>>MN Queer Legislators Respond to Pause in GAC at Children’s Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus is voicing strong concern after Children’s Minnesota announced it will temporarily pause some gender-affirming care services. Hospital leaders say the pause comes amid federal threats and investigations targeting trans healthcare, pressure they warn could jeopardize the hospital’s operations. State lawmakers say the latest move follows escalating federal actions, including threats of investigation from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, who has questioned the safety of gender-affirming treatments. In a statement, members of the Queer Legislators Caucus say the situation places vulnerable trans youth at risk and puts hospitals in “an impossible position.” They emphasized that gender-affirming care remains legal in Minnesota and vowed to protect access for patients, families, and providers. Meanwhile, Republican legislators are applauding healthcare position changes like this, such as the American Medical Association’s reversal on gender-related surgeries on children.
>>School Districts, Educators File Lawsuit Blocking ICE Near MN Schools
(Undated) – Minnesota school districts and the state’s largest teachers union have filed a federal lawsuit to stop immigration enforcement near public schools. The suit claims that Homeland Security and ICE operations tied to Operation Metro Surge have increasingly taken place in or around school zones since December, causing fear, sudden drops in attendance, and even school closures. The suit argues the actions violate long-standing protections for sensitive locations and disrupt students’ ability to learn. They’re asking the court to block enforcement on or near school property except in extraordinary circumstances.
>>GOP State Rep. Robbins Testifies On Capitol Hill About Fraud
(Washington, D.C.) – Republican House Fraud Prevention Chair Kristin Robbins was back on Capitol Hill testifying about the fraud problem in Minnesota. In front of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, Robbins was asked by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham if the system in Minnesota is broken, to which she said, “Absolutely.” She continued, saying, “There is fraud on multiple levels, failures of internal controls.” When asked if the state has been responsive, Robbins said no, and that they have “actively harmed whistleblowers” and “tried to shut down investigations.” At the end of the hearing, Republican Chair Ted Cruz invited Governor Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to attend a future hearing.
>>DCYF Webpage Pushes Back on Misinformation About MN Support Programs
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families is clearing up confusion about child care, food assistance, and other public programs with a new webpage. Officials say the move follows uncertainty around federal funding and online claims. The new site, “Fact First: The real story on services that support Minnesota,” provides verified information and addresses inaccurate narratives that state leaders say have been used to justify deploying federal immigration agents, requesting private data, and withholding critical funding. Commissioner Tikki Brown says misleading claims put communities at risk, adding that Minnesota’s fraud investigations rely on verified data, not estimates or unsubstantiated allegations. The “Facts First” webpage will be updated with new claims as needed.
>>DFL Sen. Clark Says Federal Drawdown of Agents Not Enough
(Minneapolis, MN) – This morning, Border Czar Tom Homan announced that 7,000 federal agents will be leaving Minnesota immediately. DFL Senator Doron Clark of Minneapolis says that leaves 2,000 agents in the state, “so while his announcement to drawdown federal agents is progress, it’s not enough.” Clark says Minnesotans need to continue to observe, patrol, and support our immigrant neighbors until this operation is over.
>>Ex-Fergus Falls Doctor Accused of Sexually Assaulting Hockey Players
(Fergus Falls, MN) – A former Fergus Falls doctor is accused of sexually assaulting high school hockey players in Otter Tail County. Prosecutors say 69-year-old Zvi Levran made sexual contact with at least two underage hockey players under the false representation that it was for a medical purpose between 2014 and 2016. Levran’s alleged victims reached out to law enforcement after learning he was charged with committing similar acts in Michigan. He makes his first court appearance Monday on third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
>>Champlin Couple Charged with Multiple Tax Crimes
(St. Paul, MN) — A Champlin couple faces multiple felony charges after investigators say they failed to file or pay state income taxes for five years. The Minnesota Department of Revenue (MDR) says Timothy and Tina LaCroix are each charged with five felony counts of failing to file income tax returns and five felony counts of willfully failing to pay income tax. Prosecutors allege the couple earned taxable income between 2019 and 2023 through Timothy’s law practice and Tina’s work as a property manager, but did not file returns despite repeated notices from the state. They reportedly owe more than $32,000 in income taxes.
>>Moorhead Man Facing Mail Theft Charges in North Dakota
(Fargo, ND) – A man from Moorhead, Minnesota, is facing three counts of mail theft across the border in North Dakota. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says 50-year-old Michael Hunter was arrested last Thursday after a months-long investigation. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the sheriff’s office began to investigate suspected mail theft in rural Cass County last August. Investigators determined that around 250 people in Cass and Ransom counties were victims of the theft. Hunter was arrested on a federal warrant.
>>Wolves Play in Toronto Tonight
(Undated) – The Minnesota Timberwolves wrap up a three-game road trip tonight with a game at Toronto at 6:30 p.m. The Wolves are currently 31-20 and sitting in 7th place in the Western Conference. The Raptors are 30-21 but in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. After tonight, Minnesota returns to the Target Center for a six-game homestand. Only one of those six teams has a winning record.
