>>Attempted Break-In at Rep. Hussein’s Home
(St. Paul, MN) – State Representative Samakab Hussein says his family is shaken after an attempted break-in at his home Friday night. Hussein, the first Somali-American elected to represent District 65, says no one was home during the incident, and no injuries were reported. In a statement, Hussein called the attack “terrifying” and urged Minnesotans to reject political violence, saying intimidation against public officials is becoming too common. The case remains under investigation.
>>Gov. Walz, Officials on Public Safety with Increased ICE Presence
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz and local leaders discussed public safety with the increased presence of federal and ICE agents in Minnesota. The governor assured Minnesotans they will be there to keep them safe and “do all we can to make school, business, and food bank corridors safe.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he is “gravely concerned that someone is going to get killed” if the current trajectory is continued. Leaders announced this morning that they are preparing for even more federal agents and raids in the Twin Cities during the holidays.
>>Mediation Session Scheduled in Anoka-Hennepin Contract Talks
(Anoka, MN) – The Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services has scheduled a mediation session between the Anoka-Hennepin School District and its educators’ union for Monday, December 29th, at the district’s Educational Services Center. This comes after yesterday’s announcement that the AH Education Union (AHEM) filed an intent to strike. AHEM President John Wolhaupter says the meeting is a positive step and that educators want to reach a fair contract to avoid a strike. Key issues include affordable health insurance and pay that keeps pace with inflation. A strike could begin on January 8th if no agreement is reached.
>>Noise Demonstration Planned at Eagan Hotel Where ICE Agents Stay
(Eagan, MN) – A noise demonstration is planned tonight from 7-9 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Eagan, where federal immigration agents are reportedly staying. Local socialist group organizers say the protest aims to pressure the hotel to end its partnership with ICE, citing concerns over recent enforcement actions they claim have created fear among immigrant families. Hotel representatives have not commented publicly on the claims. There have been over 400 immigration arrests in Minnesota since the federal operation began on December 1st.
>>DEED, Gov. Walz Announce $8.8M in Workforce Grants
(St. Paul, MN) – Governor Tim Walz and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the recipients of $8.8 million in grants to grow Minnesota’s workforce. The grants are part of the Drive for 5 Workforce Initiative that is preparing Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five categories: caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology, and the trades. The governor called Minnesota one of the most skilled, trained, and active workforces in the country. The Drive for 5 Initiative was launched in 2023.
>>Vikings McCarthy Ruled Out of Thursday’s Game with Fractured Hand
(Eagan, MN) – Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy will not play in Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Coach Kevin O’Connell says McCarthy has been ruled out due to a hairline fracture in his right hand. He was hurt late in the first half of Sunday’s 16-13 win at the Giants. Former University of Minnesota QB Max Brosmer will make his second career start on Christmas Day. Brosmer led the Purple on the game-winning field goal drive at Met Life Stadium.
>>Metro MN Park Added to National Historic Places
(St. Paul, MN) – After years of restoration, Graeser Park in Robbinsdale has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the early 1940s as part of Highway 100’s Belt Line parks, Graeser was the largest and most complex of the seven roadside parks built. It fell into disrepair after Highway 100 reconstruction, but MnDOT began restoring it in 2020, repairing stone masonry, picnic areas, and the historic beehive oven. Once work is complete, MnDOT will transfer the park to the city of Robbinsdale.
