>>Gov. Walz, Pres. Trump Have “Productive Call” on ICE Operations
(Undated) – Governor Tim Walz says he had a “productive call” with President Donald Trump today as tensions escalate over deadly federal agent-involved shootings in Minneapolis. The call follows the killing of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, the second fatal shooting by federal immigration agents this month. Walz’s office says he told the President Minnesota needs “impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents,” and insisted the Minnesota BCA be allowed to lead that work. Walz says, “The President agreed that he would talk to his Department of Homeland Security about ensuring the BCA is able to conduct an independent investigation.” Trump also agreed to consider reducing the number of federal agents in the state. On Truth Social, the President called it “a very good call” and said he and Walz were on a “similar wavelength.” Trump says he told the governor he would have border adviser Tom Homan follow up, adding, “What we are looking for are any and all criminals that they have in their possession.” He said Walz “understood that,” and that both want to “make it better” in Minnesota.
>>Federal Court Hearing Over ICE Operations in Minnesota
(Undated) – A federal judge in Minneapolis heard arguments today as Minnesota and several local cities pushed to halt Operation Metro Surge. State Attorney Brian Carter says this operation is unprecedented, with “masked, heavily armed federal agents [who] were sent into a state to basically stir the pot.” Representing the federal government, Justice Department Attorney Brantley Mayers defended the operation and dismissed Minnesota’s lawsuit as “legally frivolous.” He argued the state is effectively trying to exercise a veto over federal immigration enforcement, something he said the Constitution does not permit. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez did not immediately rule on the state’s request to pause the operation.
>>CBP Officers Wore Body Cameras in Deadly Minneapolis Shooting
(Undated) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says the Customs and Border Protection officers involved in the deadly shooting of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis Saturday were wearing body cameras, and that footage from “multiple angles” is now under review by investigators. C-B-P officers typically wear body cameras, which differ from those of ICE. ICE usage varies, and in the earlier Minneapolis shooting nearly three weeks ago, ICE officer Jonathan Ross recorded the death of Renee Good on his phone. At a news conference reacting to Pretti’s death, Democratic Representative Betty McCollum said she voted against a DHS funding bill that would have expanded body‑camera purchases for ICE. McCollum said officers already have “thousands” of cameras available, adding, “They refuse to wear them… Secretary Noem, have your officers suit up and put on their body cameras, just like our law enforcement does.”
>>University of Minnesota, Fairview Announces Medical Agreement
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a mediation agreement between the University of Minnesota, Fairview Health Services, and M Physicians. The ten-year agreement will add to the 30-year partnership between the three parties. Key features of the agreement include a $1 billion Fairview investment in its medical facilities on the U of M campus and an ongoing relationship between M Physicians and Fairview for continued patient care and support for doctor training and medical research. Approximately 1.2 million people receive care annually in the Fairview Health System.
>>Governor Issues Executive Order for Weapons Screening at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz has issued an executive order implementing weapons screening at the Minnesota State Capitol. This follows the recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security after a series of public hearings. In announcing his decision, the governor said, “This executive order will make the Capitol safer, ensuring the people’s house remains open, welcoming and secure.” The executive order requires the Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota State Patrol to implement the weapons screening and have the necessary equipment and trained personnel in place by the beginning of the legislative session on February 17th. Following this announcement, Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (DFL, Minneapolis) announced the Senate would screen and ban guns in the Senate gallery.
>>St. Louis County Warns of Publisher House Scam Calls
(St. Louis County, MN) – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a rise in Publishers Clearing House scam calls. Deputies say people have reported callers claiming they’ve won a large cash prize or new vehicle, but must pay fees before receiving their winnings. Scammers often demand the money through gift cards or wire transfers. The Sheriff’s Office says do not send money and do not share personal or banking information over the phone. Anyone who has already given out financial information should contact their bank immediately to secure their accounts. Officials remind Minnesotans that legitimate prize organizations will never ask you to pay upfront to receive winnings.
>>Fire Destroys Home Near Pelican Rapids
(Pelican Rapids, MN) – Fire crews are investigating a house fire that destroyed a home near Pelican Rapids Sunday afternoon. When first responders arrived, the house was already fully engulfed. The man who reported the fire told deputies he and his girlfriend had left her mother’s home about twenty minutes earlier. When he returned, he found the house filled with smoke and flames coming from the kitchen. The fire spread quickly, and the home is considered a total loss. No one was hurt. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
>>Video Shows Fatally Shot Minneapolis Man Giving Veteran a Final Salute
(Minneapolis, MN) – As investigators continue examining Saturday’s fatal shooting involving a federal agent, new video is offering a look at the man who died, Alex Pretti. Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA, is seen in the video giving a veteran his final salute after the patient passed away. The clip was shared by the veteran’s son, who described Pretti as compassionate and committed to honoring those he cared for. Pretti’s family says he was an avid outdoorsman, a University of Minnesota graduate, and a former Boy Scout who worked as a research scientist before becoming a nurse. Neighbors described him as quiet, warmhearted, and deeply devoted to his dog, who recently died. Federal officials say the shooting happened after Pretti approached Border Patrol agents with a handgun, though bystander videos obtained by news outlets show him holding a cellphone when he was shot. The case remains under investigation.
>>DFL Proposes ICE Legislation For Next Session
(St. Paul, MN) – State DFL lawmakers announced a series of bills for the next legislative session to combat ICE operations in Minnesota. DFL House Leader Jamie Long says one proposal would give Minnesotans the right to sue if their civil rights are violated by federal agents. This comes after “we saw a district court judge last week say it was highly likely ICE was violating people’s First and Fourth Amendment rights.” Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth says legislators can talk all the time they want about it, but “everything is in a tie and has to be bipartisan. We’re not going to draw and waste time on federal issues that couldn’t be taken care of at the state level anyway. It doesn’t make sense.” The next legislative session begins February 17th.
>>Feds Refer MN Title IX Case About Trans Youth in Sports to DOJ
(Undated) – The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services are referring Minnesota’s Title IX case to the DOJ, saying the State’s Department of Education and High School League failed to comply with federal rules on sex‑based discrimination in school athletics. A September 2025 federal investigation found Minnesota violated Title IX by allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports, including Alpine and Nordic skiing, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, and fastpitch softball. The Trump administration warned the state that federal funding could be at risk if policies weren’t changed. MN leaders have pushed back, saying federal demands conflict with state anti‑discrimination laws protecting gender identity. Attorney General Keith Ellison has said the state is prepared to challenge federal action in court, noting that Minnesota has not seen immediate funding impacts in past disputes. Title Nine bars sex‑based discrimination in federally funded education programs.
>>Celebrity Endorsement for Flanagan’s Senate Campaign
(St. Louis Park, MN) – The Peggy Flanagan campaign for Senate has announced a new endorsement from Jane Fonda’s Climate political action committee (PAC). JanePAC’s mission says it is to elect climate-conscious leaders at the state and local level who will stand up to Big Oil, lobbyists, and politicians. Lieutenant Governor Flanagan has made the campaign choice not take any money from the fossil fuel industry. In the endorsement, Fonda said, “While too many politicians look the other way as ICE agents terrorize our neighbors, Peggy shows up. In Peggy, we have a real opportunity to send a true fighter to the U.S. Senate.” Flanagan is running against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig for the Senate seat.
>>Minnesota Wild’s Kaprizov Named NHL 1st Star of Week
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov is being honored as the NHL’s 1st Star of the Week. Kaprizov had three goals and six assists over the last four games as Minnesota moved into second place in the Central Division. He ranks sixth in the league with 64 points in 53 games this season. Kaprizov and the Wild host the Blackhawks on Tuesday night.
>>Bonnie Raitt Playing Opening Night of Minnesota State Fair
(Falcon Heights, MN) – Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist Bonnie Raitt is coming to the Minnesota State Fair. Raitt and her band are playing on opening night Thursday August 27th. She performed at the Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park last September. Seventy-six-year-old Raitt recorded her debut album in 1971 at a make-shift studio on Lake Minnetonka. State Fair tickets go on sale this Friday through Etix.
