>>DHS Secretary Noem Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee
(Washington, DC) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem refused to withdraw her characterization of Renee Good and Alex Pretti as “domestic terrorists,” maintaining her position during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing today. Good and Pretti were fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January. Noem said, “These are tragic situations. What I will say is we always work to provide the American people with as much information as possible, and we’re relying on reports on the ground and from agents that are there and working to be transparent.” Under questioning by Senator Amy Klobuchar, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said there are still roughly 650 federal agents in Minnesota, despite the administration’s announcement that Operation Metro Surge was winding down.
>>BCA Reports Increase in Gun Permits in 2025
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is reporting a 15-percent increase in gun permits in 2025. “The annual Permit to Carry Report says sheriffs issued nearly 66 thousand firearm permits last year – compared to just over 57 thousand in 2024. The total number of valid permits in the state is now over 375,000. Permit holders committed 56-hundred crimes in 2025, but less than three percent were incidents where firearms were used in furtherance of a crime. There was a spike in permit applications this January and February during the ICE surge in Minnesota.”
>>Bill Would Designate Highway 610 as Hortman Memorial Highway
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill introduced in the Minnesota Legislature would designate Highway 610 in the north metro as the Hortman Memorial Highway. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home last June. Representatives Zach Stephenson, Erin Koegel (KAY’-gull), and Brad Tabke are sponsoring the House bill to honor the Hortmans. Senator John Hoffman of Champlin introduced the Senate version. Investigators say the gunman who assassinated the Hortmans also shot Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
>>Qualls Announces Lt. Governor Choice
(Minneapolis) – Republican candidate for Governor Kendall Qualls has announced his running mate. Qualls has chosen businessman Brian Nicholson as his choice for lieutenant governor. In a press release, both candidates say the state of Minnesota is in the worst economic condition it’s been in decades and is on the edge of becoming a one-party state under Democratic leadership. Qualls is one of several candidates running for the Republican nomination. Senator Amy Klobuchar is running for governor on the DFL side.
>>Minnesota Hospitals Looking for New Ways to Attract Healthcare Workers
(Undated) – Minnesota hospitals are trying new ways to attract and keep workers in the healthcare field. Minnesota Hospital Association CEO Dr. Rahul Koranne says they’re partnering closely with colleges and training programs to encourage graduates to stay in the state. He says they’re also reaching students earlier – visiting high schools and even middle schools to spark interest in healthcare careers long before graduation. Koranne says highlighting the industry’s growing use of technology, including artificial intelligence and other tech-driven roles, is helping draw in younger Minnesotans. The association recently held its first virtual career day to showcase those opportunities.
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