Defendant charged in killing of Sam Nordquist pleaded guilty to two lesser charges

The search for a new Minneapolis police chief will take about six months, Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette says. He says the search will be national, though internal candidates are welcome. First Precinct Inspector Bill Peterson will serve as interim chief. He says he isn't interested in the permanent job.

A Minneapolis woman is charged with murder and vehicular homicide in the death of a man who tried to stop her and another person from stealing his vehicle. Amos Ferrier suffered a fatal head injury and died two days later. Ferrier, 38, was a former Army medic who worked at a nonprofit serving other veterans.

One of the seven defendants charged in the 2025 killing of Sam Nordquist pleaded guilty Tuesday to lesser charges. Ontario County District Attorney Jason McBride says Motyka, 20, had been charged with 11 counts, including first-degree murder. She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping, and waived her right to appeal.

The Diocese of St. Cloud is planning a major restructuring in historically Catholic central Minnesota. Diocese officials say they're responding to shifting demographics, declining Mass attendance and a shortage of priests. Under the plan, the diocese would cut its 131 parishes to 48. Some churches could close, while others would no longer hold regular Masses.

Drivers crossing the Mississippi River bridge at Wabasha may run into traffic delays Wednesday and Thursday. MnDOT says its crews are conducting an annual inspection of the Highway 60 bridge at Wabasha. They'll use what's called a snooper truck to inspect the bridge from underneath.