>>DPS Unveiling Weapons Screening at State Capitol
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is unveiling the new weapons screening today (Fri) at the State Capitol. The system is scheduled to be fully implemented by Tuesday’s opening of the legislative session. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says, “People need to feel safe here and we have been behind the nation in terms of securing the capitol and the buildings in which we work and serve with weapon screening, so I do support it.” Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson adds,” I think we’ve addressed a number of our shortcomings here at the capitol just through a very vigorous report and assessment of the capitol complex that is very helpful for us.” Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order calling for increased security for the upcoming session.
>>Judge’s Ruling Allows Minnesota Retailers to Ship Hemp-Derived THC Products
(St. Paul, MN) — A ruling by an administrative law judge Thursday will allow Minnesota retailers to ship hemp-derived T-H-C products directly to customers. It reverses the state Office of Cannabis Management’s requirement that all sales of low-dose edibles and drinks be in-person. A complaint filed by several business owners argued the ban on shipping hemp products does not comply with state law. Many retailers have been shipping their products for more than three years. The O-C-M’s ban on in-state shipping of low-dose hemp items went into effect last fall.
>>Federal Prosecutors Move to Dismiss Charges in Minneapolis ICE Shooting
(Minneapolis, MN) — Federal prosecutors are moving to dismiss charges against two men involved in a January 14th incident in north Minneapolis where an ICE agent shot one of them in the leg. In a motion filed Wednesday, U-S Attorney Daniel Rosen asked the court to dismiss with prejudice the complaint against Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, saying newly discovered evidence is not consistent with the earlier allegations. Both men were accused of striking an ICE officer during a struggle that followed a brief vehicle pursuit. Court filings indicate key details from the officer’s account did not align with new evidence. A judge must sign off before the dismissal becomes final.
>>Don Lemon, Nekima Levy Armstrong, Others Arraigned in St. Paul Church Protest Case
(St. Paul, MN) — Several people charged in connection with a protest at a St. Paul church are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon (Fri). Journalist Don Lemon, along with local activists Chauntyll Allen and Nekima Levy Armstrong, each face federal charges of conspiracy against and interference regarding religious freedom. This comes after a protest last month at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators interrupted services over concerns about Pastor David Easterwood’s dual role leading the local ICE office. A federal magistrate judge previously declined to sign an initial complaint naming Lemon. Two additional defendants, including journalist Georgia Fort, are set to be arraigned Tuesday.
>>Minneapolis Mayor Frey & NYC Mayor Mamdani Talk Immigration Enforcement
(New York, NY) — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is discussing how to protect immigrants with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The two met at City Hall in New York on Thursday to talk about what Mamdani calls shared values and standing up for immigrant communities. After the meeting, Frey said he spoke with Mamdani about public safety and the federal government targeting immigrant communities. Frey has pushed against the surge of ICE agents and the tactics they’re using in Minnesota. He says he’s hopeful following Border Czar Tom Homan’s announcement that Operation Metro Surge is ending.
>>McCollum Criticizes Trump’s Order to Rollback Greenhouse Gas Regulations
(Washington, DC) — Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum is ripping the Trump administration’s order to roll back regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. The move repeals an E-P-A endangerment finding that classifies carbon dioxide, methane, and four other greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. McCollum says in a statement, “Climate change is real. That does not change because Trump and his cabinet of billionaires think their unsubstantiated opinions, which conveniently benefit oil executives, are more valid than decades of scientific research.” Trump claims the move will save auto and energy companies a trillion dollars.
>>State Representative Finke Announces Re-election
(St. Paul, MN) — State Representative Leigh Finke is running for re-election for a third term in House District 66A. The district covers portions of St. Paul, Roseville and Falcon Heights. Finke was the first openly transgender lawmaker elected to the Minnesota legislature. In her announcement, Finke said, ” We have incredible challenges facing our state right now. The consequences of the ICE operations demand immediate attention as do the funding cuts to healthcare and social services.” Finke has served as the co-vice chair of the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committee.
>>Spicer Man Rescued from Grain Bin in Kandiyohi County
(Willmar Township, MN) — Authorities in Kandiyohi County say a man was rescued from a grain bin Thursday on a farm southwest of Willmar. Deputies say the 65-year-old Spicer man was trapped with soybeans up to his chest and couldn’t get out. Firefighters and first responders were able to safely extract him from the grain bin. The man was taken to a Willmar hospital, but his current medical condition is unknown.
>>Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $385 Million on Friday the 13th
(Roseville, MN) — The jackpot for the Friday the 13th Mega Millions drawing is estimated at 385 million dollars. A lucky player could take home about 174 million in cash. Someone in Minnesota purchased a Mega Millions ticket worth three million dollars for last Friday’s drawing. The Minnesota Lottery says the winning ticket was sold at a Holiday Stationstore in Delano and the prize has yet to be claimed.
>>U-S Women’s Hockey Plays Italy in Olympic Quarterfinals
(Milan, IT) — The U-S women’s hockey team plays host Italy today (Fri 2pm) in the quarterfinals of the Winter Olympics in Milan. Team U-S-A went 4-0 in the preliminary round, while outscoring their opponents 20-to-1. That includes a 5-0 rout of defending gold medalist Canada that clinched Group A for the Americans. The U-S roster features Minnesota natives Taylor Heise (HY-zee), Grace Zumwinkle, Lee Stecklein, Kelly Pannek, and Rory Guilday. Golden Gopher star Abbey Murphy is also skating for Team U-S-A.
