>>Energy Assistance Funds Released After Shutdown Delay
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program is finally distributing funds to approved households after a month-long delay caused by the federal government shutdown. Michael Schmitz with the Department of Commerce says the state received about the same amount as last season — $112.7 million in federal funds — to help families heat their homes. The program has already received 90,000 applications, and officials encourage eligible residents to apply. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.
>>MPD Reaffirms It Won’t Enforce Immigration Laws Amid Trump Claim
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minneapolis Police Department is reminding residents that it will not cooperate with federal law enforcement on immigration issues following President Donald Trump’s claim that 100 federal officers would be sent to the city. Chief Brian O’Hara says the department has already received multiple reports of masked individuals possibly attempting to kidnap someone, with residents unsure if they were legitimate authorities.
“If you see something like that, that is legitimate, that you don’t know if someone is law enforcement, you should call 911. And you should provide as much information as possible, because let’s not forget, we very recently had a tragedy in this state by someone who was purporting to be law enforcement,” O’Hara said. He emphasized that MPD is focused on responding to legitimate public safety concerns such as violence, threats of violence, and property damage.
>>Morrison Pushes Tariff Relief for Small Businesses
(Washington, D.C.) — Congresswoman Kelly Morrison has introduced legislation aimed at exempting small businesses from steep tariffs and providing rebates for additional costs they’ve already paid. Morrison says Congress is still waiting for a Supreme Court ruling on the tariffs, which she argues should fall under congressional authority. “I am hopeful that they are going to change their tune and Congress will reassert its Article One Constitutional authority, which gives Congress the power to levy taxes and tariffs. Not the president,” Morrison said. She believes some Republicans would support her proposal, but none have publicly stepped forward yet.
>>Fire Contained at White Earth Nation Cannabis Facility
(Mahnomen, MN) — Fire crews contained a blaze Tuesday at the White Earth Nation’s cannabis operation in Mahnomen after evacuating everyone within 300 yards of the dispensary due to explosion concerns. Officials say the primary risk came from highly explosive butane stored at the processing facility. Butane is commonly used to extract cannabinoids for edibles and concentrates. No injuries were reported, and investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.
>>Nearly a Dozen Minnesota Lawmakers Won’t Seek Re-election
(St. Paul, MN) — Nearly a dozen state lawmakers have announced they will not run for re-election next year. Republican Senator Andrew Lang of Olivia says serving in the legislature can be stressful, especially in recent years. “Whether it’s the violence that’s happened in the state of Minnesota, we face a lot of scrutiny from constituents daily. You have to develop a thick skin fairly quickly around St. Paul,” Lang said. He notes that many lawmakers have had long careers, and some are shifting priorities. “Several friends who have decided not to run again, and they have younger kids, they want to be involved with their kids as much as possible, and family, and you know, their personal careers are suffering because of the time we spend in Saint Paul on a daily basis,” he said. The 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session begins February 17th.
>>Gopher Men’s Hoops Opens Big Ten Season Against Indiana
(Minneapolis, MN) — The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team opens the Big Ten season tonight at the Barn against number 22 Indiana. The 4-and-4 Golden Gophers are coming off an 86-75 loss to Santa Clara last Friday and have dropped three in a row. The 7-and-0 Hoosiers routed Bethune-Cookman 100-56 on Saturday. Minnesota lost point guard Chansey (CHON-see) Willis to a foot injury.
