outside actor” gained access to some of the district’s systems and staff down the systems in order to prevent the actor from accessing more information. All child care, community education programs and after school activities are canceled Monday due to the technology outage.  “We have been working with third-party cybersecurity experts and law enforcement today and will continue throughout the night,” Spring Lake Park Schools said in a statement on its website. The district will provide an update Monday, the statement said. More from CBS News

Source: Spring Lake Park schools closed Monday after suspected ransomware attack – CBS Minnesota

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2

Explosions in Northeast Minneapolis railyard under investigation

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brown and white trains on train tracks

No one was injured Saturday morning when explosions were reported to have come from a Northeast Minneapolis railyard.

Source: Explosions in Northeast Minneapolis railyard under investigation – KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
Proverbs 15:23

Minnesota Dad self proclaims and thinks he’s the ‘voice of this generation’ of anti-ICE protesters then attacks a Turning Point USA journalist

This is radicalization at its finest. Just months before he was arrested for violently shoving a Turning Point USA reporter at an anti-ICE protest, Minnesota dad Chris Ostroushko spent his days like any stereotypical white, middle-aged American man: working in construction and watching football from his couch. Ostroushko had never thought to participate in any…

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FBI raids nearly two dozen Minnesota child care centers in fraud probe, including ‘Quality Learing Center’

The FBI raided 22 childcare centers in Minnesota Tuesday morning as part of a wide-ranging investigation of social services fraud. Unlike this past winter’s Operation Metro Surge, the raids were not focused on immigration enforcement, but reportedly on prominent businesses tied to the Somali-American community. “Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement…

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1 killed in fuel truck fire, hazmat situation south of Denver

Firefighters in the Denver metro area rushed to a fuel truck fire and possible hazmat situation on Santa Fe Drive near Belleview early Monday morning. According to South Metro Fire Rescue, crews were alerted to the situation about 5:23 a.m. Around 3:30 p.m., investigators said that the driver of the fuel truck was found deceased…

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Meth worth $8.1 million found in shipment disguised as tiles at U.S. border

Authorities at the United States-Mexico border seized a shipment of suspected methamphetamine, which had an estimated street value of $8.1 million, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday. The shipment was disguised as tiles, the agency said. Border patrol officers found the narcotics inside a commercial tractor trailer that crossed the Pharr International Bridge…

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