>>President Trump and Rep. Ilhan Omar Clash During State of the Union Address
(Washington, D.C.) — Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar clashed sharply with President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, shouting over his remarks on immigration. The exchange began when Trump urged lawmakers to stand if they agreed that the government’s first duty is to protect “American citizens, not illegal aliens.” Republicans rose, while most Democrats remained seated, prompting Trump to say they “should be ashamed.” Omar responded by yelling accusations that Trump had “killed Americans.” The confrontation escalated as Trump referenced alleged fraud in Minnesota’s Somali American community and criticized Democratic immigration policies. The moment quickly became one of the night’s most visible flashpoints, underscoring deep partisan divides over immigration and homeland security
>>During Trump’s State of the Union, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey Spoke at a Boycott Event
(Washington, DC) — During President Trump’s State of the Union address, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke at a boycott event. Frey stated that Republicans concerned with federalism should be wary of federal government overreach and threats to basic freedoms. He added, “Minneapolis has shown the world that the forces of terror and division can never conquer a city that loves its neighbors more than it fears retribution.” The State of the Swamp boycott event in D.C. featured left-wing politicians, a former journalist, and actors. Speakers included Robert De Niro, Mark Ruffalo, and former CNN anchors Don Lemon and Jim Acosta.
>>House OIG Bill Fails Again in House Committee
(St. Paul, MN) – Maybe the third time will be the charm for the House version of the Office of Inspector General bill. For the second time, a House committee struck down the OIG bill. This time, there was a debate on the bill, but it still failed because of the vote along party lines. The bill also failed in committee last Thursday, before discussion. The OIG bill would create an independent watchdog to investigate agencies for fraud. The Senate passed the bill 60-7 during the last session, but the House never voted on it. The Senate bill calls for a completely independent and transparent office to fight fraud.
>>Bill Allowing for Legal Options for Civil Rights Violation by Federal Authorities Doesn’t Advance
(St. Paul, MN) – A bill that would have given Minnesotans a way to sue federal officials for civil rights violations has failed to advance at the State Capitol. DFL Representative Jamie Long says recent federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota shows the need for the measure. Supporters argue there’s currently no reliable path to hold federal agents accountable for unconstitutional actions. Meagan Forbes with the Institute for Justice says Minnesotans can’t sue federal officials in most state or federal courts. Republican committee co-chair Peggy Scott warned the bill would lead to costly lawsuits against the state. Legal experts, including UW–Madison’s Harrison Stark, say it’s now harder than ever to sue federal officials for civil rights violations.
>>Google Planning Data Center in Pine Island
(Rochester, MN) — Google is planning to build a data center near Pine Island. The tech giant announced yesterday that it will pay for a significant amount of new wind, solar, and battery power with Xcel Energy. The utility company says these measures should relieve concerns that have mounted as data center development has increased in the state. Google says the proposed data center is on 88 acres in the southern portion of Pine Island. Companies looking to build these data centers are promising to create construction jobs and generate local tax revenue.
>>Fire Destroys Superior, WI Hotel
(Superior, WI) — A hotel fire in Superior, Wisconsin, late Monday night left one person injured and forced guests to relocate. The blaze broke out around 11 p.m. at the Superior and Sage Hotel. Officials say the only injury occurred when part of the roof gave way. Close to two dozen guests were moved to a nearby hotel during the overnight evacuation. Video from the scene shows flames bursting through the roof and spreading rapidly along the building’s exterior. Damage is estimated at roughly $1 million. Investigators are still working to determine what sparked the fire.
>>Watchdog Group Files Federal Complaint Over Animal Deaths in UMN Research
(Minneapolis, MN) — After obtaining University of Minnesota reports that acknowledge several animal deaths in research projects, a national research-monitoring organization has filed a federal complaint. The group Stop Animal Exploitation Now! (SAEN) says two internal university reports from November 2025 detail the deaths of five sheep involved in an NIH-funded study and the euthanasia of a monkey after a cranial implant detached. The reports were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. S-A-E-N is requesting the U-S-D-A’s Investigative and Enforcement Services Division open a case and consider the maximum penalties allowed under the Animal Welfare Act. The University of Minnesota has not yet issued a public response. The U-S-D-A complaint and referenced documents are posted online by the watchdog group. The matter remains under federal review.
