>>DHS Sec. Noem Dismissed, Sen. Klobuchar’s Words on Policing in MN
(Washington, D.C.) – President Donald Trump is dismissing Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. This comes after contentious hearings before the U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees this week, where Republicans and Democrats grilled her about DHS spending and her department’s policing. Noem and Senior Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke over each other about ICE actions in Minnesota, with Noem asserting that “the laws need to apply to everyone,” and Klobuchar touting her title as a former prosecutor, and that she knows “these ICE agents were not following police procedures.” MN Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan states, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Just because you got fired, Minnesotans won’t forget what you did to our neighbors.” Trump replaced her immediately with Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, saying on social media that Noem has served well and is moving her to “Special Envoy for the Shield of Americas,” a security campaign in the Western Hemisphere.
>>Flags Lowered to all-Staff in Honor of Fallen Sgt. Amor of White Bear Lake
(White Bear Lake, MN) – Flags in White Bear Lake and across Minnesota are flying at half-staff in honor and remembrance of Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor. The 39-year-old Army reservist died in a drone attack Sunday in Kuwait. Mayor Mary Nicklawske said in her order, “Our community is deeply saddened by the loss of Sergeant Nicole Amor, who gave her life in service to our nation. As a devoted wife, mother, and neighbor, her absence will be felt by all who knew her.” Governor Walz also ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags lowered statewide today in honor of Sergeant Amor.
>>Capitol Weapons Ban Bill Falls in House Committee
(St. Paul, MN) – Another attempt to ban weapons at the State Capitol Complex was introduced in the House Committee this morning. DFL Representative Kristin Bahner testified to how terrified she feels following the June 14th shootings. She said, “Our colleagues were targeted. They were stalked. And they were hunted by a gunman who intended to kill me and my family.” Anna Leamy with the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus says, “With weapon screening in place, bad actors carrying dangerous weapons cannot enter the core buildings of the state capitol.” The June 14th shootings killed former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband and dog, and injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The bill failed by a 7-6 vote along party lines, with one excused lawmaker. It was laid over for further discussion.
>>Man Pleads Guilty in 900‑Pound Meth Conspiracy Case
(St. Paul, MN) – A man accused of trafficking nearly 900 pounds of methamphetamine has pleaded guilty in federal court. Prosecutors say Mercado‑Chaparro admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, he initially sold a pound of meth to an undercover officer. Investigators then observed him, conducting additional drug deals and loading two large garbage bags into a vehicle. A drug‑sniffing dog alerted officers, and police recovered about 250 pounds of meth inside the vehicle. A search warrant for his pickup truck led to the discovery of another 630 pounds in the truck bed. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
>>More Than 35% of Minnesota in Moderate Drought
(Lincoln, NE) – The new U.S. Drought Monitor map suggests the snowpack is gone in several parts of the state. More than a third of Minnesota is in a moderate drought, two-thirds is abnormally dry, and just over 3% is in a severe drought. 32% of the state has no drought conditions. Rain and snow are in the forecast for the next few days across Minnesota.
>>Free Speech Coalition Urges Repeal of Minnesota Anti-Boycott Laws
(St. Paul, MN) – A coalition of more than 35 organizations is at the State Capitol this morning to call on lawmakers to repeal Minnesota’s anti-boycott laws. Organizers argue that the current state law restricts the First Amendment right to boycott by requiring contractors to pledge not to boycott certain entities. They note the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed that political boycotts are protected speech. The groups say they want lawmakers to “be consistent in their commitment to the Constitution” and support repeal bills already introduced in both chambers.
>>Super One to Present $53,500 Donation to Northern Lights Foundation
(Duluth, MN) – Super One Foods will present more than $53,500 to the Northern Lights Foundation next Tuesday as part of the grocery chain’s Register Round‑Up Program. The funds were raised between February 6th and 23rd at 41 Super One locations throughout the Northland, where customers were invited to round up their totals or make small donations. The Northern Lights Foundation, founded in 2006, provides unrestricted grants to families with children facing life‑threatening illnesses. Executive Director Todd Johnson said the money will directly support local families navigating medical crises.
