>>MLK Day Holiday Events Planned Across Minnesota
(Undated) — City, state, and federal offices are closed today (Mon) for Martin Luther King Junior Day and there are gatherings across Minnesota to honor the civil rights leader. The 36th annual General Mills M-L-K Holiday Breakfast is this morning in Minneapolis. Former C-N-N anchor, documentarian, and talk show host Soledad O’Brien and University of Maryland President Emeritus Doctor Freeman Hrabkowski are the keynote speakers. The state’s 40th Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Holiday Celebration is at the Ordway Center in St. Paul. Gospel recording artist Jovonta Patton, Se’Anna Johnson, and the T-K-O Drumline and the Knockout Dancers are performing.
>>Man Detained by ICE in Minnesota Dies in Texas Detention Center
(El Paso, TX) — The U-S Department of Homeland Security is confirming that a man detained by ICE in Minnesota died in Texas. D-H-S officials say 36-year-old Victor Manuel Diaz from Nicaragua died at a detention camp in El Paso of a presumed suicide, but the investigation into his death continues. He was taken into custody on January 6th in Minneapolis for an immigration violation. Governor Tim Walz and U-S Senator Tina Smith are calling for further investigation into Diaz’s death.
>>Justice Department Investigating Governor Walz and Mayor Frey
(Minneapolis, MN) — The U-S Department of Justice is investigating Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly impeding ICE enforcement. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the investigation and accused Walz and Frey of actively encouraging protesters to go out on the street and obstruct immigration officers. Blanche also said Sunday that the D-O-J will not be investigating ICE agent Jonathan Ross for the shooting death of Renee Good. Some federal prosecutors have called for an investigation into Good’s widow. President Trump threatened to send 15-hundred Army paratroopers to Minnesota over the weekend.
>>Minnesota Nurses Association Encourages Participation in ICE Out Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) is supporting the ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom on Friday, January 23rd. The group is encouraging members as well as the public to participate in the statewide economic blackout and the afternoon rally. The day’s events are intended to show support for immigrant communities, workers and families impacted by ICE operations in Minnesota. The Day of Truth and Freedom is calling for ICE to leave Minnesota, the officer who killed Renee Good be held legally accountable, and no additional federal funding for ICE by Congress.
>>Senate Capital Investment Chair Says Governor’s Bonding Bill Not Enough
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz is recommending a $907 million bonding bill for 2026 to cover infrastructure spending on projects for water, construction and even capitol security. But Senate Capital Investment Chair Sandy Pappas of St. Paul says it’s not enough. She said, “While Governor Walz has been a steadfast ally in the committee’s work, the modest $907 million bill will meet some of these needs but it will barely put a dent in the growing backlog of projects statewide.” Pappas will be pushing for around $1.1 billion.
>>$850,000 Awarded in Culture and Tourism Grants for Minnesota’s Iron Range
(Eveleth, MN) — A big boost for culture and tourism grants is coming to the Iron Range. Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) has awarded $850,000 to assist 34 projects that support arts, culture, history, tourism and recreational activities in the region. The money is also used to enhance the quality of life and attract visitors. The funding will be used for projects that include improving trails, recreational buildings, community parks and other outdoor activities. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will also get a grant to advertise and attract new visitors to watch the race.
>>State Fair Board Votes to Keep Gate Admission Price Unchanged in 2026
(St. Paul, MN) — The cost of getting into the Minnesota State Fair is not going up this year. The State Agricultural Society Board voted this weekend to keep gate admission prices and parking fees unchanged. They will remain $20 for fairgoers ages 13 to 64, and $18 for seniors and kids five to 12. On-site parking is still $25. Pre-fair discount tickets are on sale now for $17 for any age. The 2026 State Fair runs August 27th through September 7th.
>>Canadian Team Wins World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater
(Stillwater, MN) — Team Fjordwitches from Canada is the winner of this year’s World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater. They also won the Artist Choice award for a sculpture of two birds titled the “Inosculation of Souls.” Team Falcon of Mongolia took second place and Thailand finished in third. The sculptures will be on display as long as the weather allows. The World Snow Celebration is going on through this weekend in Stillwater.
>>Gopher Women’s Basketball Falls at Washington
(Seattle, WA) — The Golden Gopher women’s basketball falls to 3-4 in the Big Ten following a 67-54 loss Sunday night at Washington. Minnesota coach Dawn Plitzuweit says her team had very little energy and looked lethargic. Mara Braun of Wayzata led the Maroon and Gold with 18 points while senior guard Amaya Battle of Hopkins added 12 points. The Gophers play Wednesday night at Oregon.
