>>Vice President Vance Coming to Minnesota Thursday
(Minneapolis, MN) — Vice President J-D Vance is coming to Minnesota today (Thurs) and is expected to meet with immigration agents. The vice president is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion and speak with local leaders. Vance is coming to Minneapolis during the Operation Metro Surge immigration crackdown. Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement, “if the Vice President actually wanted to help, he should be focused on stopping federal agents from targeting and harming our neighbors in ways that clearly cross constitutional lines.”
>>Appeals Court Pauses ICE Agent Restrictions on Protesters in Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — A federal appeals court is temporarily pausing an order restricting ICE agents from using chemical irritant and munitions on peaceful protesters in Minnesota. The order from the Eighth U-S Circuit Court of Appeals provides no explanation, but it granted the Justice Department’s request to pause the restrictions while they appeal. Last week, a federal judge in Minnesota barred agents from using tear gas and certain crowd control tactics while the case moves forward. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino was seen on video throwing a smoke canister at observers Wednesday in south Minneapolis.
>>ICE Detains Preschooler, Three Other Students at Columbia Heights
(Columbia Heights, MN) — The Columbia Heights Public School District is reporting ICE detained a preschooler and three other students. Officials say ICE agents detained a five-year-old alongside his father on Wednesday shortly after arriving home from school. School leaders believe the five-year-old and his father are now in Texas detention facilities. The immigration attorney representing the child’s family said they had an active asylum case. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that ICE did not target the child.
>>MCCL’s Annual March for Life at State Capitol Today
(St. Paul, MN) — Thousands are expected at the State Capitol today (Thurs) for the 2026 March for Life. Cathy Blaeser of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life says this rally started on the first anniversary of the Supreme Court’s January 22nd, 1973, Roe v. Wade decision. She says they march to commemorate the tens of millions of lives lost to abortion and lives wounded through abortion. Blaeser says the 30-minute march will be followed by a program on the State Capitol steps. New Minnesota Department of Health data show abortions dropped about seven percent in 2024.
>>Strike Averted in Anoka Hennepin School District
(Coon Rapids, MN) — Anoka-Hennepin teachers have voted to ratify a tentative contract agreement that will avoid a strike in the state’s largest school district. Anoka Hennepin Education Minnesota says the agreement was approved by 72 percent of the voting members. The new contract agreement would cover the school years through 2027. The vote totals must now be certified and approved by the school board. Anoke Hennepin Education Minnesota represents more than 3,000 educators in the district.
>>Extreme Cold Warnings Posted for Minnesota
(Chanhassen, MN) — Dangerous cold is about to clamp down on the state, with wind chills that can cause frostbite in minutes. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for much of the state from 5:00 p.m. today through at least 11:00 a.m. tomorrow(Fri). However, there is a good chance that it may get extended into the weekend. For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills of 40 to 50 below are expected. The wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
>>Portable Heater Leads to House Fire in Miltona
(Miltona, MN) — Authorities in west central Minnesota say a portable heater is likely to blame for a structure fire Wednesday afternoon in Miltona. Douglas County sheriff’s investigators believe the fire started when the heater was placed beneath the residence to thaw pipes. Two people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The fire is not considered suspicious.
>>Gopher Women’s Basketball Gets Road Win at Oregon
(Eugene, OR) — The University of Minnesota women’s basketball team beat Oregon 65-60 Wednesday night in Eugene. Amaya Battle led the Golden Gophers with 20 points and Grace Grocholski added 19 points and six rebounds. The Ducks rallied to within three points late in the game, but Minnesota was able to hang on for the victory. The Gophers improved to 4-4 in the Big Ten. Rival Wisconsin comes to Williams Arena on Sunday.
