>>Federal Civil Rights Investigation Launched in Pretti Fatal Shooting
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Department of Justice is opening a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the probe on Wednesday but emphasized it is a “standard investigation” routinely launched when incidents like last Saturday’s shooting occur. Blanche says the Department of Homeland Security is leading a separate investigation, and the FBI is also examining the case. He did not say whether a similar investigation would be opened in the homicide of Renee Good.
>>Trump Responds to Video of Prior Alex Pretti Altercation
(Washington, D.C.) – President Trump is calling Alex Pretti an “agitator” following the release of a video that appears to show the 37-year-old ICU nurse clashing with federal authorities more than a week before his death. In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to Pretti as an “agitator, and perhaps an insurrectionist,” adding that “Pretti’s stock has gone way down” since the video surfaced. The president’s remarks echo earlier comments from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino made in the immediate aftermath of Pretti’s death. Those initial responses sparked bipartisan criticism, with some lawmakers calling for Secretary Noem to be held accountable.
>>Bruce Springsteen Makes Special Appearance With New Protest Song at First Ave
(Minneapolis, MN) – Bruce Springsteen was the “very special” guest at the anti-ICE concert today at First Avenue. He played his new song “Streets of Minneapolis” for the first time acoustically. Organizer Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine named it “A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance To Defend Minnesota!” All of the ticket sales are going to the families of ICE shooting victims Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
>>Senate Leader Says Weapon Screening Necessary at Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) – Changes are coming to the Minnesota state Capitol. Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order requiring weapon screening to be in place by the opening of the new legislative session. DFL House Majority Leader Erin Murphy says the changes are necessary, and that people won’t “participate in our government and in our Democracy if they don’t believe they’re safe.” Murphy says the Capitol can remain the “People’s House” even with weapon screening. The detectors are scheduled to be in place by February 17th.
>>House Fraud Prevention Chair Robbins to Testify Before the U.S. Senate
(Maple Grove, MN) – Republican Chair of the House Fraud Prevention Committee Kristin Robbins of Maple Grove will testify before the U-S Senate next week about fraud in Minnesota. The hearing on Wednesday, February 4th, will be held in front of the U.S. Judiciary Subcommittee. The hearing is titled, “Somali Scammers: Fighting Fraud in Minnesota and Beyond.” Robbins testified before the House Oversight Committee earlier this month. Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison have confirmed their appearances before the House Committee on March 4th.
>>Minneapolis Business Owner Speaks on Negative ICE Impact
(Undated) – Minnesotans who helped organize the massive ICE Out of MN: A Day of Truth and Freedom last Friday continue their push for federal agents to leave the state. Daniel Swenson-Klatt, Owner of Butter Bakery Cafe in Minneapolis, says he’s been stepping in and helping his business community and fellow owners. He says he’s proud of the “300 who took a public stand to sign a business letter to Congress” and the “over 1,000 who chose publicly to stand with their immigrant neighbors who had been closed since December.” Swenson-Klatt says this enforcement is so “brutal, random, and deadly” that businesses throughout the metro, not just immigrant-run businesses, are being “punished.” He says big businesses that aren’t standing up to ICE need to be held accountable.
>>MN DFL House, Senate Report Record Fundraising Numbers
(Undated) – The Minnesota DFL House and Senate are reporting record fundraising numbers for the total of 2025. Today, the House announced it ended with over $2.6 million raised and nearly $1.6 million in cash on hand. This beats the previous odd-year fundraising record by over $557,000 and $368,000, respectively. The Senate announced it ended with over $2.07 million raised and nearly $2.9 million in cash on hand.
>>Forward Heise, MN Frost Teammates Prep for Olympics in Italy
(Undated) – Minnesota Frost forward Taylor Heise of Lake City is now in Italy, preparing for her first Winter Olympics. Heise says she’ll be looking for guidance from Team USA veterans, like Grace Zumwinkle, “who’s usually my roommate on the road and one of my best friends is gonna show me the ropes. I told her I’m gonna have eyes open and open ears as well, trying to see what’s next.” Six members of the Minnesota Frost are on the United States roster for the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Their first game is on February 5th.
>>Minnesota Vikings Fire GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
(Eagan, MN) – The Minnesota Vikings are firing General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Vikings ownership said in a statement, “We have decided it is in the best interest of the team to move forward with new leadership of our football operations.” Mark and Zygi Wilf say executive vice president Rob Brzezinski will lead operations through the 2026 NFL Draft. They said these decisions are never easy and thanked Kwesi for his four years with the organization. The Vikings went 9-8 this season and missed the playoffs.
