>>MN AG, Mpls, St. Paul Mayors Sue to Stop ICE Surge
(St. Paul, MN) – Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with Minneapolis and Saint Paul, has filed a federal lawsuit to block what they call an unconstitutional surge of DHS (Department of Homeland Security) agents into Minnesota. The suit seeks to end “Operation Metro Surge,” which Ellison says has brought thousands of armed ICE and Border Patrol agents into the Twin Cities since December, causing school lockdowns, business closures, and millions in local overtime costs. The lawsuit alleges violations of the First and Tenth Amendments, equal sovereignty, and federal law, claiming the surge is political retaliation against Minnesota and its leaders. Officials say DHS agents have used excessive force, targeted sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, and even shot and killed Renee Good on January 7th. Business owners report revenue drops of up to 80% due to fear of DHS actions. The state is asking for an immediate restraining order to halt the surge and prevent further harm.
>>Tribal Leaders Say ICE Detained American Indians During Immigration Sweeps
(Minneapolis, MN) – Tribal leaders in the Twin Cities say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained several American Indians during recent immigration raids. Attorneys for the Oglala Sioux Tribe are searching for four homeless men who were arrested while living under a Minneapolis bridge. Tribal members have been advised that if they are approached or detained by ICE, they should immediately declare their tribal affiliation, which grants them U.S. citizenship under federal law. Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, condemned ICE’s actions in Minneapolis, calling them “obvious racial profiling.”
>>Online Fundraisers Support ICE Agent After Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis
(Minneapolis, MN) – Multiple online campaigns are raising money for the ICE agent involved in last week’s fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. A GoFundMe page for Jonathan Ross has collected more than $400,000, while another platform, GiveSendGo, has raised about $160,000. Organizers say the funds could go toward Ross’s legal defense if necessary. In contrast, a GoFundMe for Good’s family has surpassed $1.5 million.
>>Paid Leave Payments Begin Rolling Out
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program has started rolling out payments to Minnesotans across the state. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reports payments will be arriving for more than 2,600 residents who are taking time to bond with their new child or care for a relative. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek says the average payment is around $1,153. Those payments are based on how much someone earns according to a formula and up to a maximum amount that’s in the state law.
>>DFL Sen. Hauschild Announces Re-election Bid
(Hermantown, MN) – DFL State Senator Grant Hauschild officially launched his re-election campaign today, surrounded by labor leaders and community members at the Iron Workers Hall in Hermantown. Hauschild said about his campaign plan, “Stay out of the noise, focus on results, and just deliver for the people of the Northland.” In the last legislative session, Hauschild guaranteed that laid-off steelworkers and their families on the Iron Range would receive extended unemployment benefits. Hauschild will be seeking his second term in the Minnesota Senate. Republican Andrea Zupancich announced she would run for Senate District 3 last month.
>>Toddler Dies in Dog Attack in NY Mills
(New York Mills, MN) – A three-year-old boy died Sunday afternoon after being severely bitten by a dog in Otter Tail County. According to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, the child’s 51-year-old grandmother called dispatch while driving him to the Perham Health Emergency Room. Deputies say the attack happened at the grandmother’s home west of New York Mills. Investigators believe the toddler climbed into an outdoor enclosed area where an adult American Bulldog was being kept. The grandmother also suffered serious bite injuries while trying to stop the attack. She was later transported to a Fargo hospital for treatment. Authorities say the dog was euthanized, and there are no ongoing safety concerns.
>>Clay County Fatal Fire Victim I’D
(Ulen, MN) – Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting has identified the man who died in a house fire near Ulen Friday morning. The victim is 57-year-old Daryn Waller. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal. Authorities say a deputy entered the home but was forced back outside due to heavy smoke. Waller was later found in a bedroom.
>>Police and Moorhead School District Investigate Social Media Threat
(Moorhead, MN) – The Moorhead Police Department is working with Moorhead Area Public Schools after a social media post suggested a possible threat to a school. Police say safety protocols were immediately implemented to protect students and staff. Chief Chris Helmick stressed the role of community involvement in preventing similar situations. “We encourage parents and guardians to stay engaged with their children’s online activity and conversations,” Helmick said. “Open communication and awareness of social media use can prevent misunderstandings and help keep our community safe. Working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our schools.” Authorities confirm the student connected to the post was not in school and will remain out until the investigation is complete. Police say there is no known ongoing threat to Moorhead schools.
>>MN Queer Caucuses, Community Condemns Changes to Youth GAC Medicaid Laws
(St. Paul, MN) – Queer Minnesota organizations and advocates are condemning a recent bill passed by Congress in December-a trio of rule changes seeking to prohibit Medicaid dollars for gender-affirming care for youth. Megan Peterson, Executive Director at Gender Justice, says this is not about science, following laws, or protecting patients; it’s about politics. She says we’ve seen this movie before, and this is the “same playbook that produced abortion bans in state after state.” Minnesota joined a coalition of states filing an emergency legal challenge on December 24th.
>>Wild Host Devils Tonight in “Hughes Bowl”
(St. Paul, MN) – In what some are calling the “Hughes Bowl,” the Minnesota Wild host the New Jersey Devils tonight at Grand Casino Arena. It will be like a family reunion as Quinn Hughes will go up against his brothers, Jack and Luke, who play for the Devils. With a win tonight, the Wild will move solely into second place in the Central Division and have the second-best record in the entire NHL. New Jersey won the first game between the two clubs 4 to 1 back in October.
>>Mill City Museum Competes for Nation’s Best History Museum
(Minneapolis, MN) – Mill City Museum is asking for public support to win USA TODAY’s 10 Best award for Best History Museum. The downtown Minneapolis landmark is one of 20 nominees and has finished in the top 10 for three straight years, including two top-five rankings. Voting is open online through February 18th, with one vote allowed per person each day. Museum leaders say the nomination reflects their commitment to creating an impactful visitor experience. Mill City Museum features interactive exhibits on Minneapolis’ flour milling history, scenic riverfront views, and the popular Flour Tower show.
