>>President Trump Rips Immigrants, Somalis in Minnesota in Address to Nation
(Washington, DC) — President Donald Trump used his primetime address to the nation last night to attack immigrants and Somalis in Minnesota. Trump says reverse migration needs to happen in our state. He said, “Look at Minnesota where Somalians have taken over the economics of the state and have stolen billions and billions of dollars from Minnesota and indeed from the United States of America and we’re going to put an end to it.” The 250-million-dollar Feeding Our Future fraud scheme resulted in federal charges against 78 people in Minnesota, but not all the defendants are Somali. Trump claims the Biden administration allowed too many illegal immigrants to take opportunities from hardworking Americans.
>>Legislation to Honor Fallen Heroes Heading to President for Signature
(Washington, DC) — Legislation to expand federal support for families of firefighters and first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers is heading to the president for his signature. U-S Senator Amy Klobuchar led the fight for the “Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act” that passed with bipartisan support. Klobuchar introduced the legislation in honor of Michael Paider, a St. Paul fire captain who died of an aggressive form of leukemia in 2020, while still working for the fire department.
>>LIUNA Minnesota Endorses Governor Walz for Third Term
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s infrastructure union is backing Governor Tim Walz in his run for a third term. Kris Fredson of LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota says they support leaders who support working people. He says, ” Governor Walz has helped deliver the two largest construction jobs bills in state history, historic investments in fixing our road and bridges, and making water infrastructure safer.” Fredson also says the new paid leave program will benefit construction workers across the state. At least a dozen Republicans are running to challenge Walz next year.
>>Minnesota House Fraud Committee Accused of Withholding Whistleblower Tips
(St. Paul, MN) — Accusations between Democrats and Republicans filled the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention Committee hearing Wednesday. D-F-L Representative Emma Greenman of Minneapolis accused Republican Chair Kristin Robbins from Maple Grove of keeping information from Democrats. Greeman said, “You can choose to do that, this is your committee but that does not build trust in what you’re doing here and you raised the issue of trust.” Robbins responded that some information withheld is from whistleblowers who are reporting fraud and concerned about retaliation. She told members, “The whistleblowers only felt comfortable coming forward when they knew when someone outside the Attorney General’s office and the department was willing to listen to them.”
>>Corcoran Man Charged in Roommate’s Shooting Death
(Corcoran, MN) — A man from Corcoran is accused of shooting his roommate in the back of the head three times. Fifty-two-year-old Steven Endsley is charged with the second-degree murder of Chad Huntington. Police doing a welfare check found Huntington lying face down in the mobile home last Thursday. The criminal complaint says Endsley was in the bathroom in his underwear holding a loaded rifle. He remains in the Hennepin County jail on one million dollars bond.
>>Essentia Health-Virginia Nurses Ratify Contract
(Virginia, MN) — Nurses at Essentia Health-Virginia on the Iron Range have voted to ratify a new contract after months of tough negotiations. The Minnesota Nurses Association says the deal was secured because nurses stood together, ensuring they have a direct voice in decisions that impact their work and patients. The contract moves the focus from bargaining to enforcement and continued advocacy.
>>Barn and Animals Lost in Douglas County Fire
(Garfield, MN) — Authorities in Douglas County say a barn in Garfield is a total loss after a fire late Wednesday morning. The report says numerous animals died in the fire. Sheriff’s deputies found smoke and flames coming from the barn and the Garfield Fire Department put out the fire. No people were injured, and foul play is not suspected.
>>Timberwolves Fall to Grizzlies at Target Center
(Minneapolis, MN) — The Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Memphis Grizzlies 116-110 Wednesday night at Target Center. Memphis used a 21-5 run in the third quarter to pull away. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 21 points, Donte DiVincenzo had 19, and Rudy Gobert finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Leading scorer Anthony Edwards missed his third game with a foot injury. The Grizzlies were playing without guard Ja Morant. The Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
>>Minnesota Wild Hosting Toy Drive for Salvation Army
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Wild will be hosting a toy drive at this weekend’s games to benefit the Salvation Army. The Wild will collect unwrapped toys, games, and cash donations at Gates 1 through 5 before the games until midway through the first period. The Salvation Army will then distribute all the gifts to the families they serve in the state. The Wild Host Edmonton Saturday afternoon and Colorado Sunday evening.
