Thursday, January 29, 2026

Announcing her presence "on the ground" in Minneapolis Wednesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said at least 16 people were arrested for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement officers in the city. Bondi posted the news on social media, claiming those arrested "have been resisting and impeding our federal law enforcement agents." She added she expects "more arrests to come." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: NOTHING will stop President Trump and this Department of Justice from enforcing the law," the post read. The arrests come two days after President Donald Trump spoke with both Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, all of whom said the conversations were productive. According to Walz's office, Trump agreed to look into decreasing the number of immigration officials in the city. Also on Monday, Trump announced Border Patrol Commander at Large Greg Bovino and some of his agents would vacate Minnesota, sending border czar Tom Homan in his place. As of Wednesday, it was not clear exactly how many arrests have occurred since the Department of Homeland Security launched "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota, but it's believed to be in the thousands.

Television reports last night stated the liquid sprayed at Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was apple cider vinegar at the event on Tuesday. Anthony Kazmierczak, 55 was arrested and charged with assault in the case. It was reported on from many media reports, he has a string of multiple arrests from DWI, auto theft and fraud bankruptcy filings dating back to 2009. Representative Omar was not injured in the altercation and continued her speech after it happened. 

Governor Tim Walz in a television and podcast interview yesterday said he will NEVER run for any elected office again. Walz said "there are other ways to serve and I'll find them". He also stated he considers himself a "lightning rod" in all plans that the Republican Party have to offer. 

Dozens gathered in front of a Brainerd restaurant where a Federal search warrant was executed and four were arrested this week causing it to close. The protesters said they were their friends and neighbors and should not have been taken away. Federal authorities said they were not in the country legally and part of an investigation at is ongoing. Crow Wing County Sheriff Erik Klang stated he understands the right to protest peacefully but reminds those that cannot break any laws or will face arrest in their protests. 

Fire damaged a rural Cass Lake motel. Firefighters were called to Whispering Pines Motel to a fire Tuesday evening. One of the units was on fire when they arrived. The fire was contained mostly to the one unit which sustained extensive damage. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal. No injuries were reported from the fire.

The City of Randall announced that there was a water leak near the Wastewater Treatment plant causing water to flow down the East Minnesota Avenue ditch. Emergency utility worked on repairs on Monday but there were some reports of water outages during the day and some discolored water during the repairs. If you are still having issues with water problems in Randall contact city hall at 749-2159.