Local Government

St. Paul mayor meets border czar, presses to curb Metro Surge harms

1d Developing TC 2

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her met in person with the federal "border czar" to describe the harms Operation Metro Surge is causing — including fear in neighborhoods, school disruptions, and traffic and business impacts at immigrant‑serving businesses as residents reportedly avoid work, school and essential errands because of visible ICE and Border Patrol activity. Federal officials acknowledged the concerns but gave no signal of an immediate rollback, and the meeting was framed as part of Her’s broader push to tighten the city’s separation ordinance and limit ICE staging on city property.

Local Government Business & Economy Public Safety

DHS memo confirms two federal shooters, probes errant shot in Alex Pretti killing

1d TC 5

A DHS memo to Congress confirms two federal officers — one Border Patrol agent and one Customs and Border Protection officer — each fired Glock pistols during the Nicollet Avenue killing of 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, and DHS says it is leading the probe with Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI while CBP conducts an internal review; at least four Border Patrol officers on scene were wearing body cameras and involved agents have been placed on administrative leave. Plaintiffs’ newly filed declaration and bystander video and testimony allege agents used pepper spray and force on observers and saw no gun in Pretti’s hands, investigators are examining whether an agent accidentally discharged Pretti’s Sig Sauer P320 after disarming him, a court has ordered evidence preserved amid initial state‑federal access disputes, President Trump has called for an “honest investigation,” and DOJ has not opened a separate civil‑rights probe.

Public Safety Legal Immigration & Federal Enforcement

How federal $1,000 'Trump Accounts' work for new Twin Cities parents

1d TC 1

The piece explains that under the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, every baby born in the U.S. from 2025 through 2028 is eligible for a federally seeded $1,000 'Trump Account' once a parent or guardian opens an approved investment account, with the money locked in low‑fee U.S. stock index funds until the child turns 18. It clarifies that funds can only be used for restricted purposes — such as tuition, a first‑home down payment or starting a business — and withdrawals for other uses will trigger taxes and penalties, similar to misuse of a 529 plan. The article notes that Michael and Susan Dell have separately committed $6.25 billion to add a $250 seed for some lower‑income children age 10 and under in qualifying ZIP codes, which include parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul, but those seeds are distinct from the $1,000 newborn accounts. It walks through how Twin Cities parents actually claim the benefit (which institutions are participating, what documents they need, and basic deadlines) and highlights fine print around income‑tax treatment and what happens if parents fail to open an account during the eligibility window. The context makes clear this is not an automatic mailed check but an opt‑in long‑term asset program that could meaningfully affect wealth‑building for new metro families who understand and use it.

Business & Economy Local Government

Ilhan Omar sprayed with unknown liquid at Minneapolis town hall; assault suspect arrested

1d Breaking TC 5

At a north Minneapolis town hall on ICE operations, Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed with an unknown liquid delivered via a syringe; police arrested a man on suspicion of assault and a forensic team is testing the substance. Omar appeared unhurt, resumed speaking after being checked, and the spraying was a separate incident from an earlier man who rushed the stage but was stopped by security.

Public Safety Elections Legal

DFL lawmakers draft new state lawsuit tool for ICE rights abuses

1d Developing TC 1

House DFL floor leader Jamie Long, Senate President Bobby Joe Champion and Sen. Omar Fateh will host a virtual community briefing at noon Wednesday to outline legislation creating a new cause of action in Minnesota courts for residents whose constitutional rights are violated by officials, explicitly framed around ICE and Border Patrol conduct during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. The bill would let Minnesotans sue in state court when federal, state or local officers trample Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment protections, a direct response to battering‑ram home entries, child detentions and disputed shootings like those that killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Minneapolis Council Member Aurin Chowdhury and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will join the event to give community updates on local enforcement and charging decisions, signaling an emerging front where state and local actors try to hold federal agents accountable when federal internal reviews are seen as opaque or self‑protective. In the background, social media is full of residents asking "What concrete recourse do we actually have?" — this bill is the first serious attempt to give them one that doesn’t depend on the Justice Department policing itself.

Legal Local Government

DFL wins two specials; MN House stays 67–67

2d Breaking TC 2

DFL candidates Shelley Buck and Meg Luger‑Nikolai won special elections in St. Paul’s HD47A and the Woodbury‑area HD67A, taking roughly 97–98% and about 95% of the vote respectively to fill seats vacated by Kaohly Her and Amanda Hemmingsen‑Jaeger. Their victories leave the Minnesota House tied 67–67 heading into the 2026 legislative session, maintaining the need for continued power‑sharing.

Elections Local Government

Calls escalate to oust DHS chief Noem over Minneapolis ICE surge

2d TC 1

The article reports that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing intensifying calls for her firing or impeachment from Democratic members of Congress, civil‑rights groups and Minnesota officials over her handling of Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s massive ICE and Border Patrol crackdown centered on Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Critics cite the fatal shooting of Renee Good, the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and another north‑side wounding by federal agents, along with battering‑ram raids, child detentions and bystander injuries, as evidence of systemic abuses under Noem’s watch. The piece notes that impeachment articles in the U.S. House accuse her of violating civil rights, obstructing oversight and green‑lighting unconstitutional tactics, and that local leaders like Gov. Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison argue the surge has turned Twin Cities neighborhoods into a federal militarized zone. It also underscores that the White House is standing by Noem so far, framing the surge as necessary law‑enforcement, and that any impeachment would be an uphill climb in a Republican‑run House and closely divided Senate. On social media, Twin Cities residents are amplifying video of federal shootings and raids while business owners and school communities describe Noem as personally responsible for the fear and economic damage rippling through immigrant corridors.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Golden Valley neglect case sparks push to ban assisted‑living ‘no touch’ policies

2d Breaking TC 2

After a resident at a Golden Valley assisted‑living facility reportedly slowly suffocated while staff did not intervene, Minnesota advocates and lawmakers are pushing to curb “no lift”/“no touch” fall policies in assisted‑living homes. Proposed legislation — modeled on Arizona’s 2021 law and including increased staff training, funding for lift devices and a statutory duty of care — is being drafted in response to hundreds of 911 fall calls linked to such policies, though the assisted‑living industry is expected to oppose the reforms.

Health Public Safety Local Government

Minnesota weighs law to end assisted‑living ‘no touch’ policies

2d TC 1

Elder advocates in Minnesota are drafting legislation that would curb or effectively ban 'no touch'/'no lift' policies in assisted‑living facilities — rules that tell staff to call 911 and not touch a resident who has fallen — after a Golden Valley case where 79‑year‑old Larry Thompson slowly suffocated while workers stood by. The FOX 9 investigation that exposed Thompson’s death now sits alongside national examples, including an Arizona law passed in 2021 that bars these policies and data from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where the fire department has run more than 800 fall calls from assisted living since 2020 because staff are ordered not to lift residents or perform CPR. Wisconsin Rep. Lori Palmeri, whose own mother experienced such a policy, is preparing a package of bills that would require more staff training, fund mechanical lifts, and impose a statutory duty of care, moves Minnesota advocates are watching as they draft their own proposal. The assisted‑living industry has fought similar reforms elsewhere, arguing liability concerns, so a bruising fight at the Capitol is likely if Minnesota tries to force facilities to put hands on residents instead of handing them off to already‑stretched metro EMS crews. For Twin Cities families with parents in assisted living, this is the first concrete sign that the Thompson case could translate into law that governs how staff respond the next time an elder hits the floor in a Golden Valley or Eagan hallway.

Health Local Government Public Safety

Ramsey County attorney urges residents to report alleged felonies by federal agents

2d Breaking TC 2

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi urged residents to report alleged felonies by federal agents, telling anyone who believes a federal officer committed a felony in the county to call 911 or the local police non‑emergency line so a standard criminal report and local investigation can begin. Local police or sheriff’s deputies will investigate like any other felony and refer cases to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for charging decisions, guidance Choi said is in response to Operation Metro Surge and recent ICE/Border Patrol incidents in St. Paul.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Walz, Democratic AGs say citizen video is key weapon against ICE abuses

2d TC 2

Gov. Tim Walz and a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general are urging residents to record interactions with ICE and Border Patrol agents, encouraging citizen video as a tool for future prosecutions and challenges. They say courts are increasingly treating phone videos and other citizen‑generated records as critical evidence in habeas and civil‑rights cases and that documenting warrantless entries, use of force and who agents target helps build pattern‑of‑practice claims against ICE and DHS, not just individual complaints.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Big Minnesota firms fund $3.5M relief for Twin Cities small businesses

2d Breaking TC 1

The Minneapolis Foundation has launched a $3.5 million fund backed by 28 major Minnesota corporations — including Target and Best Buy — to support small businesses in the Twin Cities that are facing urgent operational disruptions. According to the Business Journal preview, the money will begin flowing in the coming weeks through community organizations that already work directly with affected entrepreneurs, rather than being handed out by the corporations themselves. While the article doesn’t spell it out, the timing and structure clearly track current reality on the ground: immigrant‑serving shops and restaurants along corridors like Lake Street, Nicollet and the West Side have been reporting 50–80% revenue drops amid ICE’s Metro Surge and the federal crackdown, on top of winter weather and the usual post‑holiday slump. This fund is corporate Minnesota’s attempt to patch that hole and buy some stability without publicly confronting the federal operation that helped cause it — a lifeline for some businesses, but nowhere near enough to fully offset the damage if the surge drags on.

Business & Economy Local Government

Walz, Frey press Homan to end Metro Surge

2d Developing TC 2

Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have pressed Tom Homan to end the ICE "Metro Surge," urging federal immigration authorities to withdraw units operating in the Twin Cities. The dispute has tangible local consequences: on Nicollet Avenue restaurants and shops opened as ad hoc warming centers and medical triage sites after a Minneapolis resident was killed by federal immigration agents, and business owners say they are exhausted and unsure how to keep operating amid the threat of further raids and violence, underscoring how federal use of force has turned storefronts into front‑line response space.

Public Safety Local Government Business & Economy

Judge lets DHS limits on congressional ICE visits stand while lawsuit proceeds

2d Developing TC 6

A federal judge refused to enjoin new Department of Homeland Security rules that curb unannounced congressional walk‑throughs of ICE detention and processing sites, leaving tighter notice and access conditions in place while a lawsuit by House and Senate Democrats proceeds; DOJ lawyers said the limits are needed for safety and orderly operations, while Democrats say they unlawfully obstruct oversight and target high‑tension sites such as Minneapolis’s Whipple Building. Separately, a federal appeals court has paused parts of a lower‑court order that barred ICE/DHS from retaliating against or using force on peaceful protesters during the Twin Cities “Operation Metro Surge,” restoring broader tactical latitude to federal agents while the government’s appeal moves forward.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

8th Circuit lifts injunction that curbed ICE use of force on Minnesota protesters

2d Developing TC 4

An 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay/partial stay of U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez’s injunction that barred ICE and DHS from detaining, tear‑gassing, or otherwise using force on peaceful protesters and legal observers around Operation Metro Surge, effectively restoring broader authority for ICE and Border Patrol to use crowd‑control tactics while the government’s appeal proceeds. Civil‑rights lawyers and the ACLU warn the ruling raises the risk of arrest or force against activists, and confrontations — including deployments of tear gas and pepper spray — have continued and intensified in the Twin Cities.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Eyewitness disputes DHS account of Alex Pretti killing; nurses union now demands independent probe

2d Developing TC 5

A sworn eyewitness declaration filed in federal court alleges Border Patrol agents punched car windows, stopped traffic, pepper‑sprayed bystanders, shoved a woman, and that Alex Pretti—who witnesses say raised his hands, was pepper‑sprayed and tried to help the woman up—was thrown to the ground by several agents and then shot despite no gun being seen, contradicting DHS’s public self‑defense account. Pretti’s nurses’ union, joining growing community vigils and protests at 26th & Nicollet mourning the ICU nurse, called the VA secretary’s response “deeply disappointed” and demanded a fully independent investigation separate from DHS’s internal review.

Public Safety Local Government Legal

Hennepin Healthcare to cut five programs, 100 jobs amid cash crisis

2d Breaking TC 1

Hennepin Healthcare, the county‑run system that operates Hennepin County Medical Center in downtown Minneapolis, says it will close or sharply reduce five programs and cut about 100 positions as it tries to navigate what its co‑administrator calls a financial crisis that puts the system in “real jeopardy.” Announced Monday at a news conference, the changes will shut down chiropractic and acupuncture services; close the standalone sleep clinic while shifting screening to primary care; fold interventional pain treatments and weight‑management care into primary‑care and specialty clinics; and end HCMC’s nursing‑home/extended‑care model by transitioning those patients to other systems while moving older adults into primary‑care settings. Dr. J. Kevin Croston blamed falling federal support, county budget strain, and the loss of the county’s historic ability to backstop HCMC, calling it a "perfect storm" but insisting there is still a path forward if painful restructuring happens now. The cuts arrive as the Hennepin County Board has already voted to retake direct control of Hennepin Healthcare’s governing body because of its worsening finances, with a formal plan on how to stabilize the system due to commissioners by July; union responses and patient worries about access to pain, sleep, weight and geriatric care are already surfacing across social media. For Twin Cities residents who rely on HCMC as the region’s main safety‑net and Level I trauma center, the message is blunt: the system is bleeding cash badly enough that non‑core services and 100 jobs are on the chopping block, and the county may not be able to bail it out the way it once did.

Health Business & Economy Local Government

TSA finalizes $45 Confirm.ID fee for flyers without acceptable ID starting Feb. 1, 2026

2d Breaking TC 4

TSA will charge a $45 Confirm.ID fee, effective Feb. 1, 2026, for travelers who do not present acceptable identification (such as a REAL ID, passport or trusted traveler card); the fee covers a 10-day travel period and temporary driver’s licenses are not accepted. TSA urges travelers to pay online before arriving — airport payment options and signage will be available but delays are expected — and warns that paying the fee does not guarantee identity verification or boarding, saying the charge shifts costs from taxpayers to travelers.

Technology Transit & Infrastructure Public Safety

Federal judge orders ICE director to Minneapolis court over Metro Surge due‑process violations

2d Developing TC 2

Federal Judge Patrick Schiltz has ordered Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear at a 1 p.m. Friday hearing in Minneapolis federal court to explain why detainees were denied due process during the Metro Surge. Schiltz’s order says the Trump administration sent “thousands of agents to Minnesota to detain aliens without making any provision” for the resulting habeas cases and that violations continue despite assurances — noting a petitioner granted relief on Jan. 14 remained in custody as of Jan. 23, prompting a show‑cause order and possible contempt; ICE and DHS had not yet responded on the docket, and the order comes as the administration reshuffled Metro Surge leadership, naming Tom Homan and pulling some agents, including Commander Greg Bovino.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino pulled from Metro Surge, reassigned to El Centro sector

2d Developing TC 2

Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, who had been serving as the national "Commander of Operation At Large," has been pulled from the Metro Surge and reassigned back to the El Centro, California CBP sector — a move described by The Atlantic and the Washington Examiner as a demotion, and reports say he may retire soon. The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said he was not "relieved" and would "continue to lead" broadly while border czar Tom Homan will run point on Minnesota ICE raids, after Bovino drew controversy for publicly backing the Border Patrol agent who shot Alex Pretti and declining to identify the shooter.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Courts, AGs and DOJ clash over evidence in Renee Good, Alex Pretti ICE shootings

3d Developing TC 10

The fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good and a subsequent Border Patrol shooting that killed Alex Pretti have set off protests, an "ICE Out" strike, federal grand‑jury subpoenas to state offices, the staging and limited activation of the Minnesota National Guard, and the resignation of several federal prosecutors amid sharply escalated tensions over a large federal agent surge in Minneapolis. At the same time Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and local officials have sued for court‑ordered preservation, independent custody and disclosure of video and other evidence while DOJ warns such broad orders would impede criminal probes and is resisting, setting up a likely appellate fight over who controls and must produce the evidentiary record.

Public Safety Local Government Legal

State–DOJ evidence war escalates in Alex Pretti, Renee Good ICE shootings

3d Breaking TC 10

The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — the latter shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in south Minneapolis, with bystander and surveillance videos that some say contradict federal accounts — have spurred protests and intensified scrutiny of the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge after multiple federal‑agent shootings in the city. In response, Hennepin County and state investigators have sued to force DHS, ICE and CBP (naming U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi) to preserve and not alter evidence in the Pretti and Good cases, while the Justice Department counters that those preservation and access demands are unprecedented, implicate federal supremacy and investigative privilege, and could impede ongoing criminal probes — a judicial clash that could set a template for future federal–state disputes over federal use‑of‑force cases.

Public Safety Legal Immigration

Judge frees Venezuelan family after invalid St. Paul ICE raid; U.S. Attorney apologizes

3d Developing TC 2

A federal judge freed a Venezuelan family after an ICE raid in St. Paul was found invalid, and all six members have been returned to their St. Paul home after being detained and flown to two Texas immigration facilities. The father, Joel Campos, says agents accused him of narcotics trafficking and told his 12‑year‑old son he was in the country illegally despite state IDs; an older son says family members at a Texas facility were forced to sleep on the floor without food or showers and were mocked (agents even took a selfie with him), and U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen formally apologized in a court filing, saying the Justice Department regrets how information has been shared.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

DHS theory that guns at protests are 'unlawful' blasted as absurd in Minneapolis shooting case

5d TC 2

In the Minneapolis shooting case, critics have blasted the Department of Homeland Security’s theory that merely being armed at a protest — even with a legal permit — makes someone unlawful, pointing to an eyewitness account filed in court describing an ICE operation in which Pretti, who was filming with his hands raised, was repeatedly pepper‑sprayed, tackled and shot. The account also alleges agents surrounded cars, threatened observers and used spray pre‑emptively, linking the shooting to crowd‑control behavior rather than solely to the presence of a firearm.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Senate DHS funding fight intensifies after Minneapolis ICE shootings

5d Developing TC 1

The U.S. House has passed the Department of Homeland Security funding bill as part of a $1.2 trillion spending package, keeping annual ICE funding roughly flat but tightening how Secretary Kristi Noem can move money and earmarking $20 million for body cameras on ICE and CBP officers — all while the same agencies are running the massive Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis–St. Paul. Democratic senators, citing three federal‑agent shootings in Minneapolis in less than a month — the killings of Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti and a separate non‑fatal shooting in north Minneapolis — are now openly opposing DHS funding and warning they may block the bill in the Senate even at the risk of another partial shutdown after Jan. 30. The bill would force DHS to file monthly plans explaining exactly how it will spend the money Congress just appropriated, a response to what both parties admit has been an almost free hand for the department to finance Trump’s deportation push. For Twin Cities residents, the outcome will determine whether the federal government keeps writing checks for the surge on our streets as‑is, whether Congress reins it in with tighter strings, or whether Democrats actually try to use the threat of a shutdown to force changes in how ICE and Border Patrol operate here. On social media, national Democrats are amplifying video from Minneapolis protests while immigration‑hardliners portray any move to block the bill as "defunding border security," underscoring how this funding fight is now being waged over what federal agents are doing in south and north Minneapolis, not just at the southern border.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Walz blasts Metro Surge, invites Trump to Minnesota

5d Developing TC 1

FOX 9’s live updates center on Gov. Tim Walz’s new statement inviting President Trump to Minnesota "to see our values in action" while condemning Operation Metro Surge as political theater that is scaring families, hurting small businesses, and trampling constitutional limits. Walz directly links ICE operations in Minneapolis to the killing of Renee Good, allegations that agents are busting down doors without warrants, traffic stops of off‑duty cops "based on the color of their skin," and children being detained and shipped to Texas, and says the Justice Department’s investigation into Minnesota officials is a partisan distraction from federal misconduct. The piece also previews a Saturday morning news conference where ICE and Border Patrol leaders will publicly brief on Metro Surge, setting up a sharp on‑camera contrast between federal talking points and the governor’s accusations. On social media, immigrant communities, civil‑rights groups and many local officials are amplifying Walz’s framing, while pro‑enforcement voices repeat DHS claims that the surge targets the "worst of the worst" even as local reporting and court rulings keep undercutting that narrative.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Records show many ICE 'worst of worst' in MN haven’t been in jail for years

5d TC 3

A FOX 9 review of court records for nearly three dozen people ICE labeled as the “worst of the worst” found one‑third have no Minnesota criminal record, only four had been in a Minnesota jail in the past year, and many hadn’t been jailed in Minnesota for years — with evidence DHS sometimes mixed up or misattributed records. The reporting also notes Minnesota’s DOC says it routinely notifies and transfers non‑citizen inmates to ICE, and highlights specific misrepresentations (e.g., the Cottonwood County case and the St. Paul raid) that undercut federal claims and the department’s larger counts of recent local releases.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Eight weeks of Operation Metro Surge reshape Twin Cities

6d TC 2

Eight weeks of Operation Metro Surge have reshaped the Twin Cities with an intensified law‑enforcement presence and sustained enforcement actions across the region. Reporting during that period also surfaced a 911 call from a private guard at a Minnesota immigration detention facility in which staff described an ICE detainee who had just attempted suicide and then “kept going” before being killed, providing time‑stamped evidence that could be central to wrongful‑death or civil‑rights inquiries.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

St. Paul police restrict routine stops to marked squads

6d Breaking TC 1

St. Paul police have temporarily ordered that routine traffic stops be conducted only by clearly marked squad cars, pausing the use of unmarked vehicles for ordinary enforcement while the department reviews its tactics. The change applies citywide and is framed as a trust‑ and safety‑focused move at a time when public scrutiny of stops is intense, particularly for immigrant and minority communities already on edge from federal ICE activity across the metro. Unmarked cars can still be used for investigations and specialized operations, but rank‑and‑file officers are being told to leave day‑to‑day traffic enforcement to standard black‑and‑white squads with lights and markings. The department has not set a firm end date, suggesting the policy could become permanent depending on what a broader review finds about crash data, stop patterns, and resident concerns. For drivers in St. Paul, it means routine stops should now come from vehicles they can easily recognize as police, which could reduce confusion and lower-risk interactions at the curb.

Public Safety Local Government

Jan. 23 ‘ICE Out of MN’ general strike closes hundreds of Twin Cities businesses, culminates in Target Center rally

6d Developing TC 10

Hundreds of Twin Cities businesses closed as thousands joined a Jan. 23 “ICE Out of MN” general strike — a nonviolent work stoppage organized by immigrant‑rights groups, faith leaders, unions and supportive lawmakers that asked people not to go to work, school or shop to protest ICE’s Operation Metro Surge and recent shootings. Despite an Extreme Cold Watch, demonstrators gathered at The Commons at 2 p.m., marched about a mile to a rally at Target Center, with organizers emphasizing mutual aid, safety planning and acknowledging participation would be uneven due to legal and economic constraints.

Public Safety Business & Economy Local Government

DOJ narrative on St. Paul ICE raid unravels: one ‘co‑resident’ sex offender has been in prison for months

6d Breaking TC 2

Federal prosecutors said Hmong U.S. citizen ChongLy Scott Thao lived with two convicted sex offenders to justify a forceful ICE raid that left him dragged from his St. Paul home wearing only shorts and Crocs; Thao was later confirmed to be a U.S. citizen. Minnesota Department of Corrections records show one of the alleged co‑residents has been in state prison for months and therefore could not have been living at Thao’s address, a discrepancy that further undermines the Justice Department’s account of the raid.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

House Democrats move to impeach DHS Sec. Kristi Noem over immigration crackdowns including Minneapolis ICE killing

7d Developing TC 5

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) has led nearly 70 House Democrats in filing articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, charging her with obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust — citing warrantless arrests, use of tear gas and due‑process abuses tied to the fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good — and self‑dealing over alleged steering of a federal contract and a $200 million ICE recruitment/PR campaign. Democrats say the move is an oversight and political escalation amid broader controversy (including reporting that arrests in Chicago’s Operation Midway Blitz did not include murder or rape charges), but removal is unlikely given a GOP House majority and the two‑thirds Senate conviction requirement, and DHS/ICE have staged Minnesota briefings to defend the Metro Surge.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

DOC to hold detainer briefing as it disputes ICE 'criminal alien' claims

7d TC 3

Minnesota’s Department of Corrections will hold a 10:30 a.m. news conference to rebut federal claims that 1,360 “criminal illegal aliens” are in state custody, releasing updated, precise counts of non‑citizen inmates, how many have ICE detainers, and how often inmates are turned over to ICE at sentence end. State officials and county sheriffs say they notify ICE and DOC routinely transfers eligible people, while local jails won’t hold inmates past release on civil detainers and have reported ICE declined some pick‑ups due to Metro Surge operations — a dispute unfolding amid a larger federal‑state fight over the surge and related political rhetoric.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

VP Vance, ICE, Border Patrol and DOC to brief on Metro Surge Thursday

7d Breaking TC 3

Vice President JD Vance will visit Minneapolis Thursday as part of a multi‑state swing that includes Ohio, a trip tied to the federal immigration crackdown known as Operation Metro Surge while President Trump travels to Iowa. At 9 a.m. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations leader Marcos Charles will brief the media on Metro Surge, and at 10:30 a.m. the Minnesota Department of Corrections will hold a separate briefing on ICE detainers and DOC coordination; Sen. Ron Latz has warned federal agents must honor Minnesotans’ constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures and due process.

Public Safety Elections Local Government

VP Vance visit coincides with ICE, Border Patrol and DOC surge briefings

7d Developing TC 2

Vice President J.D. Vance will be in Minneapolis Thursday to speak about ICE operations, hold a roundtable and join a joint ICE/Border Patrol press briefing on Operation Metro Surge, with FOX 9 carrying his remarks and the federal briefings live. His visit coincides with a Minnesota Department of Corrections public response on ICE detainers, setting up a clash between the administration’s assertion that the state is obstructing enforcement and state officials’ contention that DOC already coordinates on releases.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Army puts MP units on Minneapolis standby as Pentagon readies possible deployment

Jan 22 Developing TC 3

The Pentagon has issued prepare‑to‑deploy orders affecting roughly 1,500 troops — including two Alaska‑based infantry battalions and specific Army military police units — placing commanders into 48–72‑hour readiness windows focused on a possible Minneapolis mission. The moves are contingency planning tied to the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act amid tensions over an ICE surge and related litigation (DOJ’s response to Minnesota’s suit is due Jan. 19, with plaintiffs’ rebuttal due Jan. 22); no deployment has been ordered.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Renee Good family hires Floyd firm, moves to preserve evidence in ICE killing

Jan 22 Developing TC 51

Renee Good’s family has retained Romanucci & Blandin—the civil‑rights firm that represented George Floyd’s family—to conduct an independent investigation, pursue civil litigation if warranted, and has sent a formal Preservation of Evidence Letter demanding that federal authorities preserve all physical and electronic evidence while urging the public to share video and information. The family also commissioned an independent autopsy that found Good was shot in the left temple, a result they say is inconsistent with DHS/ICE’s claim that her vehicle was “weaponized” and has bolstered the firm’s pledge of transparency and accountability.

Public Safety Local Government Legal

Minnesota judges inundated with ICE habeas cases; battering‑ram raid and other Metro Surge detentions deemed unconstitutional

Jan 22 Breaking TC 4

Minnesota judges are being inundated with federal habeas petitions — 312 filed by Jan. 21, surpassing all of 2025 — as immigration lawyers report more than 90% of recent filings win releases or bond hearings after rapid street arrests and overnight flights out of state. Courts have already found Metro Surge tactics unconstitutional in high‑profile cases like Liberian Garrison Gibson, whose north Minneapolis home was breached with a battering ram by agents with only administrative paperwork; a judge ordered his release, ICE re‑arrested him hours later and says it will seek to resume removal, prompting fresh habeas and immigration challenges.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Judge lifts key protest limits on ICE tactics in Minnesota surge case

Jan 21 Developing TC 16

A federal judge has lifted or significantly narrowed a prior order that had barred ICE, CBP and other DHS officers from retaliating against, arresting, detaining or using force or chemical agents on people peacefully protesting, recording, observing or safely following Operation Metro Surge—restoring broader authority for immigration agents to use certain crowd‑control tactics and arrests while the litigation continues. The suit, brought by Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul (and joined by Illinois), alleges the surge unlawfully targets Minnesota for its diversity and politics, violates the 10th Amendment and involves excessive, sometimes deadly, force in incidents that have sparked protests, school walkouts and business closures.

Legal Local Government Public Safety

St. Paul moves 6,000 students online amid ICE surge

Jan 21 Developing TC 4

St. Paul Public Schools will offer temporary districtwide online learning beginning Thursday, Jan. 22 — after no school on Jan. 19 (MLK Day) and staff prep days on Jan. 20–21 — with families able to opt in and roughly 6,000 students choosing the virtual track that keeps them with teachers and classmates from their current schools rather than the separate SPPS Online School. District leaders say the move is a safety and stability response to increased immigration enforcement and the presence of federal agents in the Twin Cities (linked to Minneapolis’ e‑learning option after the ICE killing of Renee Good), and administrators have reassigned teachers, adjusted schedules and attendance policies, and distributed technology to support the sudden shift.

Education Public Safety Local Government

Rural Minnesota sheriff says ICE ‘too busy’ in Twin Cities to pick up charged child-sex suspect

Jan 21 TC 1

Cottonwood County Sheriff Jason Purrington is publicly disputing an ICE tweet that accused his jail of 'refusing' to honor a detainer and 'letting go' 20‑year‑old Guatemalan national Samuel Arevalo Hernandez, who is charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct for an alleged relationship with a girl that began when she was 15. Purrington says ICE did in fact lodge a detainer, his staff called ICE immediately on Jan. 13 when someone posted Hernandez’s bail, and the ICE agent they regularly work with told them agents were tied up with operations in the Twin Cities metro and 'unable to respond' but would pick Hernandez up later, asking only for his address. Despite that, ICE pushed out a video of Hernandez’s later arrest and blasted Cottonwood County online for not honoring the detainer, fitting a broader DHS talking point that Minnesota and metro 'sanctuary' officials won’t cooperate. This case lands right in the middle of the Metro Surge spin war: state and county officials have been saying most jails and DOC do follow the law and notify ICE, while the feds keep throwing out big numbers and cherry‑picked cases; here, the sheriff is on record saying ICE had its chance, claimed it was too busy in the Twin Cities, and is now lying about it on social media. For Twin Cities readers, it’s one more example that the enforcement surge chewing through our neighborhoods isn’t even catching its own supposed 'worst of the worst' when the phones ring in outstate jails.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

St. Paul weighs ban on ICE staging on city property

Jan 21 Developing TC 1

St. Paul is considering an ordinance that would write its "separation" policy into city code and explicitly bar federal immigration agents from staging enforcement operations on city-owned property, including parking lots and facilities, except in narrow circumstances. The proposal would restrict local law enforcement from assisting with immigration-only operations and clarifies when city staff may share information or cooperate, tightening rules that have so far lived mostly in policy documents. The move comes amid the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge, which has brought hundreds of ICE and Border Patrol officers into the Twin Cities, and follows documented incidents of federal agents using local lots and spaces as launch points for raids. Supporters on the council and in immigrant communities say the ordinance is needed to keep city property from being turned into federal staging grounds and to reassure residents that St. Paul police are not acting as an arm of ICE, while critics warn it could deepen conflict with federal agencies. Debate over the measure is expected to focus on how far the city can go without jeopardizing grants or violating federal law, and how it will be enforced on the ground with St. Paul police and Public Works staff.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Chanhassen council debates ICE raid; member plans local cooperation rules

Jan 21 Developing TC 4

Chanhassen’s city council will address a weekend ICE operation and protest after Council Member Mark Von Oven criticized the lack of coordination with local law enforcement, called for process, transparency and constitutional protections, and said he will draft locally focused rules for how the city should cooperate with federal immigration agents. DHS identified the targets as Marco and Edgar Chicaiza Dutan; ICE tried to arrest two construction workers on Avienda Parkway, one man was taken by ambulance for cold exposure and later released to ICE custody while the other stayed on a roof to evade arrest and Edgar’s attorneys are challenging his detention, and workers’ group CTUL — citing multiple recent actions at a D.R. Horton site — plans to press the builder to bar ICE from worksites unless agents present a judicial warrant.

Legal Local Government Public Safety

U.S. freezes immigrant visas from 75 countries, citing 'public charge' risk

Jan 21 Breaking TC 2

The U.S. State Department will suspend processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries beginning Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, saying the move is intended to prevent entry of people who would “take welfare and public benefits” and to end “abuse of America’s immigration system.” The freeze applies only to immigrant visas (non‑immigrant tourist and business visas are exempt and expected to surge ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics) and affects countries including Somalia, Iran, Russia, Nigeria and Brazil, with Somalia’s inclusion explicitly linked in administration messaging to Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future–related benefit fraud scandals.

Immigration & Legal Local Government Business & Economy

DHS chief vows arrests after protest in St. Paul church

Jan 21 Developing TC 1

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Newsmax Tuesday night that there will be arrests "in the next several hours" of people involved in a protest that disrupted Sunday worship at Cities Church in St. Paul, where activists marched into the sanctuary to denounce Pastor David Easterwood over what they say is his role as a Minnesota ICE leader. Noem called the disruption unlawful but did not say how many people would be charged or on what counts, signaling federal or joint federal‑local enforcement under laws that protect access to houses of worship. Earlier Tuesday, civil‑rights attorney and reverend Nekima Levy Armstrong and Black Lives Matter Minnesota co‑founder Monique Cullers led a news conference at the Hennepin County Government Center demanding Easterwood resign and defending the protest as a response to the ICE surge. Cities Church, in a statement, accused the group of "agitating," frightening children, and unlawfully invading a religious service, saying such conduct "will not be tolerated" even as it professed openness to "respectful dialogue" about current issues. The clash drops Cities Church and its pastor squarely into the broader Twin Cities fight over Operation Metro Surge, with a senior cabinet official now publicly promising to make examples of those who took their protest into the pews.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Activists demand Cities Church pastor–ICE official David Easterwood resign; DOJ probes protest under FACE Act

Jan 21 Developing TC 5

Activists led by Nekima Levy Armstrong and Monique Cullers interrupted an active Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, chanting and confronting congregants to demand that Pastor David Easterwood — who protesters say is the acting ICE Minnesota field office director — resign; the protest was livestreamed by Don Lemon and denounced by Pastor Jonathan Parnell. The DOJ Civil Rights Division and the FBI have opened an investigation under the FACE Act and related statutes and say they are likely to press federal charges for disrupting worship, even as Christian leaders and some congregants call for protecting worshippers’ rights and caution against turning houses of worship into protest battlegrounds.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

FBI offers $100K reward after protesters rip safe box from ICE vehicle in north Minneapolis

Jan 20 Developing TC 12

Following a Wednesday evening ICE‑involved shooting in north Minneapolis’ Hawthorne neighborhood, protesters used ratchet straps to pull a locked storage/cabinet box from the trunk of a federal vehicle, dragging it down the street as several federal vehicles were vandalized and government property reportedly stolen; Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the cars likely belonged to the FBI and that documents were reportedly taken. The FBI has opened an investigation, released photos of a suspect (a Black male in a tan Carhartt jacket, tan pants, black hoodie, orange latex gloves and black boots) and is offering up to $100,000 for information leading to recovery of the stolen property or arrests, with tips to 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI, local offices or tips.fbi.gov.

Public Safety Local Government Legal

AG Keith Ellison rules out governor bid, will seek third term

Jan 20 Breaking TC 3

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced he will not run for governor in 2026 following Gov. Tim Walz’s decision not to seek re‑election and instead will seek a third term as attorney general. Ellison cited a federal ICE surge and what he called a “war on Minnesota” as reasons he’s best equipped to remain in the AG’s office, a move that ends DFL speculation about him as a potential top‑ticket replacement while the GOP governor’s field expands.

Elections Legal Local Government

DOJ subpoenas Walz, Ellison, Frey, Her and Moriarty in Metro Surge probe

Jan 20 Developing TC 3

The Department of Justice delivered federal grand‑jury subpoenas on or about Jan. 20, 2026 to the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, AG Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty as part of a probe into alleged efforts to coerce or obstruct federal law enforcement during DHS’s Operation Metro Surge. Walz’s office confirmed receipt of a subpoena while Ellison’s office declined to confirm, and the use of grand‑jury subpoenas indicates a criminal investigative posture.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

ACLU Minnesota sues Trump administration over Metro Surge arrests

Jan 20 Breaking TC 2

ACLU Minnesota has sued the Trump administration, alleging constitutional violations related to arrests carried out during the Operation Metro Surge. In a related case, the DOJ filed a formal response opposing Minnesota and local governments’ bid to halt the surge, calling the motion "legally frivolous" and signaling the administration will vigorously contest claims about warrantless arrests and profiling in federal court.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Judge orders ICE to free Venezuelan family after St. Paul raid without warrant

Jan 20 Developing TC 2

A judge ordered DHS and ICE to release a Venezuelan family of six detained after a St. Paul raid, ruling the agencies failed to produce a valid warrant; the court-ordered release took place on Monday. The decision was reported amid a broader surge of ICE activity in the Twin Cities and has been highlighted in live updates as part of local leaders' responses to the enforcement actions.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Twin Cities leaders stage coordinated pushback to ICE surge

Jan 20 Developing TC 1

FOX 9’s live‑updates piece pulls together the next phase of the ICE story: on Tuesday, Jan. 20, multiple Twin Cities constituencies — Dakota County commissioners, students and families, physicians, MSP airport workers and clergy — are holding staggered press conferences to denounce the ongoing ICE surge that began before Renee Good was killed by an ICE agent in south Minneapolis. The coverage notes that the U.S. Department of Justice has now filed its formal answer in Minnesota’s case seeking to halt Operation Metro Surge, dismissing the state’s motion as 'legally frivolous,' even as a federal judge just ordered DHS to free six Venezuelan family members snatched in a St. Paul raid where agents had no warrant. At the same time, social media is driving a 'Taco Tuesday' campaign urging residents to eat at immigrant‑owned restaurants that have seen business collapse while people hide from raids. Trump is pouring gasoline on the fire from Washington, calling church‑service protesters 'agitators and insurrectionists' and demanding Walz and Ilhan Omar be 'thrown in jail, or thrown out of the country,' rhetoric that only hardens the lines as local officials, unions and clergy line up in opposition to the surge.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

St. Paul’s Intercontinental and DoubleTree hotels close temporarily after ICE threats, pulling 600+ rooms offline

Jan 20 Breaking TC 2

Two downtown St. Paul hotels—the Intercontinental and DoubleTree, owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe—have temporarily canceled rooms for ICE agents and closed citing safety concerns after threats linked to an immigration crackdown. The simultaneous shutdowns remove more than 600 rooms from downtown St. Paul’s lodging inventory.

Business & Economy Public Safety Local Government

Minnesota AG outlines how new data‑privacy law can blunt ICE phone tracking

Jan 20 TC 3

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a consumer alert warning that DHS/ICE is reportedly using sophisticated commercial data streams—such as app‑location feeds, license‑plate reads, cell‑tower pings and brokered location data—to track people in the Twin Cities, even as the full scope of sources remains unclear. He urged Minnesotans to adopt technical privacy measures (privacy‑focused browsers, disabling location services and ad IDs, updating software, and using secure communications) and to use rights under the new Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act to request disclosure or deletion of personal data and opt out of its sale to blunt ICE’s phone‑tracking access.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

PUC lets trash and wood burning count as 'carbon-free' power

Jan 20 TC 1

Minnesota state regulators have ruled that electricity from burning municipal solid waste and some types of wood/biomass can be treated as 'carbon-free' under the state’s 2040 carbon-free standard, a decision with major implications for utilities that serve the Twin Cities. The Public Utilities Commission’s interpretation effectively keeps metro-area garbage burners and biomass contracts in the portfolio of resources utilities can rely on to meet the mandate, even though the plants still emit greenhouse gases and local pollutants. Supporters argue these facilities help manage waste streams and provide reliable baseload or dispatchable power that wind and solar can’t always match, while environmental and climate advocates call the move a shell game that could lock in higher pollution in already overburdened neighborhoods. The ruling is expected to guide Xcel Energy’s and other utilities’ next integrated resource plans and could tilt future rate cases and infrastructure investments that directly affect Minneapolis–Saint Paul bills, air quality, and siting battles.

Energy Environment Local Government

St. Paul pauses towing of 'abandoned' vehicles during ICE surge

Jan 20 Breaking TC 1

The City of St. Paul has temporarily halted most towing of vehicles reported as abandoned on city streets, citing the ongoing ICE surge and reports of federal agents arresting drivers and leaving their cars behind. Under city ordinance, a vehicle normally can’t stay in the same spot more than 48 hours before it may be tagged as abandoned and towed, but officials say they will pause that enforcement for now and instead focus on genuine public-safety hazards. The city also says people whose vehicles were towed while they were in ICE custody may have fees waived or reimbursed if they can document both ownership and that they were detained. The change responds in part to Minnesota’s federal lawsuit against DHS/ICE, which specifically flagged incidents of agents leaving vehicles on public roads after arrests, and to growing pressure from local advocates who say families shouldn’t be hit with hundreds of dollars in tow and storage bills on top of immigration trouble. On social media, many St. Paul residents are applauding the move as basic fairness, while others worry the pause could create longer-term parking and plowing headaches if it drags on without clear criteria for what still gets towed.

Local Government Public Safety Housing & Streets

Hennepin sheriff blasts ICE tactics, urges lawful conduct

Jan 19 TC 1

Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt used a FOX 9 interview to sharply criticize some ICE officers deployed in Minnesota, saying she has "seen and heard" instances of excessive force, racial profiling and stereotyping during the current federal immigration surge. Witt warned those tactics are undermining years of work to rebuild community trust in law enforcement and said "nobody hates a bad cop more than a good cop," calling on federal agents to be professional, "follow the law" and treat people with dignity and respect. She framed the issue as bigger than partisan politics, urging leaders who took an oath of office to remember they represent everyone, including people who don’t share their views, and to stop treating politics like a zero‑sum game. Her comments add a top local cop’s voice to growing criticism of Operation Metro Surge, where videos and lawsuits already allege racial targeting and heavy‑handed force by ICE and Border Patrol on Twin Cities streets, and they signal that even within law enforcement, some are worried ICE is poisoning the well for everyone in a badge.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

St. Paul snowplow driver detained by ICE now faces deportation; coworkers launch fundraiser

Jan 19 Breaking TC 2

St. Paul Public Works says one of its snowplow drivers was detained by ICE and is now facing deportation proceedings despite the city previously verifying his legal authorization to work. Colleagues and community members have organized a fundraiser to support his family while he's in custody; the driver is described as a long‑serving member of the snowplow crew with family and health concerns, and organizers say his detention has strained winter operations and morale.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Multiple Twin Cities districts add online learning options amid ICE surge

Jan 18 Developing TC 5

Several Twin Cities districts — including Minneapolis, St. Paul, District 196 (Apple Valley–Eagan–Rosemount), Fridley, Richfield and Robbinsdale — have opened opt‑in remote learning or e‑learning windows in response to a surge in federal immigration enforcement tied to DHS’s “Operation Metro Surge” (Minneapolis’ e‑learning began Jan. 8 and runs through Feb. 12; Fridley’s window is Jan. 20–Feb. 13, with St. Paul and District 196 also launching opt‑in tracks this week). Districts cite community fear after the Renee Good shooting and same‑day ICE incidents near schools, reporting widespread absences and students missing meals, while DHS says the operation has resulted in more than 3,000 arrests and denies “raiding” schools.

Education Public Safety Local Government

DPS, National Guard brief joint plan for ICE protests

Jan 16 Developing TC 1

Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota National Guard are rolling out a coordinated protest safety plan for this coming weekend, saying they expect multiple demonstrations both for and against ICE’s presence in the Twin Cities after two recent ICE‑involved shootings in Minneapolis. The briefing, announced for Friday, comes against the backdrop of Operation Metro Surge, which has dumped more than 2,000 federal immigration agents into Minnesota in six weeks, and after an ICE officer killed Renee Good in south Minneapolis on Jan. 7 and another agent shot and wounded a man in north Minneapolis a week later. FOX 9 notes that the Guard is formally at the table for this plan, even as President Trump has publicly threatened — then temporarily walked back — using the Insurrection Act to send federal troops into Minneapolis, a red line that has Twin Cities residents on edge after 2020. Online, organizers are already circulating march plans and warning about the risk of another "militarized" response, while business owners along Lake Street and in Cedar‑Riverside say any misstep — from federal agents or Guard troops — could drive away what fragile customer traffic they have left. Between the lawsuits, impeachment chatter and now a formal Guard‑DPS protest posture, this weekend is shaping up as a test of whether state and federal forces can keep the lid on without lighting the fuse again.

Public Safety Local Government

Major Minnesota employers stay largely silent as ICE surge hammers Twin Cities immigrants and small businesses

Jan 16 TC 3

Many of Minnesota’s biggest employers — including Target, Best Buy, U.S. Bank, Medtronic and Cargill — have largely stayed publicly silent or issued only generic statements as ICE’s Operation Metro Surge ramps up enforcement that is hammering Twin Cities immigrants and small businesses. Statewide business groups warn of labor shortages, chilled consumer activity and reputational risk but aren’t openly confronting the administration, and communications experts say the corporate silence is itself becoming a leadership and reputation problem as companies weigh fear of political backlash against their reliance on immigrant workers and customers.

Business & Economy Public Safety Local Government

Big Minnesota employers stay quiet on ICE surge

Jan 16 TC 1

The Reformer piece reports that as Trump’s immigration crackdown and Operation Metro Surge rattle Minneapolis–Saint Paul neighborhoods, most of Minnesota’s largest employers are either silent or speaking in vague generalities about the situation. Companies like Target, Best Buy, U.S. Bank, Medtronic and Cargill — all deeply tied into the Twin Cities economy and dependent on immigrant workers and customers — have avoided directly criticizing the raids, even as small immigrant‑serving businesses report sales plunges of 50–80% and unions at MSP airport and Hennepin Healthcare warn of fear‑driven staffing problems. Business groups such as the Minnesota Chamber and Hospitality Minnesota concede the enforcement wave is bad for labor and local commerce, but they’re hedging their language, clearly wary of provoking the White House. The article situates that caution in the broader political climate, where Trump has already shown he’s willing to use tariffs, contracts and public attacks as weapons, leaving big employers to quietly lobby behind the scenes while letting smaller neighborhood shops take the public risk. Online, that posture is drawing growing anger from Twin Cities residents who see corporate logos all over immigrant corridors like Lake Street but almost no corporate backbone as ICE and Border Patrol flood those same streets.

Business & Economy Local Government

Oglala Sioux leaders press ICE in Minneapolis over four detained tribal members; three still unaccounted for

Jan 16 Breaking TC 2

Oglala Sioux leaders say four unhoused tribal members living near the Little Earth housing project in Minneapolis were detained by ICE — one has been released and three remain unaccounted for — and while a tribal witness confirmed all four are enrolled members the tribe still lacks names and confirmed detention locations. Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out and leaders have traveled to and entered the Whipple Federal Building offering to provide enrollment documents, tribal attorneys are seeking help from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, and activist Chase Iron Eyes vowed they will remain until the missing members are found.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

House Republican formally files impeachment articles against Gov. Walz over fraud oversight

Jan 16 Breaking TC 2

A Minnesota House Republican has formally filed articles of impeachment accusing Gov. Tim Walz of failing to stop and fully disclose widespread fraud in state programs, breaching his oath and mishandling audits and oversight tied to Operation Metro Surge. The sponsor says the resolution will be introduced when the Legislature convenes Feb. 17, with a House majority required to impeach and a two‑thirds Senate vote needed to convict and remove, and both the lawmaker and DFL leaders have offered on‑record statements framing the partisan and constitutional stakes.

Local Government Legal Elections

Six children hurt when flash bang hits van in north Minneapolis ICE protest

Jan 15 Developing TC 2

Six children were hospitalized after a flash-bang device detonated near their van during a north Minneapolis protest outside an ICE facility, police and media reports say. Parents Shawn and Destiny Jackson say ICE agents blocked their vehicle, rolled a tear gas canister under the van and the flash-bang went off, causing airbags to deploy and the van to fill with gas; the mother performed CPR on their 6‑month‑old, and three children — including the infant — were taken to the hospital by ambulance while all six were in the vehicle, the parents say they were trying to go home and not protesting.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Minnesota Medicaid audit quietly put all claims in 14 programs under 90‑day payment hold before DHS narrowed to flagged cases

Jan 15 Developing TC 8

On Jan. 1 the Minnesota Department of Human Services effectively delayed payments for all claims across 14 designated “high‑risk” Medicaid programs as part of a fraud audit ordered by Gov. Tim Walz and funded by the 2025 legislature, triggering immediate cash‑flow crises for many providers. After provider and lawmaker pushback and in keeping with federal 90‑day payment rules, DHS said it would narrow the pause to claims flagged by Optum’s analytics for up to 90 days, refer suspected improper claims to the DHS Office of Inspector General, and roll out enhanced oversight measures — a move that drew sharp criticism from provider groups and legislators.

Local Government Health Business & Economy

Trump threatens Insurrection Act, military deployment in Minnesota amid Minneapolis ICE unrest

Jan 15 Developing TC 3

President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy federal troops to Minnesota amid protests in Minneapolis against ICE and the federal "Operation Metro Surge" following two recent federal shootings, including the killing of Renee Nicole Good. He characterized protesters as "insurrectionists" and said state and local leaders had "lost control," framing that claim and Minnesota leaders' resistance to the surge as justification for possible military intervention.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Walz to give primetime address amid ICE surge, impeachment push

Jan 15 Developing TC 2

Gov. Tim Walz will deliver a primetime statewide address as Minnesota contends with a federal ICE crackdown and protests tied to recent ICE-related shootings. His speech comes as President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to Minneapolis unrest — a major federal escalation that could collide with state and local leaders already in court seeking to rein in Operation Metro Surge.

Local Government Public Safety Education

Operation Metro Surge: DHS data show only ~5% of 2,000 Minnesota ICE arrestees are violent offenders

Jan 14 Breaking TC 12

DHS data show that of more than 2,000 arrests tied to Operation Metro Surge, 212 people are on DHS’s “worst of the worst” list and 103 of those are classified as violent — roughly 5% of all arrestees. The surge, which officials say includes about 1,500 ICE officers and 600 HSI agents and brought Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to the Twin Cities, has sparked large protests, security barriers and school disruptions, expanded community “constitutional observer” trainings, and figures in a proposed impeachment effort against Noem.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Minnesota officials warn Trump’s threatened Medicaid cuts after CMS $2B deferral would endanger vulnerable residents

Jan 14 Breaking TC 7

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz notified Gov. Tim Walz that the Trump administration will audit Minnesota’s Medicaid receipts and defer roughly $2 billion in payments tied to 14 “high‑risk” programs the state identified as rife with suspected fraud, saying Minnesota’s corrective action plan was inadequate; Walz has paused payments, ordered an Optum analytics audit and other oversight measures while filing a formal appeal accusing CMS of politicizing Medicaid. State officials, frontline caregivers and unions warn the federal hold — and President Trump’s broader threats to cut funding to “sanctuary” states — would endanger seniors and people with disabilities, has prompted provider suspensions and enrollment freezes, and is being challenged in court.

Local Government Health Business & Economy

Federal SAMHSA cuts slash Minnesota addiction and mental‑health funding

Jan 14 TC 2

The Department of Health and Human Services has formally implemented cuts to SAMHSA, sharply reducing state mental‑health and substance‑abuse block grants and trimming or eliminating multiple grant lines, leaving Minnesota facing a substantial drop in federal behavioral‑health funding for FY2026. State and county officials and providers say the reductions have prompted hiring freezes, program closures and expanded wait lists across Twin Cities treatment and crisis‑response programs, and critics warn those service cuts could jeopardize progress during Minnesota’s current overdose plateau or early decline.

Health Government/Regulatory Business & Economy

Educators demand ICE stay away from Minnesota schools

Jan 14 Developing TC 2

Education Minnesota has joined hundreds of students in demanding that ICE stay away from Minnesota schools, urging protections for classrooms and school communities. Students staged walkouts and rallied at the state Capitol, directly linking their actions to Operation Metro Surge and recent ICE incidents near Roosevelt High, Fridley and Columbia Heights, and calling on state officials to intervene.

Education Public Safety Local Government

Twin Cities students walk out, rally at Capitol over ICE surge

Jan 14 Developing TC 1

Hundreds of Twin Cities students walked out of class and rallied at the Minnesota Capitol on Jan. 14 to protest ongoing ICE operations under Operation Metro Surge, saying raids and armed agents near schools are terrifying immigrant families and disrupting education. Organizers from multiple Minneapolis–St. Paul districts marched to the Capitol, where student speakers demanded that ICE stay away from school grounds and that state leaders do more to protect their communities. The walkouts follow earlier decisions by Minneapolis, St. Paul and Fridley to offer or shift to online learning because of ICE activity, and reports of sharp absentee spikes in schools serving large immigrant populations. With video of the protests spreading online, the student‑led action adds direct youth pressure on Gov. Walz, AG Keith Ellison and the Legislature as they battle the Trump administration in court over the Twin Cities enforcement surge.

Education Public Safety Local Government

St. Paul council weighs tougher limits on ICE cooperation

Jan 14 Developing TC 1

The St. Paul City Council is considering changes to its immigration separation ordinance that would more clearly restrict when and how city staff can assist federal immigration enforcement, including explicit limits on letting ICE stage operations on city‑owned property and tighter rules for information‑sharing. The move comes amid Operation Metro Surge, heavy federal presence in the Twin Cities, and growing community and business backlash over raids and visible ICE activity near homes, schools and workplaces. City attorneys and staff briefed council members on options to codify and possibly strengthen current policy so it has the force of ordinance rather than relying solely on internal guidance. The debate mirrors Minneapolis’ own recent steps to hard‑code its ICE staging ban, and council members are weighing how far they can go under state and federal law while avoiding unintended legal or funding consequences.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Mpls council president says ICE officer shoved him while he observed stop

Jan 14 Breaking TC 1

Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne says an ICE officer shoved him from behind on Central Avenue while he was lawfully observing a stop of a man waiting for a bus during this week’s immigration surge. Video Payne posted shows him on the sidewalk recording as an ICE agent walks up and pushes him aside; Payne says a second agent was simultaneously pointing a Taser at "every single individual" present, which he called reckless behavior. Payne says he identified himself as council president and was trying to talk to the agents to de‑escalate when he was pushed, and later warned on social media that if this is how ICE treats an elected official, residents should consider how others are being handled. The incident adds to mounting local allegations of heavy‑handed federal tactics on Minneapolis streets, including other recorded uses of force, and will likely feed ongoing legal and political fights over Operation Metro Surge and city efforts to restrict ICE staging and demand accountability.

Public Safety Local Government

ICE surge after Renee Good killing triggers Twin Cities walkouts, new warrantless raid lawsuits, and impeachment push against Noem

Jan 14 Developing TC 29

After the fatal shooting of Renee Good, ICE intensified "Operation Metro Surge" across the Twin Cities—carrying out neighborhood raids and arrests that protesters say have disproportionately targeted Somali residents and that sparked large marches, school and business walkouts, reports of U.S. citizens detained, and pepper‑spray confrontations. Multiple immigrants have filed federal lawsuits challenging detentions and at least one habeas petition alleges a warrantless battering‑ram home entry, while Minnesota lawmakers and other members of Congress have backed an effort to impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of constitutional violations and misconduct tied to the surge.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

ICE surge drives St. Paul restaurants to cut hours

Jan 13 TC 1

Several St. Paul–area restaurants and bars along key immigrant‑heavy corridors are closing on certain days or cutting back evening hours, with owners saying regulars have stopped coming out while ICE and Border Patrol vehicles cruise the streets. Managers describe empty dining rooms during times that were previously busy, staff losing shifts, and a sense that raids and street stops have turned normal business districts into something people are afraid to visit. Some operators told the paper they’re staying open only for daytime or lunchtime service, or shutting down entirely on nights when federal agents have been most visible, to avoid putting customers and workers in the middle of enforcement sweeps. The story fits a wider pattern that’s been playing out across the metro: immigrant‑serving groceries, child‑care centers and other small businesses reporting 50–75% drops in traffic since Operation Metro Surge began, even when most customers are citizens or legal residents. On social media, you’re seeing a split — immigrant communities calling this ‘terrorizing the neighborhood’ and pledging boycotts of chains seen as cooperating with ICE, while some law‑and‑order voices dismiss the closures as political theater — but the cash registers don’t lie: these places are bleeding revenue and cutting jobs because people are too scared to show up.

Business & Economy Public Safety Local Government

Top fraud prosecutor Joe Thompson, five others quit Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office amid ICE‑widow probe dispute

Jan 13 Developing TC 4

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson — the office’s top fraud prosecutor who led high‑profile cases including Feeding Our Future and major Medicaid/housing fraud probes — resigned along with five other assistant U.S. attorneys after internal pressure from Washington to open a criminal investigation into the widow of an ICE shooting victim that Thompson and colleagues deemed improper. The departures, which Fox 9 named Melinda Williams, Harry Jacobs and Thomas Calhoun‑Lopez among those leaving, have raised concerns about politicization, drawn criticism from Gov. Tim Walz, and could force reassignments or delays in key fraud prosecutions.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Trump administration ends Somali TPS, putting 500–600 Minnesotans at risk by March 17

Jan 13 Breaking TC 6

The Trump administration will not renew Temporary Protected Status for Somalia, formally set to expire March 17, putting roughly 500–600 Somali TPS holders in Minnesota — out of about 37,000 Somali‑born residents and roughly 700 Somalis nationwide covered by TPS — at risk of losing work authorization and facing detention or deportation. Local leaders and immigration attorneys say the move will strain social‑service and legal‑aid networks and threaten mixed‑status families, while DHS officials note any TPS decision must follow legal procedures and would apply nationwide rather than only to Minnesota.

Elections Legal Local Government

Minneapolis shares residents’ rights as ICE surge escalates

Jan 12 TC 2

Minneapolis officials have circulated guidance on residents’ rights and what to do if ICE or immigration agents appear at their door, including how to respond to requests for entry and when to ask to see a warrant. The outreach comes amid an enforcement surge that has included street‑level operations — most recently a reported incident in which U.S. Border Patrol agents swarmed and pinned a man and one agent kneed him in the face — underscoring that arrests are occurring in ordinary city settings, not only through criminal-warrant cases.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Border Patrol agent caught on video kneeing man in face in Minneapolis arrest

Jan 12 Developing TC 1

Bystander video published by the Minnesota Reformer shows a U.S. Border Patrol agent driving his knee into a man’s face while several other armed agents hold him prone on a Minneapolis street during the current federal immigration surge. The clip, shot in a residential area of the city, captures agents swarming the man, forcing him to the ground and, even after he appears pinned and not actively resisting, one officer repeatedly striking his head/face area with a knee. The article situates the incident within Operation Metro Surge and the broader deployment of hundreds of ICE and Border Patrol personnel to the Twin Cities, noting that DHS has framed the effort as targeting 'worst of the worst' offenders while local residents and advocates say the tactics are indiscriminate and brutal. It also reports on DHS/Border Patrol’s response or non‑response to questions about the use of force and includes reaction from community members who view the video as evidence that things are spiraling beyond control. The incident adds another on‑camera example of aggressive federal tactics in Minneapolis just weeks after the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good, increasing pressure on city officials and in pending lawsuits over the surge.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Walz makes unannounced visit to Renee Good memorial

Jan 12 Developing TC 1

Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen made an unannounced visit Monday morning to the south Minneapolis memorial for Renee Nicole Good, the woman ICE officer Jonathan Ross shot and killed Jan. 7 at 34th and Portland. Arriving in a black SUV, they spoke briefly with mourners and left flowers, spending about 10 minutes at the site that has become a focal point for anger over the shooting and the Trump administration’s immigration surge in the Twin Cities. Federal officials claim Good tried to run Ross over when he fired three shots into her Honda Pilot; Minneapolis officials, including Mayor Jacob Frey, say video instead shows her trying to drive away from Ross as he recklessly opened fire. The governor’s quiet appearance underscores how politically radioactive this shooting has become and adds pressure on federal agencies already facing protests, lawsuits, and demands for independent investigations into ICE tactics on city streets.

Public Safety Local Government

ICE takedown at St. Paul gas station sparks protest fury; DHS issues defense

Jan 12 Developing TC 2

Video footage shows federal agents detaining a man at a St. Paul gas station; DHS says the man was from Honduras with a final order of removal issued in 2020 and that Border Patrol broke the vehicle window and arrested him only after “multiple warnings and several minutes” as a crowd formed. The takedown sparked protests and a Maple Grove High School walkout, and DHS says a U.S. citizen in the crowd refused lawful orders, hit an officer and was arrested — a claim that contradicts protesters’ accounts circulating online.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

MDH: Student mental health improves; social media flagged

Jan 12 Breaking TC 2

A Minnesota student survey shows overall improvements in student mental health, though social media use remains a key concern. Separately, the Minnesota Department of Health said it will not adopt the CDC’s Jan. 5, 2026 revised childhood immunization schedule—saying the CDC’s rollback “does not reflect the best available science”—and will instead follow AAP/AAFP/ACOG schedules under a Walz executive order, joining Wisconsin in rejecting the federal changes.

Education Health Local Government

Minnesota rejects CDC’s scaled‑back childhood vaccine schedule

Jan 12 TC 1

The Minnesota Department of Health says it will not adopt the CDC’s newly revised childhood immunization schedule issued Jan. 5, 2026, which removed or softened several routine vaccine recommendations, and will instead continue to follow the more extensive schedules from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham is quoted saying the CDC’s changes “do not reflect the best available science,” and MDH points to a Walz executive order directing the state to maintain broad access to recommended vaccines. Because state schedules, not the CDC’s website copy, drive what Minnesota pediatricians and school systems use, Twin Cities families will still see the longstanding shot list for daycare and school entry unless and until MDH changes course. The article also notes Wisconsin is taking a similar position, underscoring that the CDC’s move is not being accepted as gospel in this region and that the federal guidance fight is as much political as scientific.

Health Local Government

Judge blocks Trump child‑care funding freeze for Minnesota

Jan 10 Breaking TC 1

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration from freezing child‑care and other federal program funds for five states, including Minnesota, at least for now. The order means key federal dollars that support child‑care and related services may continue flowing to Minnesota pending further litigation, easing some pressure on state agencies and providers in the Twin Cities that had been bracing for a cutoff tied to fraud disputes.

Legal Local Government Health

ACLU sought to curb ICE crowd‑control tactics weeks before fatal Renee Good shooting; hearing canceled day of killing

Jan 09 Breaking TC 2

Three weeks before Renee Good was fatally shot, the ACLU sued ICE and DHS alleging constitutional violations and asked a federal judge to bar Minnesota ICE agents from using crowd‑control weapons such as chemical irritants and flash‑bangs; a scheduled hearing in ACLU v. DHS/ICE was canceled without explanation hours after the killing. The ACLU cited a Chicago finding that ICE lacks regular crowd‑control training and pointed to Minnesota video it says shows excessive force, while ACLU‑MN warned the response to protests has grown more violent and the White House blamed Democrats for creating heightened, dangerous circumstances.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

CMS to defer $3.75B and Minnesota freezes new enrollment in 13 high‑risk Medicaid programs after fraud concerns

Jan 09 Breaking TC 4

Minnesota has ended its Medicaid-funded Housing Stabilization Services program amid FBI probes and widespread suspected fraud — DHS says more than 700 providers received over $100 million in HSS payments last year (far above initial estimates), that CMS approved the termination, and that it is coordinating with counties, tribes and managed-care organizations to redirect affected participants. As part of Gov. Tim Walz’s program‑integrity push, DHS has also imposed an immediate, statewide freeze on new provider enrollment and some service expansions across 13 designated high‑risk Medicaid programs while federal and state audits (including a legislatively ordered third‑party audit) review billing and oversight; officials say current clients should continue receiving services.

Health Housing Local Government

Minnesota freezes new providers in 13 Medicaid programs amid fraud probe

Jan 09 Developing TC 1

Minnesota’s Department of Human Services has imposed an immediate freeze on new provider enrollment across 13 Medicaid-funded programs it deems at high risk for fraud, saying current clients should keep receiving services while the state and federal government audit billing and tighten oversight. The move, announced Jan. 8, 2026, follows the shutdown of Housing Stabilization Services and CMS’s decision to defer payment on billions in claims, and will slow or block new providers and some service expansions in programs heavily used by Twin Cities residents, including disability, personal care and housing supports.

Health Local Government Business & Economy

Six charged as Minnesota Medicaid probes expand

Jan 08 Developing TC 3

Six people have been charged as federal investigations into Minnesota’s multibillion‑dollar Medicaid and human‑services programs expand, prompting Attorney General Pam Bondi to send a dedicated team of additional DOJ prosecutors to bolster the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Officials say the move responds to suspected widespread, complex financial fraud—Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson estimates losses in 14 vulnerable programs since 2018 could exceed $9 billion—and federal authorities vow “severe consequences” as they pursue broader cases beyond the initial indictments.

Legal Health Local Government

AG Pam Bondi sends more DOJ prosecutors to Minnesota fraud cases, vows severe consequences

Jan 08 Developing TC 2

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice is sending additional prosecutors to Minnesota to temporarily augment the U.S. Attorney’s Office and help handle a surge of fraud cases, with staff pulled from other DOJ components. Bondi described the deployment as a major escalation in enforcement and warned those convicted in the Minnesota fraud prosecutions should expect "severe consequences."

Legal Local Government Business & Economy

Ventura visits Roosevelt High after ICE confrontation

Jan 08 Developing TC 1

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura visited Minneapolis’ Roosevelt High School on Thursday to show support for staff after a chaotic ICE enforcement incident outside the school at dismissal, where video shows agents and a crowd as a chemical irritant is deployed and a staff member is reportedly detained. Ventura, a Roosevelt alum, publicly praised staff for standing up for students, criticized federal tactics and called the separate deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis a needless tragedy, while DHS provided FOX 9 a detailed statement saying agents were pursuing a U.S. citizen who allegedly rammed a government vehicle and led a dangerous five‑mile chase into the school zone before a teacher assaulted an agent and officers used 'targeted crowd control' with no tear gas. Minneapolis Public Schools has confirmed the Roosevelt incident and says it is investigating, as the teachers union alleges an employee was detained by ICE and community concerns over federal operations near schools escalate.

Public Safety Education Local Government

St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation completes full acquisition of U.S. Bank Center

Jan 08 Breaking TC 4

The St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation has completed the acquisition and closed on full fee ownership of the U.S. Bank Center at 101 E. 5th St., finalizing a process that began with a late‑2025 mortgage purchase and closed Dec. 30, 2025, using only private funding. The 25‑story, roughly 516,000‑square‑foot tower (with a 348‑stall parking ramp) will now be directly controlled by SPDDC for leasing, redevelopment and tenant recruitment, a move Mayor Kaohly Her and SPDDC say will help bridge the entertainment district and Lowertown and stabilize the downtown core.

Business & Economy Real Estate Housing

MDH rejects new CDC childhood vaccine schedule

Jan 08 Breaking TC 1

The Minnesota Department of Health says it will not adopt the CDC’s newly revised childhood immunization schedule issued Jan. 5, 2026, instead aligning state guidance with the evidence‑based schedules of the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Commissioner Dr. Brooke Cunningham said the CDC’s move to drop several vaccines from its universal recommendations “does not reflect the best available science,” and Minnesota will maintain broader recommendations and access consistent with an executive order from Gov. Tim Walz, while Wisconsin announced it will likewise ignore the federal change for its school and child‑care recommendations.

Health Local Government

Audit finds 12 compliance issues at MN Governor’s Office

Jan 07 Breaking TC 3

A legislative audit of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s office identified 12 compliance issues — including failure to recover costs for private events at the Governor’s Residence, missing or late retroactive pay, an incomplete electronics inventory, inaccurate reimbursements and late vendor payments — while finding no problems with the governor’s or lieutenant governor’s salaries or staff who worked on the 2024 presidential campaign. Republican leaders criticized the administration’s financial controls, and separately the Legislative Auditor released a different report documenting systemic oversight failures in DHS behavioral‑health grants, with missing documentation and questionable payments prompting reforms.

Legal Local Government Health

Legislative auditor finds major gaps in DHS behavioral‑health grants

Jan 07 TC 1

Minnesota’s Legislative Auditor released a report finding the Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health division failed to properly oversee tens of millions of dollars in drug‑treatment and mental‑health grants between July 2022 and December 2024, with 63 of 71 grants showing compliance problems and at least one $672,647 payment unsupported by invoices or service records. The audit details lax monitoring, steep mid‑stream grant increases—including one boost from $600,000 to $5.6 million—and a grant manager who soon left DHS to consult for the same grantee, prompting DHS to concede the findings, create a Central Grants Office, and promise tighter controls on providers that include many serving Minneapolis–St. Paul.

Local Government Health Legal

Anoka-Hennepin teachers, district reach tentative deal, avert Jan. 8 strike

Jan 07 Breaking TC 1

The Anoka-Hennepin School District and Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota reached a tentative contract agreement around 5 a.m. Wednesday after a 20-hour mediation session, preventing a teacher strike that had been set to begin Thursday, Jan. 8. The deal, which still must be ratified by union members and approved by the School Board, covers about 3,200 educators across 52 schools and ensures classes and activities will continue as scheduled while detailed terms have not yet been released.

Education Business & Economy Local Government

Audit finds widespread oversight failures in Minnesota substance‑abuse grants

Jan 07 TC 1

A new report from Minnesota’s Office of the Legislative Auditor finds the DHS Behavioral Health Administration failed to adequately oversee millions in substance‑abuse grants between July 2022 and December 2024, with systemic compliance problems in 63 of 71 audited grants and documentation issues in 11 of 18 tested payments. Auditors highlight a $672,647 one‑month payment a grantee could not support with invoices or participant records, steep mid‑stream grant increases (including one from $600,000 to $5.6 million), and a grant manager who approved the large payment, then left DHS days later to consult for that same provider. In response, BHA says it is restructuring oversight, creating a Central Grants Office and tightening monitoring of contracts and grants, changes that will affect Twin Cities treatment providers and clients who rely on these services.

Health Local Government Business & Economy

MPD chief reports major 2025 drop in violent crime

Jan 06 TC 1

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said 2025 saw broad declines in serious street crime despite seven mass shootings, with homicides falling to 64 from 77 in 2024 and gunshot wound victims down 18%, including record‑low shooting numbers in north Minneapolis. Robberies are down 50% and carjackings 73% from 2021 peaks, burglaries fell 10% and aggravated assaults 9%, while MPD modestly rebuilt staffing—hiring 174 officers and losing 49—and cut average Priority‑1 911 response times back toward pre‑2020 levels. O’Hara also urged both federal ICE agents and protesters to avoid violence or property damage as a roughly 2,000‑agent immigration surge continues in the Twin Cities, warning that Lake Street’s largely immigrant business corridor must not be harmed again.

Public Safety Local Government

Feds freeze Minnesota child-care funds; state launches added on‑site checks at 55 providers

Jan 06 Developing TC 2

Federal officials have frozen Minnesota’s child-care funds amid allegations from senior HHS leaders — echoed by increased congressional scrutiny — that scammers and fake daycares siphoned millions over the past decade. In response, Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families says its Office of Inspector General, working with BCA agents, will begin immediate on‑site compliance visits at 55 providers now under investigation (including four featured in a viral video), and that DCYF and providers learned of the HHS freeze at the same time as the public while the state has until Jan. 9 to provide additional information.

Legal Local Government Business & Economy

Gov. Tim Walz won’t seek third term; fraud fallout and Trump attacks shape 2026 field

Jan 05 Breaking TC 7

Gov. Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, reversing earlier intentions and saying 2025 has become "an extraordinarily difficult year" — citing a statewide fraud crisis and sustained political attacks from President Donald Trump and allies that he says have left him unable to mount a full campaign; Walz defended his administration’s fraud response, including seeking new legislative tools, firing staff, prosecuting offenders, cutting funding streams tied to criminal activity and hiring a statewide head of program integrity. His exit reshapes the 2026 race: Democrats have no clear frontrunner though Sen. Amy Klobuchar is reportedly considering a run (with Secretary of State Steve Simon also floated and Rep. Dean Phillips saying he won’t run), while a crowded GOP field — including House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Mike Lindell, Rep. Kristin Robbins, Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel, former Sen. Scott Jensen, Brad Kohler, Kendall Qualls, Jeff Johnson and Phillip Parrish — has already formed amid sharp reactions from DFL leaders blaming Trump-era attacks.

Elections Local Government Business & Economy

U.S. House Oversight Committee calls on Walz to testify in Minnesota fraud probe

Jan 05 Developing TC 12

House Oversight Chair James Comer has asked Gov. Tim Walz to testify at a Feb. 10, 2026 hearing (with an initial session Jan. 7) into alleged large‑scale fraud in Minnesota social‑services programs, accusing state leaders of being “asleep at the wheel or complicit.” Federal prosecutors and the FBI say fraud in 14 high‑risk Medicaid programs — roughly $18 billion in spending since 2018 — could be in the multi‑billion‑dollar range, while the Walz administration and state auditors say they’ve only documented tens of millions to date and are coordinating cross‑agency audits and investigations amid mounting political pressure.

Legal Local Government Business & Economy

Hortman children urge Trump to pull assassination conspiracy video

Jan 05 Developing TC 1

The children of slain Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman are publicly asking President Donald Trump to remove and apologize for a video he shared that falsely suggests Gov. Tim Walz orchestrated their parents’ killing as retaliation for her vote on MNsure coverage for undocumented immigrants. The FOX 9 report details how the video repackages long‑running conspiracy theories about accused gunman Vance Boelter’s prior board appointment and Hortman’s reluctant vote, while federal prosecutors have explicitly called Boelter’s letter alleging Walz ordered other killings 'fantasy and delusion' and say he acted alone. Colin and Sophie Hortman recount their mother’s anguish over the vote and warn that the killer himself was driven by conspiracy theories, underscoring the danger of misinformation.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Northstar Commuter Rail to shut down Jan. 4

Jan 04 Breaking TC 1

Metro Transit will permanently end Northstar Commuter Rail service on Sunday, Jan. 4, after years of steep ridership declines from about 3,000 weekday riders pre‑pandemic to just over 400 weekly rides in 2024, on a line running from Target Field in downtown Minneapolis through Fridley, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Ramsey and Elk River to Big Lake. Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, Metro Transit will launch enhanced Route 888 express buses serving existing Northstar stations in Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids and downtown Minneapolis every 30 minutes during weekday rush hours and hourly midday to replace part of the rail service.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Minnesota paid leave logs 11,883 applications in first week; two-thirds approved

Jan 03 TC 10

Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program logged 11,883 applications in its first week (including early bonding filings), and DEED has reviewed 6,393 so far, approving roughly two‑thirds of processed claims; early filings included about 1,448 bonding, 1,449 medical, 274 caregiving, 6 safety and 3 military‑family claims. The program — projected to serve about 130,000 claimants in year one at an estimated $1.6 billion cost and funded by a 0.88% payroll tax (employers may collect up to ~0.44% from employees) — requires $3,900 in prior‑year earnings, pays 55%–90% of wages up to $1,423/week with event caps (12 weeks per event, 20 weeks combined), and uses layered fraud controls including LoginMN ID verification with a live selfie, provider certification and EHR checks, unemployment‑data matching, analytics and random audits.

Business & Economy Technology Local Government

SBA suspends 6,900 Minnesota PPP/EIDL borrowers, flags $400M for fraud review

Jan 02 Breaking TC 2

The SBA’s internal review flagged roughly 7,900 PPP and EIDL loans in Minnesota totaling about $400 million as suspected fraud and has suspended 6,900 borrowers from all SBA programs. Under current SBA policy those suspensions amount to permanent bars to future SBA participation, and the agency said it will refer the cases to federal law enforcement for potential prosecution and recovery, coordinating with a broader federal fraud probe of Minnesota-administered programs.

Business & Economy Legal Local Government

Half of Skyline Tower residents return; St. Paul adds loan program as west tower repairs continue

Jan 02 Breaking TC 7

About five days after a Sunday fire and resulting power outage at the 24‑story Skyline Tower in St. Paul, roughly half of the building’s 773 residents have returned — all 141 households in the east tower — after the city cleared the structure, while the west tower remains closed for repairs following significant sprinkler water damage. St. Paul has added a loan program to help residents displaced or financially affected by the evacuation with housing and recovery costs, supplementing aid from CommonBond, the Red Cross and other supports; investigators say the blaze activated sprinklers on the 12th–14th floors, knocked out heat, water and elevators, no injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.

Utilities Local Government Housing

Kaohly Her wins St. Paul mayor with 51.5% after RCV

Jan 02 Breaking TC 13

Rep. Kaohly Her defeated incumbent Melvin Carter after ranked‑choice tabulation produced a final total of 51.5%, overturning a first‑round deficit (Carter 40.83% — 27,611; Her 38.38% — 25,884 of 67,617 ballots) as Her picked up the bulk of second‑choice transfers and won by roughly 2.77 percentage points (~1,877 votes); Ramsey County used open‑source RCV/RCTab software to complete same‑night tabulation and Carter conceded after midnight. Her becomes St. Paul’s first Hmong‑American and first woman mayor, will join an all‑women City Council, serve a three‑year term before the city shifts to even‑year elections in 2028, and is to be sworn in Friday.

Local Government Elections

Kaohly Her defeats Carter for St. Paul mayor

Jan 02 Breaking TC 2

State Rep. Kaohly Her defeated incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter in a stunning upset to become St. Paul's next mayor, making history as the city will, for the first time, have a woman mayor serving with an all‑women City Council. Her is scheduled to be sworn in at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Catherine University (streamed live), will serve a three‑year term as the city shifts mayoral elections to even‑numbered years beginning in 2028, and has said she will focus on cross‑government and cross‑sector collaboration as Carter posted a social‑media reflection on his time in office.

Elections Local Government

Kaohly Her sworn in as St. Paul mayor Friday at St. Catherine University

Jan 02 Breaking TC 2

Kaohly Her will be sworn in as St. Paul mayor at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Catherine University, with live video coverage planned for viewers. Her becomes the city’s first woman, first Hmong and first Asian American mayor as St. Paul will simultaneously have an all‑women City Council; a refugee from Laos who served as Mayor Melvin Carter’s policy director and in the state House since 2018, she says she intends to govern collaboratively through cross‑department and cross‑sector partnerships.

Local Government Elections

New 2026 federal tax rules for tips, overtime, seniors

Jan 01 TC 1

A FOX 9 guide outlines how President Donald Trump’s 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes 2025 federal income tax filing for 2026, including temporary deductions that can effectively shield up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime pay ($25,000 for joint filers), a new $6,000 senior deduction for qualifying older adults, and deductibility of up to $10,000 in car‑loan interest on U.S.-assembled vehicles. The law also raises the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $2,200 per child and ends the IRS Direct File pilot for 2026, meaning Twin Cities filers must use other e‑file or paid-prep options by the April 15, 2026 deadline.

Business & Economy Local Government

Minnesota paid family leave, break rules begin Jan. 1

Jan 01 TC 1

Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave law took effect Jan. 1, 2026, allowing most workers statewide to claim up to 20 weeks of paid leave per year—12 weeks for their own medical needs and 12 for family or safety reasons—with wage replacement generally between 55% and 90% of normal pay, capped at about $1,423 per week. Eligibility requires at least $3,900 in prior‑year earnings and excludes certain groups such as federal and tribal employees, postal and railroad workers, seasonal hospitality workers, independent contractors and the self‑employed, while a separate new law now guarantees at least a 15‑minute rest break every four hours and a 30‑minute meal break every six hours for Minnesota employees. Employers can withhold up to 0.44% of wages to help fund the program, leave can be taken in blocks or intermittently, and most workers are entitled to return to the same or an equivalent job after 90 days on the job, with retaliation prohibited.

Local Government Business & Economy Education

DHS sends fraud agents door-to-door in Burnsville

Dec 31 Breaking TC 2

The Department of Homeland Security sent agents door-to-door in Burnsville to visit suspected fraud sites. Reporting links the visits to political and media fallout from a viral child-care fraud video promoted by Minnesota Republicans, which reportedly spurred FBI Director Kash Patel to intensify the fraud investigation.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

GOP collaboration with YouTuber heightens fallout from viral Minnesota day-care fraud video

Dec 31 Developing TC 4

House Republicans acknowledged working with YouTuber Nick Shirley on a viral video alleging roughly $110 million in Minnesota day‑care fraud — a piece that drew federal attention (DHS/HSI) and comes amid an HHS freeze on about $185 million in child‑care payments and door‑to‑door state investigations; GOP staff said they provided some information while DFL leaders called the effort a political stunt. State child‑care officials say the 10 centers named have been inspected at least once in the past six months and are being re‑reviewed, reporting children present and headcounts matching licenses with no findings of fraud so far, while some centers are closed and providers have publicly denied wrongdoing.

Public Safety Local Government Legal

St. Paul bans cryptocurrency kiosks; Bitcoin Depot sues to overturn ordinance

Dec 30 Developing TC 3

On Nov. 19 the St. Paul City Council adopted a 6–1 ordinance, led by Council President Rebecca Noecker, banning cryptocurrency kiosks citywide — a move Council Members Saura Jost and Cheniqua Johnson said was prompted by presentations on scams, with the city home to at least 32 kiosks and Minnesota reporting 51 kiosk-related scams totaling about $700,000; Council Member Anika Bowie cast the lone dissenting vote, saying a ban would simply shift the problem to neighboring cities. Bitcoin Depot, which had spoken at the St. Paul hearing and previously sued over Stillwater’s similar ban, has now filed suit seeking to block enforcement of St. Paul’s ordinance, arguing it is preempted by state or federal law and unlawfully interferes with its business.

Legal Local Government Public Safety

Melanie Rucker named interim Minneapolis fire chief

Dec 30 Breaking TC 1

Minneapolis Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker will serve as interim fire chief starting at the end of December, following the retirement of Chief Bryan Tyner, while the city conducts a nationwide search expected to conclude by spring 2026. Mayor Jacob Frey said Rucker—who joined the department in 1999 and becomes the first Black woman and only the second woman to lead MFD—will return to her assistant chief and public information officer role once a permanent chief is appointed, with City Council approval required for the final hire.

Local Government Public Safety

St. Paul honors firefighter Timothy Bertz after on‑duty death days after academy graduation

Dec 29 Breaking TC 3

St. Paul honored firefighter Timothy Bertz, a recent St. Paul Fire Academy graduate who died days after graduating, at a memorial attended by department leadership, colleagues and family who remembered his “all in” mentality and commitment. Gov. Tim Walz issued a proclamation ordering U.S. and Minnesota flags at half-staff statewide on the day of Bertz’s funeral and encouraged state buildings, businesses and individuals to lower their flags in his honor.

Public Safety Local Government

St. Paul declares snow emergency; night plow 9 p.m. Monday, day plow 8 a.m. Tuesday

Dec 29 Breaking TC 4

St. Paul has declared a snow emergency beginning at 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, with night‑plow routes overnight and day‑plow routes starting 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30 — blocks without a “night plow” sign are treated as day‑plow routes and parking will be prohibited during that phase. The declaration follows a winter storm that dropped roughly 5–7 inches (MSP 5.8"), and the city has entered enforcement with ticketing and towing of violators (St. Paul issued 3,253 tickets and towed 952 vehicles during the recent snow‑emergency period); Minneapolis has overlapping snow‑emergency phases and parking rules for Monday.

Weather Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Minneapolis declares Dec. 28–30 snow emergency with three-day parking rules

Dec 28 Breaking TC 2

Minneapolis has declared a Snow Emergency beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, ahead of a storm expected to drop 4–7 inches, and will impose a three-day parking schedule: Day 1 — no parking on either side of Snow Emergency routes from 9 p.m. Dec. 28–8 a.m. Dec. 29; Day 2 — no parking on even sides of non-Snow Emergency routes and both sides of parkways from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Dec. 29; Day 3 — no parking on odd sides of non-Snow Emergency routes from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Dec. 30. Several Twin Cities suburbs, including New Hope, West St. Paul, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Crystal, Elk River and St. James, have also declared snow emergencies, and the same storm prompted a ground delay program at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.

Weather Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Lakeville proposes sweeping 2026–27 school boundary changes

Dec 28 Breaking TC 1

Lakeville Area Schools is proposing district‑wide attendance boundary changes for the 2026–27 school year—its second major redraw in two years—that would reassign students at all nine elementary schools and four middle schools to relieve overcrowding and plan for growth. Board Chair Matt Swanson says the district has added 800 students in five years and expects 500 more in the next five, while parents worry about repeated school moves for their children; a public feedback meeting is set for Jan. 6 ahead of a Jan. 13 board vote.

Education Local Government

Eagan Grace Slavic Church fire forces Christmas and school relocation

Dec 24 Breaking TC 3

Investigators say Christmas lights likely sparked a blaze that heavily damaged Eagan’s Grace Slavic Church — leaving a hole in the roof, burned gutters and boarded windows while the sanctuary cross remains — and forcing the congregation to relocate Christmas services, with another church offering space and revised schedules. The fire also displaced Baitul Hikmah Academy classes, which shifted to e‑learning and temporary host/interim spaces, as leaders and families (including many Ukrainian immigrants the church has served) cope and a recovery GoFundMe has raised about $3,700.

Public Safety Local Government Community

Federal judge rebukes DHS mandatory detention in Minneapolis case

Dec 23 TC 1

U.S. District Court Judge Laura Provinzino has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s use of a 'mandatory-detention' policy in immigration cases, ruling it unlawful and ordering DHS to give Minneapolis resident Roberto Mata Fuentes a bond hearing or release after he was held 50 days in Sherburne County Jail without bond eligibility. Mata Fuentes, a Mexican national who has lived in Minnesota for more than 20 years, has no criminal record, holds a work permit and is pursuing a U visa; an immigration judge has since granted him $3,500 bond, allowing him to reunite with his wife and three U.S.-born children in time for Christmas while his deportation case continues. The ruling notes that federal judges nationwide have told the government nearly 300 times that this detention scheme is unlawful, yet DHS continues to apply it amid an intensified raid campaign in Minnesota.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Attempted break‑in targets St. Paul Rep. Samakab Hussein

Dec 23 Breaking TC 2

St. Paul State Rep. Samakab Hussein says someone attempted to break into his home while his family was inside, leaving them "terribly shaken" but unharmed, and St. Paul police are investigating the incident as an attempted break‑in. Hussein and fellow legislators have linked the episode to a broader climate of threats and racist, anti‑immigrant rhetoric directed at him and other officials.

Public Safety Local Government

Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association issues no‑confidence vote in DOC chief Schnell, urges Walz to remove him

Dec 23 Breaking TC 2

The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association at its winter conference issued a formal vote of no confidence in Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell and urged Gov. Tim Walz to remove him or for Schnell to resign. Sheriffs said Schnell’s leadership has produced inconsistent enforcement of DOC rules, burdensome and uneven jail inspections, poor communication and cooperation, and increased costs and operational burdens on county jails — with MSA President Lon Thiele calling his leadership "detrimental to public safety."

Local Government Public Safety Legal

98 Minnesota mayors warn state that fraud, mandates and cuts are driving 2026 levy hikes

Dec 23 TC 7

Ninety‑eight Minnesota mayors sent a joint letter to the governor and legislative leaders warning that “widespread fraud,” unfunded state mandates, cuts and broader fiscal mismanagement are forcing cities into higher 2026 property‑tax levies, constraining public‑safety staffing and delaying infrastructure projects. Preliminary Department of Revenue data and local reports show proposed 2026 levies could rise roughly $948 million statewide (preliminary increases up to about 6.9%, with average city proposals around 8.7% and county proposals up to 8.1%), every county proposing increases (some double‑digit), with truth‑in‑taxation meetings set for Nov.–Dec., final levies due Dec. 29 and final statewide totals released after the February forecast.

Local Government Business & Economy

Anoka-Hennepin teachers set Jan. 8 strike date

Dec 23 Developing TC 1

Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota has filed a formal intent-to-strike notice with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, setting Jan. 8 as the earliest possible date for a teachers’ strike if no contract agreement is reached. The union, representing educators in the Twin Cities’ largest district, says rising health-insurance costs and pay are the main sticking points, while the school board says it remains committed to negotiating through mediation and will hold a special meeting to discuss the labor situation.

Education Business & Economy Local Government

Ninety‑eight Minnesota mayors warn state on fraud, mandates and rising costs

Dec 22 Breaking TC 1

A coalition of 98 Minnesota mayors sent a joint letter to state leaders Monday warning that widespread fraud, unfunded mandates and rising costs are driving up local property‑tax levies, limiting public safety staffing and delaying infrastructure work, and citing the swing from an $18 billion surplus to a projected $2.9–$3 billion 2028–29 deficit as evidence of poor fiscal management. The mayors say many cities face 2026 levy hikes averaging 8.7% and counties up to 8.1%, and urge the state to change course to avoid 'taxing our families, seniors, and businesses out of Minnesota.'

Local Government Business & Economy

Inver Grove Heights superintendent to retire

Dec 21 Breaking TC 1

Inver Grove Heights Schools (ISD 199) Superintendent Dave Bernhardson announced his retirement on Dec. 21, 2025. The leadership change affects the Dakota County district serving Inver Grove Heights; details on timing and next steps for selecting a successor were not immediately provided.

Education Local Government

St. Paul keeps Hmong program at current campuses

Dec 20 Breaking TC 1

The St. Paul School Board voted on Dec. 19, 2025 to keep the district’s Hmong language and culture school/program at its current campuses, declining proposals to relocate or consolidate. The decision affects Saint Paul Public Schools students and families and settles immediate questions about facility changes for the program.

Education Local Government

St. Paul orders ICE to stop using city lots

Dec 20 Breaking TC 1

The City of St. Paul sent a cease-and-desist letter on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, directing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop staging enforcement operations in city-owned parking lots. The action cites city rules and the separation policy and follows recent immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities.

Local Government Public Safety

Federal law expands first‑responder benefits

Dec 19 Breaking TC 1

A new federal law inspired by a fallen St. Paul fire captain expands survivor and disability benefits for first responders nationwide. Enacted this week, the change broadens eligibility and streamlines claims for firefighters, police and EMS, and directly affects Twin Cities agencies and their families.

Public Safety Local Government

Trump secures drugmaker deals to cut Medicaid prices

Dec 19 Breaking TC 1

President Donald Trump said Friday his administration reached agreements with nine additional major drugmakers — bringing 14 of the 17 largest firms on board — to a 'most‑favored‑nation' pricing initiative aimed at keeping Medicaid drug costs at or below prices in other high‑income countries. The deals also include a combined $150 billion in new U.S. investment commitments and contributions of active pharmaceutical ingredients to a federal reserve, with a new TrumpRX.gov site set to launch in January 2026.

Health Business & Economy Local Government

U.S. House votes to delist gray wolf

Dec 19 Breaking TC 1

The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 18, 2025, passed a bill to remove the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species Act list, sending the measure to the Senate. If it becomes law, federal protections would be lifted and management of wolves would revert to states, including Minnesota, potentially changing how the species is managed statewide.

Environment Local Government

Developer seeks $3.5M St. Paul loan for Grand/Victoria project

Dec 18 Breaking TC 2

A developer has asked the City of St. Paul for a $3.5 million loan to help finance a mixed-use housing and retail project at Grand Avenue and Victoria Street. On December 18, 2025, the St. Paul City Council approved creation of a $9 million tax-increment financing district for the same area, a larger public-financing step than the earlier loan request.

Housing Business & Economy Local Government

St. Paul approves $9M TIF at Grand–Victoria

Dec 18 Breaking TC 1

The St. Paul City Council on Dec. 18 approved a $9 million tax‑increment financing district at Victoria Street and Grand Avenue to support redevelopment in the area. The public‑financing measure formalizes a significant city investment mechanism for the corridor.

Local Government Housing

After Senate rejection, House Speaker rules out ACA subsidy vote; 2026 lapse more likely

Dec 17 TC 8

After the Senate voted down both a Democratic plan to extend enhanced ACA premium subsidies and a Republican alternative—and with Senate Republicans unveiling a plan that does not include the extensions—the likelihood the enhanced subsidies will lapse for the 2026 plan year has risen, threatening steep premium increases for millions nationally (including about 89,000 MNsure recipients and up to 24 million exchange enrollees). House Speaker Mike Johnson said Dec. 16 the House will not take up a subsidy-extension vote and will instead press a GOP health‑care plan, closing near‑term congressional paths despite a White House draft to extend subsidies for two years with eligibility caps and minimum premiums.

Government/Regulatory Local Government Health

DFL primary sets Shelley Buck as HD47A nominee; HD64A DFL results pending for Jan. 27 specials

Dec 17 Breaking TC 3

Special elections for Minnesota House seats in St. Paul (HD64A) and Woodbury (HD47A) are set for Jan. 27. In DFL primaries held Tuesday, Shelley Buck won the nomination in HD47A, while results in the HD64A St. Paul primary — where seven candidates competed — were still pending.

Local Government Elections

Shelley Buck wins HD47A DFL primary

Dec 17 Developing TC 1

Shelley Buck won the DFL primary for Minnesota House District 47A (Woodbury area) on Dec. 16, 2025, setting the party’s nominee for the Jan. 27 special election. Results in the DFL primary for House District 64A (St. Paul) remained pending at publication.

Elections Local Government

Washington County adopts 2026 levy at 6.95%, lowest in metro

Dec 16 Breaking TC 2

On Dec. 16, 2025, the Washington County Board approved the final 2026 property‑tax levy at a 6.95% increase. That rate is the lowest levy increase among counties in the Twin Cities metro area.

Business & Economy Local Government

Walz signs two gun‑violence executive orders, establishes Statewide Safety Council

Dec 16 Breaking TC 15

Facing a stalemated Legislature, Gov. Tim Walz on Dec. 16 signed two executive orders that immediately establish a Statewide Safety Council and direct the state to expand education on safe firearm storage and Minnesota’s red‑flag law while collecting more data on the societal costs of gun violence. Walz framed the orders as bypassing a special session and said they could face legal challenges; critics including the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus called them “low‑impact” political cover and GOP leaders disputed his account of negotiations.

Legal Elections Public Safety

MSP reassesses disadvantaged business programs after rule change

Dec 16 Developing TC 1

The Metropolitan Airports Commission says it is reevaluating which firms qualify for its disadvantaged business programs at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport after a federal rule under the Trump administration eliminated race and gender as factors for determining economic disadvantage. The review could affect certification and future contracting opportunities at MSP; updated criteria and timelines were not immediately disclosed.

Business & Economy Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

Dakota County adopts 2026 budget with 9.9% levy increase

Dec 16 Breaking TC 3

Dakota County scheduled a Tuesday meeting to serve as the public hearing/Truth‑in‑Taxation step on a proposed 9.9% increase to the 2026 property‑tax levy. At its Dec. 16, 2025 meeting the County Board approved the final levy at 9.9% and adopted the 2026 budget.

Business & Economy Local Government

Minnesota pauses adult day center licensing

Dec 16 Breaking TC 2

Minnesota is pausing issuance of new adult day center licenses to increase oversight of the rapidly growing program. The Walz administration says the moratorium is part of an expanded statewide fraud probe and broader program‑integrity efforts to tighten scrutiny amid concerns about provider growth and potential fraud.

Local Government Health

Robbinsdale board advances closures of Noble, Sonnesyn and Robbinsdale Middle; final vote Jan. 20 amid $20M shortfall

Dec 16 Developing TC 2

The Robbinsdale School Board voted to advance a plan to close Noble Elementary, Sonnesyn Elementary and Robbinsdale Middle School to address a roughly $20 million deficit the district attributes to an accounting error and declining enrollment. A final draft will be reviewed Jan. 5 with a final vote set for Jan. 20 under a plan that keeps Lakeview and Neill elementaries open, and parents raised concerns about the closures’ community impacts.

Local Government Education

Ramsey County adopts 8.25% final levy, trims operating budget

Dec 16 Breaking TC 3

Ramsey County initially set a preliminary 9.75% property-tax levy and scheduled a truth-in-taxation hearing to take public comment and provide information. After that process the county board adopted a final 2026 levy increase of 8.25% and approved a reduced operating budget, replacing the earlier preliminary levy.

Local Government Business & Economy

Feds to review Minnesota benefits programs over fraud

Dec 16 Developing TC 2

Federal officials have announced a targeted review of Minnesota benefits programs amid concerns about fraud in unemployment and nutrition assistance. As part of that review, the U.S. Department of Labor is sending an on‑site team to investigate potential unemployment insurance fraud.

Business & Economy Local Government Legal

Rondo Library to close Dec. 15 for renovations

Dec 16 Breaking TC 2

St. Paul’s Rondo Community Library will close on Dec. 15 for up to a year while it undergoes planned facility and safety upgrades. The temporary shutdown, which began ahead of some planned improvements, has prompted community concerns about the loss of library space and services during the renovation.

Transit & Infrastructure Education Local Government

St. Paul council delays vote on police force review tied to ICE operation

Dec 16 Developing TC 9

On Dec. 3 the St. Paul City Council postponed a planned vote to review SPPD’s use of force during the Nov. 25 ICE operation on Rose Avenue, delaying action to a later meeting while council members had called for an audit of public costs, a review of compliance with the city’s separation ordinance and scrutiny of pepper balls, less‑lethal munitions and other chemical irritants. Community groups and leaders say police violated department policy and demand video release and discipline, and the council now plans to ask the Minnesota POST Board for a thorough state‑level investigation as Chief Axel Henry — who described SPPD’s role as a “rope in a tug of war” — urged better communication with ICE to prevent future clashes.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Hennepin County to pay $370K in back wages

Dec 15 Breaking TC 1

Hennepin County is paying $370,000 in back wages to security guards employed by a subcontractor on county contracts after determining they were underpaid under county labor standards. The county said the payout will make affected workers whole for work performed at county sites; details on the vendor and the number of workers were not immediately disclosed.

Local Government Business & Economy

Minnesota sets new rest, meal break minimums Jan. 1

Dec 15 TC 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota law requires employers to provide at least a 15‑minute rest break (or enough time to reach the nearest restroom, whichever is longer) within each four consecutive hours worked, and a minimum 30‑minute meal break for every six consecutive hours. The change, part of several laws taking effect statewide, also coincides with other updates noted by officials, including higher watercraft surcharges and an end to shotgun‑only deer hunting zones.

Local Government Business & Economy

AG: Only county boards (not sheriffs) can sign ICE 287(g); detainers alone not lawful basis to hold

Dec 14 Breaking TC 2

Minnesota Attorney General’s legal opinion says only county boards of commissioners—not sheriffs—may enter into ICE 287(g) agreements, noting that sheriffs may contract for police services with towns and cities but Minnesota law intentionally omits authority to contract with the federal government. The opinion, requested by Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and building on a February 2025 ruling that barred detainer-only holds when state law requires release, also makes clear 287(g) agreements do not authorize officers to detain people solely on ICE detainers and that state arrest laws govern custody.

Legal Local Government Public Safety

Minneapolis passes stronger ICE noncooperation ordinance, codifying staging ban and adding MPD reporting

Dec 12 Developing TC 4

The Minneapolis City Council voted to strengthen the city’s 2003 separation ordinance, formally codifying Mayor Frey’s executive order banning ICE from staging on city-owned lots, ramps and garages and adding requirements that the MPD publicly report to the mayor, council and public any collaboration with federal authorities (with stated exemptions), while saying working alongside masked or unidentified agents without clear agency identification is contrary to city values and public safety. The measure — passed as ICE activity and arrests in Minnesota have increased (the Trump administration sent about 100 federal agents) — also included a $40,000 boost for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and comes amid suburban clarifications that local police do not enforce federal immigration law.

Local Government Legal Public Safety

Ramsey County Board Chair Rafael Ortega will not seek re‑election in 2026

Dec 12 Breaking TC 2

Rafael Ortega, chair of the Ramsey County Board, has announced he will not seek re‑election in 2026. His decision creates an open seat in District 5, which includes downtown St. Paul and West Seventh, despite earlier reports that he was running for re‑election.

Elections Local Government

Ortega won’t seek 2026 Ramsey County re‑election

Dec 12 Breaking TC 1

Ramsey County Board Chair Rafael Ortega announced on Dec. 12, 2025, that he will not seek re‑election in 2026, opening the District 5 seat that includes parts of St. Paul. The decision ends his long tenure on the board and reshapes the county’s 2026 ballot.

Elections Local Government

Walz appoints statewide fraud‑prevention director and launches program‑integrity push

Dec 12 Breaking TC 2

Gov. Tim Walz on Dec. 12, 2025, formally appointed a statewide fraud‑prevention director and announced a program‑integrity initiative. The effort is intended to strengthen anti‑fraud oversight and coordination across state agencies.

Legal Business & Economy Local Government

Trump order seeks to preempt state AI rules

Dec 12 Breaking TC 1

On Dec. 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to block states from regulating artificial intelligence, centralizing oversight at the federal level. The move would constrain Minnesota and Twin Cities authorities from enacting or enforcing local AI rules affecting public agencies, schools and major employers, and could shift compliance requirements for metro businesses and governments.

Technology Local Government Legal

Minneapolis approves final George Floyd Square plan

Dec 11 Breaking TC 1

The Minneapolis City Council on Dec. 11 approved a final “flexible open street” plan for George Floyd Square at 38th & Chicago, keeping the intersection open to traffic while prohibiting vehicles from crossing the precise memorial location. Construction is slated to begin in 2026 and includes major infrastructure upgrades and restoration of Metro Transit service on Chicago Avenue, with city leaders saying the design centers healing, unity and neighborhood vitality.

Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

Court backs Wayzata in TCF site dispute

Dec 11 Developing TC 1

A court ruled in favor of the City of Wayzata in its years‑long dispute with Lake West Development over redevelopment of the former TCF Bank site, the latest turn in a saga that has seen six developer proposals since 2020 and prior litigation over rejected plans. The decision, reported Dec. 11, 2025, keeps the city’s position intact for now as the parties continue a protracted fight over the high‑profile property.

Legal Local Government

Forest Lake schools open applications for board vacancy; interviews set Dec. 4

Dec 11 Breaking TC 7

ISD 831 opened applications to fill Luke Hagglund’s vacant school board seat, accepting submissions through 4 p.m. Nov. 20 and scheduling interviews for Dec. 4; eleven people applied. After the Dec. 4 interviews the board deadlocked and made no appointment, and on Dec. 11 the board named three finalists to advance the selection process.

Local Government Education

Ramsey County appoints housing stability director

Dec 11 Breaking TC 1

Ramsey County announced Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, that it has appointed a new Housing Stability Director to lead county programs that address homelessness, eviction prevention and supportive housing. The position will oversee policy and service coordination across county departments and partners serving residents in Saint Paul and Ramsey County.

Housing Local Government

Mike Lindell launches Minnesota governor bid

Dec 11 Breaking TC 1

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announced Thursday he is officially running for Minnesota governor in 2026 after filing paperwork earlier this month. He joins a crowded GOP field that includes House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Rep. Kristin Robbins, Kendall Qualls, Chris Madel, Scott Jensen and others to challenge Gov. Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term.

Elections Local Government

Minneapolis ordinance to codify Frey’s ICE staging ban and add MPD reporting requirements

Dec 11 Breaking TC 2

Minneapolis City Council is set to introduce an ordinance that explicitly codifies Mayor Jacob Frey’s executive order restricting ICE from staging on city-owned property. The proposal also requires the Minneapolis Police Department to file public reports after any exempted collaboration with federal authorities and includes language discouraging cooperation with masked or unidentified agents.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

St. Paul testing alternate-side winter parking rules

Dec 11 TC 1

St. Paul Public Works Director Sean Kershaw explained why residential plowing doesn’t start immediately under the current snow‑emergency system and said the city will test two alternate‑side parking models beginning in January to let plows reach neighborhood streets sooner. The city’s existing phases begin at 9 p.m. (Night Plow) and 8 a.m. the next day (Day Plow) to give drivers time to clear main routes and residents time to move cars; the pilot, running January through mid‑April with weekly side‑switching, keeps one side clear to speed residential plowing and was lightly tested last winter.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government Weather

St. Paul council president eyes Ramsey County seat

Dec 09 Breaking TC 2

Rebecca Noecker, president of the St. Paul City Council, has officially announced she is running for the Ramsey County Board. The formal announcement came on Dec. 9, 2025, following earlier indications she planned to run.

Elections Local Government

Steve Simon to seek fourth term as Secretary of State

Dec 09 Breaking TC 1

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced on Dec. 9, 2025, that he will run for a fourth term in 2026. The statewide office administers elections and business filings, directly affecting Minneapolis–Saint Paul voters and local governments.

Elections Local Government

Refunds open after Woodbury Dental Arts settlement

Dec 06 Breaking TC 1

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announced Dec. 6 a settlement with the Woodbury Dental Arts bankruptcy trustee that lets former patients seek refunds from the Consumer Protection Restitution Account for prepaid services never received after the clinic’s abrupt closure. Claims must be filed within 60 days of notice with proof of payment; owner Dr. Marko Kamel has surrendered his dental license and cannot reapply for 10 years following Board of Dentistry actions.

Legal Local Government

FAA eases nationwide flight cuts to 3%; MSP still under limits

Dec 06 Developing TC 32

The FAA has scaled back its mandated flight‑capacity reductions at 40 major U.S. airports from a planned 10% ramp (held at 6%) to 3% as controller attendance improved, but the order — in effect since Nov. 7 amid unpaid air traffic controllers, staffing shortages and missed paychecks — remains in place and continues to limit operations at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (MSP). The cuts and earlier staffing shortfalls have caused widespread delays and thousands of cancellations nationwide (dozens at MSP), prompted airlines to offer refunds and waivers, and spurred an FAA probe into carriers’ handling of the reductions.

Government & Politics Transit & Infrastructure Government

FAA probes airlines over shutdown flight cuts

Dec 06 Developing TC 1

The Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation on December 5, 2025 into how U.S. airlines implemented FAA-ordered flight reductions during the federal shutdown, a move that could affect carriers serving Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. The agency previously imposed nationwide cutbacks that included MSP; the probe will review carriers’ compliance and could lead to enforcement actions.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

AG Ellison to mediate UMN–M Physicians–Fairview talks; parties resume negotiations

Dec 05 Breaking TC 6

The University of Minnesota, Fairview Health Services and M Physicians agreed to resume talks over the medical school’s future funding and clinical partnership with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison managing the negotiations and naming a team to assist and help select a mutually agreed mediator. The move follows a contentious standoff — Fairview and M Physicians had announced a roughly $1 billion, “foundational and binding” framework they aim to finalize by end of 2025, while UMN regents unanimously criticized the pact as an overreach (calling it a “hostile takeover”), passed a resolution directing negotiations with the university and prompted the removal of M Physicians leader Dr. Greg Beilman from a UMN vice president post.

Local Government Health Business & Economy

Eagan opens Veteran Village for homeless veterans

Dec 05 Breaking TC 1

A new Veteran Village in Eagan opened Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, providing housing and support for veterans experiencing homelessness in Dakota County. The facility’s launch expands local capacity to serve unhoused veterans in the south Twin Cities metro.

Housing Local Government

DHS to pause new HCBS disability licenses Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2027; limited exceptions

Dec 05 Breaking TC 3

The Minnesota Department of Human Services will pause accepting and issuing new Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS/245D) disability license applications from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027, may retroactively cancel existing applications, and will bar current providers from adding new services during the moratorium. DHS frames the freeze as a response to fraud investigations and the need for greater oversight after a roughly 283% surge in new applications (with participants up ~25% and active provider licenses up ~55% over five years), while allowing limited exceptions for requests from counties, tribal nations or case managers.

Health Local Government

MMB forecast: $2.4B surplus now, nearly $3B 2028–29 shortfall

Dec 04 Breaking TC 2

Minnesota Management and Budget’s new forecast shows a near‑term surplus of about $2.4 billion — roughly $549 million higher than previously estimated — but predicts a nearly $3 billion shortfall in the 2028–29 biennium, driven largely by rising health‑care costs. Gov. Tim Walz cautioned that federal tariffs and health‑care changes add uncertainty while saying the budget remains on solid footing; the outlook has swung since March’s roughly $6 billion projected shortfall and the June special session that trimmed the biennial budget from $72 billion to $66 billion (post‑session estimates briefly cut the out‑year gap to about $1.1 billion before federal changes were factored in).

Local Government Business & Economy

St. Paul sets hearing on 5.3% 2026 levy

Dec 03 Breaking TC 2

The St. Paul City Council scheduled a Truth in Taxation hearing on a proposed 5.3% increase to the 2026 property‑tax levy. On Dec. 3, 2025 the council voted to adopt that 5.3% levy and approved $6.7 million in budget changes.

Local Government Business & Economy

St. Paul approves 5.3% 2026 levy, $6.7M budget changes

Dec 03 Breaking TC 1

The St. Paul City Council on Dec. 3, 2025 approved a 5.3% increase to the city’s 2026 property‑tax levy and adopted $6.7 million in changes to the municipal budget. The vote finalizes next year’s tax rate and spending plan, directly impacting city services and property‑tax bills for St. Paul residents.

Local Government Business & Economy

SPPS says 2026 school levy on track to rise 15% after hearing

Dec 03 Breaking TC 2

St. Paul Public Schools says its 2026 property tax levy is on track to rise about 15% following the district’s Truth-in-Taxation hearing. The update, given after the Tuesday hearing, signals the School Board will likely adopt the levy later this month for taxes payable in 2026.

Education Local Government

Eagan names Salim Omari police chief

Dec 03 Breaking TC 1

The City of Eagan has appointed Salim Omari as its new police chief, according to a Dec. 3 report. Omari, who began his policing career in St. Paul, will lead the department serving the Dakota County suburb; the announcement marks a leadership change with public‑safety implications for Eagan residents.

Public Safety Local Government

$7.35M deal for Lake Elmo–Hwy 36 interchange land

Dec 03 Breaking TC 1

Washington County and a church reached a $7.35 million agreement for property needed to build the Lake Elmo Avenue–Minnesota 36 interchange in Lake Elmo. The pact clears a key right‑of‑way hurdle for the east‑metro highway project as the county advances design and land acquisition.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Mike Lindell files for Minnesota governor

Dec 03 Breaking TC 1

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell registered Wednesday to run for Minnesota governor as a Republican, according to state records. He joins a crowded GOP field for the 2026 race that already includes House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Rep. Kristin Robbins, and Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel, among others.

Elections Local Government

HUD pulls funds from Twin Cities housing projects

Dec 03 Breaking TC 6

HUD’s new Continuum of Care rules have canceled or sharply cut funding for Twin Cities permanent supportive housing, threatening roughly 3,600 Minnesotans and about $48 million in CoC funds in Minnesota by reducing renewals and capping supportive‑services spending. The changes — which repudiate “Housing First,” impose eligibility conditions (eg. bans on public camping, cooperation with ICE, limits on harm‑reduction and certain gender‑identity protections) — have prompted a coalition of 185+ organizations, faith‑leader vigils, bipartisan congressional pleas and legal action by Minnesota’s attorney general as local providers scramble and warn the cuts could more than double chronic homelessness.

Housing Local Government Legal

HUD rule change slashes MN supportive housing funds

Dec 03 Developing TC 2

A recent HUD rule change sharply reduced federal supportive housing funding in Minnesota, cutting assistance that serves more than 3,600 residents. Providers statewide are scrambling—revising operations, pausing or triaging intakes—and warn the uncertain timelines could force reductions in services.

Housing Local Government

USDOT audit threatens $30M over illegal MN CDLs

Dec 03 Breaking TC 2

Federal auditors from the U.S. Department of Transportation say Minnesota improperly issued a sizable share of commercial driver’s licenses to foreign nationals — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alleged about one‑third were unlawfully issued, including holders from El Salvador, Somalia and Ukraine with expired work authorization — and have given the state 30 days to fix deficiencies or risk losing roughly $30 million in federal highway funds. Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services has paused issuing CDLs to foreign nationals while conducting an internal review and preparing an action plan, and USDOT is also probing CDL training centers for possible falsified training data and curriculum shortfalls.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Rosemount police chief placed on leave

Dec 03 Breaking TC 2

Rosemount Police Chief Mikael Dahlstrom was placed on leave on Oct. 1 and subsequently resigned, with the City Council accepting his resignation effective Dec. 2, 2025. The city says the move followed internal discussions prompted by feedback from an anonymous employee survey, and Deputy Chief Carson Thomas — who has served as interim chief since Oct. 1 — will lead the department. City Administrator Logan Martin said officials will focus on workplace culture and maintaining public safety, and details on the search for a permanent chief will be shared in coming months.

Public Safety Local Government

Rosemount police chief Dahlstrom resigns

Dec 03 Developing TC 1

The Rosemount City Council accepted Police Chief Mikael Dahlstrom’s resignation effective Dec. 2, 2025, following internal discussions prompted by feedback from an anonymous employee survey. Deputy Chief Carson Thomas remains interim chief, and the city said it will outline the process to select a new chief in the coming months, emphasizing workplace culture and public safety continuity.

Local Government Public Safety

Treasury orders probe of MN fraud–terror ties

Dec 02 Breaking TC 3

The Treasury Department has opened a federal probe to trace alleged money‑laundering routes from recent Minnesota human‑services fraud to the Somali militant group Al‑Shabab, though investigators say they have not found direct evidence that fraud proceeds reached the group. Gov. Tim Walz said he welcomes federal help but questioned the timing and motives after President Trump’s posts, Republican state senators backed the inquiry, reporting noted an anonymous X account claiming to represent about 480 DHS employees was suspended and later returned, and prior probes linked some fraud proceeds to real‑estate transactions in Kenya with separate prosecutions alleging Al‑Shabab ties.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

Bronze Line to replace Purple Line BRT

Dec 02 Breaking TC 1

Ramsey County and Metro Transit announced on Dec. 2, 2025, that the long‑planned METRO Purple Line will be replaced by a new 'Bronze Line' hybrid bus route running between St. Paul and Maplewood. The revised corridor shortens and retools the project, shifting away from the previous Purple Line plan and setting up next steps for design, environmental review and public engagement.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

USDA threatens to cut Minnesota SNAP funds

Dec 02 Breaking TC 1

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday that the USDA will begin withholding SNAP funds next week from states, including Minnesota, that refuse to provide recipient names and immigration status, framing the move as anti‑fraud. Minnesota has roughly 451,966 SNAP recipients (7.8% of the population); the state’s DCYF reiterated prior reporting errors that inflated past payout totals, and AG Keith Ellison recently joined a 21‑state lawsuit seeking to block federal cutoffs.

Local Government Health

MN GOP urges federal probe of alleged terror financing

Dec 02 Breaking TC 3

Minnesota Senate and House Republican caucuses sent letters Monday to U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen — joining earlier requests from four GOP U.S. House members — urging a federal probe into reports that Minnesota-linked fraud and remittances may have funded terrorism. A City Journal/Manhattan Institute report, based on unnamed sources and a former detective, alleges hawala transfers gave a cut to al‑Shabaab, but a 2019 Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor found no substantiated proof that money reached terrorist groups; the U.S. Treasury has now opened an investigation.

Public Safety Local Government Legal

Ex-Mpls Chamber CEO Jonathan Weinhagen pleads guilty to mail fraud; faces nearly 3 years, >$200K restitution

Dec 02 Breaking TC 7

Jonathan Weinhagen, the former CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber who had been a Mounds View school board member (he has resigned), pleaded guilty to mail fraud and could face nearly three years in prison and more than $200,000 in restitution. Prosecutors allege he diverted Chamber funds — including about $30,000 earmarked as Crime Stoppers rewards for unsolved 2021 Minneapolis child shootings — through a sham consulting firm called Synergy Partners and an alias “James Sullivan,” opened a Chamber line of credit and drew over $125,000, signed sham contracts generating more than $100,000 for himself, and attempted a fraudulent SoFi loan in a scheme said to have run from December 2019 to June 2024.

Local Government Education Legal

Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel launches GOP governor bid with anti-fraud focus; endorsed by Minneapolis Police Federation

Dec 01 Breaking TC 2

Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel formally launched a Republican campaign for Minnesota governor Monday with a one-hour speech and PowerPoint centered on combating fraud in programs like Feeding Our Future, Housing Stabilization Services and autism services, pledging a tough-on-crime approach and touting an endorsement from the Minneapolis Police Federation. He blamed state leaders across parties — “This is our money… the Minnesota government is to blame” — addressed past donations to Democrats (including Gov. Tim Walz and the Harris–Walz ticket) without apologizing, highlighted his defense of State Trooper Ryan Londregan (whose charges were dropped), and joins a crowded GOP field.

Elections Public Safety Local Government

Cottage Grove seeks regional EMS backup

Nov 29 Breaking TC 1

The City of Cottage Grove asked neighboring east‑metro communities to assist with emergency medical services coverage amid an EMS shortfall, aiming to maintain 911 response while the city addresses gaps. The outreach signals potential interim changes in ambulance/first‑responder coverage affecting Cottage Grove residents and nearby Washington County cities.

Public Safety Local Government

DNR boosts security at St. Paul office

Nov 29 Breaking TC 1

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it has increased security at its St. Paul office near a homeless encampment after a rash of break-ins. The agency confirmed the recent incidents and said additional measures are in place to secure the building and protect staff and property.

Public Safety Local Government

US halts all asylum decisions nationwide

Nov 29 Breaking TC 1

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, that the Trump administration is pausing all asylum decisions “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible,” following a National Guard shooting in Washington, D.C. The nationwide pause applies to cases handled by USCIS offices serving Minnesota, likely delaying asylum adjudications for Twin Cities applicants and legal service providers.

Immigration Local Government

Trump Thanksgiving post targets Minnesota Somalis

Nov 29 Breaking TC 1

Late Thanksgiving night, President Donald Trump posted a message disparaging Somali refugees in Minnesota and using a slur to describe Gov. Tim Walz, while vowing sweeping immigration restrictions; the next day, his administration announced it is halting all asylum decisions. Walz replied on social media, “Release the MRI results,” as the rhetoric and policy move raised immediate concerns for Twin Cities immigrant communities.

Legal Local Government

St. Paul fire chief Butch Inks to retire

Nov 28 Breaking TC 1

St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks is retiring, according to a Nov. 28 report, shortly after beginning his second term leading the department. The leadership change affects the city’s fire and emergency services; further details on timing and succession were not immediately available.

Local Government Public Safety

Dakota County to host 2031 horticultural expo

Nov 28 Breaking TC 1

Organizers announced that Dakota County will host Expo 2031 Minnesota USA, the first international horticultural exposition ever held in the United States. The 2031 event, set within the Twin Cities metro, is expected to drive significant tourism and regional planning activity; next steps include formal coordination with local and state agencies on site planning, transportation, and permitting.

Business & Economy Local Government

Shutdown ends: Feds back Thursday; back pay by Nov. 19 as LIHEAP restarts

Nov 28 Developing TC 25

President Trump signed a stopgap funding bill ending the 43‑day shutdown, OPM directed federal employees to return Thursday and agencies will issue back pay in four tranches beginning by Nov. 19 while the measure reverses shutdown‑era firings and bars new layoffs through January. The package restarts programs including SNAP, releases $3.6 billion in LIHEAP heating aid to states and tribes, and extends funding through Jan. 30, though SNAP and other benefits may take days or longer to reach recipients and a separate vote on ACA premium subsidies is expected in December.

Government/Regulatory Elections Government

ICE says 14 arrested in St. Paul Bro‑Tex raid; city leaders decry chemical spray as fundraiser tops $25K

Nov 27 Developing TC 10

Federal authorities say 14 people were arrested for immigration violations during an ICE worksite enforcement action at Bro‑Tex in St. Paul — an operation ICE says was assisted by FBI and DEA and in which DHS noted one arrestee had past domestic‑abuse charges and another is suspected of illegal reentry; families have publicly identified several detainees and a fundraiser for one worker topped $25,000. The raid drew roughly 200 protesters, videos and officials report federal personnel used a chemical irritant (described by the mayor as tear gas) and at least one person reported being struck by rubber bullets, photographers say they were targeted, and St. Paul leaders and the city council have called for investigations into use of force and adherence to the city’s separation ordinance.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Lakeland sets open house on City Hall plan

Nov 26 Breaking TC 2

Lakeland will hold an open house to discuss plans for a new City Hall, but city leaders have sent the current proposal back to the drawing board and halted moving forward with acquiring the Telus building at 84 St. Croix Trail S., which had been the subject of a $525,000 letter of intent. Officials directed staff to broaden the search and reevaluate potential sites and options.

Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

Minneapolis to open 44 outdoor rinks by Dec. 22

Nov 26 Breaking TC 1

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board says it will open 44 outdoor ice rinks at 22 city parks in time for Minneapolis Public Schools’ winter break on Dec. 22, weather permitting. All rinks and warming rooms will be free and open until at least 9 p.m.; Powderhorn and Webber rinks will return this season on land rather than on Powderhorn Lake or Webber Pool after prior warm winters and funding pressures disrupted operations.

Local Government Weather

DHS to end TPS for some Myanmar nationals

Nov 25 Breaking TC 3

The Department of Homeland Security announced it will end Temporary Protected Status for some Myanmar nationals, citing planned December “free and fair” elections and “successful ceasefire agreements”; rights groups and Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government sharply criticized the move, saying Myanmar remains in a brutal civil war with forced conscription and daily attacks on civilians. Advocates warned of harms to Burmese communities in the Twin Cities, and observers note that ICC prosecutors previously sought an arrest warrant for junta leader Min Aung Hlaing over alleged crimes against humanity related to the Rohingya.

Legal Immigration Government

EPA moves to roll back soot standard

Nov 25 Developing TC 1

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signaled it will abandon a tougher national fine‑particulate (PM2.5) air‑quality standard on Nov. 25, 2025. Reversing the stricter limit would affect how Minnesota and Twin Cities regulators assess air quality and industrial permitting, with implications for public health and compliance planning if the change proceeds through rulemaking.

Environment Health Local Government

Stillwater schools sell Lake Elmo Elementary site

Nov 25 Breaking TC 1

Stillwater Area Public Schools will sell the current Lake Elmo Elementary property at 11030 Stillwater Blvd. N. to Valley Community Center Partners, Inc. for $4.25 million, with plans for an indoor pool and community center on the 12.86‑acre site. The nonprofit has a 210‑day due‑diligence period, and closing is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2026; demolition costs are covered by voter‑approved bond proceeds, and the new Lake Elmo Elementary opens next fall at 10th St. and Lake Elmo Ave.

Education Local Government

Free entry Friday at state, Washington County parks

Nov 25 Breaking TC 1

Washington County Parks will waive entry fees at all 10 county parks and regional trails on Friday, Nov. 28, while the Minnesota DNR will waive vehicle permits at all 73 state parks the same day. Some parks will host free programs, including a naturalist‑led hike at Wild River State Park; Dakota and Ramsey county parks do not require vehicle permits.

Local Government Environment

White House starts dismantling Education Dept; most school funds shift to Labor, other agencies

Nov 25 Breaking TC 4

The White House has begun dismantling the Education Department by signing six interagency agreements that shift most K–12 and higher‑education programs and school funding/support to the Department of Labor and other agencies (HHS, State, Interior), with adult education already moved; Education will retain policy guidance and oversight of Labor’s education work and continue to administer FAFSA, Pell Grants, federal student loans and college accreditation. Secretary Linda McMahon says the transfers won’t disrupt funding and will give states more flexibility, but officials and state leaders warn of added bureaucracy and confusion, staff retention remains unclear, and the department—hobbled by mass layoffs upheld by the Supreme Court—now sits in a limbo only Congress can resolve.

Education Local Government Government/Regulatory

USCIS to re-interview Biden-era refugees

Nov 25 Breaking TC 1

A memo obtained by the AP shows USCIS will conduct a comprehensive review and re-interview of all refugees admitted from Jan. 20, 2021 to Feb. 20, 2025, and has immediately suspended green card approvals for those refugees. The nationwide action, signed Nov. 21 by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, cites concerns that 'expediency' was prioritized over vetting under Biden; advocates warn the move will traumatize refugees, including many living in the Twin Cities.

Legal Local Government

Edina unveils draft ban on assault‑style weapons, >20‑round mags and ghost guns; delays action, will hold town hall

Nov 24 Developing TC 3

Edina unveiled a draft ordinance, modeled on St. Paul’s, that would ban possession, manufacture and transfer of “assault weapons,” magazines holding more than 20 rounds, ghost guns and binary triggers and would impose a firearms storage mandate, but states it would take effect only when the council passes a resolution affirming it is not preempted by state law. Council leaders put a vote on hold and will hold a public hearing/town hall after the city manager said he could not support the currently unenforceable draft and the city attorney said it cannot be enforced until state law changes, while the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus has threatened legal action if the ban is enacted.

Local Government Public Safety Legal

Four finalists named for Minnesota appeals court

Nov 24 Breaking TC 1

Gov. Tim Walz’s judicial selection panel recommended Stephanie Beckman, Lisa Beane, Liz Kramer and Anne Rasmusson for two upcoming Minnesota Court of Appeals vacancies, per a Nov. 24 release. The seats open upon the retirements of Judges Louise Dovre Bjorkman and Randall J. Slieter; one is an at‑large position and the other is designated for the 7th Congressional District.

Legal Local Government

Minneapolis police chief apologizes for comments

Nov 22 Breaking TC 1

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara apologized Wednesday to members of the Somali community for comments he made in a WCCO interview linking 'East African kids' to juvenile crime, saying any harm caused was not his intent while emphasizing the need to address real problems together. In a video posted by Xogmaal Media, O’Hara thanked the Somali community, reiterated his focus on youth safety, and did not retract the substance of his earlier remarks about groups coming to Dinkytown from surrounding communities; MPD did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.

Public Safety Local Government

DHS adds Dec. 2 ICS payment stops; 97 affected as St. Paul tenants get eviction notices

Nov 22 Developing TC 3

The Minnesota Department of Human Services said it will stop Integrated Community Supports (ICS) payments on Dec. 2 to five providers covering about a dozen properties, affecting 97 participants, after investigations by the DHS inspector general found credible allegations that some providers billed for services not provided and put clients’ health and safety at risk. The suspension has prompted 60‑day and eviction notices at St. Paul’s Granite Pointe Apartments tied to Metro Care Human Services and follows an earlier halt in September that provider Jama Mahamod of American Home Health Care says led him to evict four tenants and close his business; DHS stressed that ICS service payments are separate from housing or rent.

Government/Regulatory Health Local Government

Minnesota employers must send PFML notices Dec. 1

Nov 21 Breaking TC 1

Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program starts Jan. 1, 2026, but employers statewide—including in the Twin Cities—must individually notify workers of their benefits and rights by Dec. 1, 2025, in each employee’s primary language, with acknowledgment. New hires must be notified within 30 days, and workplaces must display required posters; the Minnesota State Council of SHRM warns missed deadlines can trigger complaints, investigations, and penalties.

Local Government Business & Economy

Met Council opens search for transit police chief

Nov 21 Developing TC 1

The Metropolitan Council has opened applications for a new Metro Transit Police Department chief, with interim chief Joseph Dotseth confirming he will apply. The department cited improving safety trends — serious crime down 21% year‑over‑year and officer‑initiated calls up 129% — alongside ongoing efforts such as de‑escalation training, station upgrades and the Transit Rider Investment Program; applications close Dec. 17.

Transit & Infrastructure Public Safety Local Government

Minneapolis issues Thanksgiving cooking safety tips

Nov 21 Breaking TC 1

The Minneapolis Fire Department, with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal, released holiday cooking safety guidance ahead of Thanksgiving, citing NFPA data that cooking is the leading cause of house fires and that 1,446 home cooking fires occurred nationwide on Thanksgiving Day 2023. Officials urge residents not to leave stovetop cooking unattended, keep combustibles away, verify smoke detectors, and, for turkey frying, never fry a frozen turkey and do it outdoors away from structures; they also outlined steps to handle small grease and oven fires.

Public Safety Local Government

St. Paul designates Hamm’s Brewery historic district

Nov 21 Breaking TC 2

St. Paul has designated the Hamm’s Brewery campus as a local heritage preservation district, a move approved this month that positions the project to use state and federal historic tax credits and guides preservation of stairways and other key elements (with some graffiti possibly retained depending on condition). Developer JB Vang plans 86 affordable artist-style lofts and a multi-story indoor marketplace in the stock house and laboratory buildings, aims to present a site plan in early 2026 and secure financing through 2026 to begin historically sensitive construction by fall 2027, and is planning practical interventions such as overhauling glass-block windows and reusing former barrel floor openings as a central 2½‑story marketplace feature; the city and developer led a Nov. 18 walking tour for stakeholders.

Local Government Housing

St. Paul OKs 2 a.m. service, unveils World Juniors fest

Nov 21 Breaking TC 1

St. Paul approved temporary ordinance changes allowing bars and restaurants with liquor licenses to apply for 2 a.m. service and noise variances during the Dec. 26–Jan. 5 World Junior Hockey Championship, while launching the free Bold North Breakaway fan festival around Rice Park and Grand Casino Arena. The 10‑day downtown festival adds ice bumper cars, ‘glice’ skating, street hockey, kids’ zones, 40 indoor vendors and New Year’s Eve fireworks as the 29‑game tournament is split between St. Paul and the University of Minnesota’s 3M Arena at Mariucci.

Local Government Business & Economy

DOC reduces Stillwater prison population

Nov 21 Developing TC 2

The Minnesota DOC has reduced the population at MCF–Stillwater — now nearing half capacity as officials advance plans to close the facility in 2029 — and has been relocating inmates to other prisons. Ahead of the closure the agency is piloting "earned living units" and on a Nov. 20 tour showcased new inmate programming spaces, including an inmate-run barbershop, a licensed tattoo studio, an art studio, a greenhouse set up in an empty cell, ongoing SUD small-group therapy and a mural program, with Commissioner Paul Schnell and Warden William Bolin participating.

Public Safety Local Government

DOC pilots 'earned living units' at Stillwater

Nov 21 TC 1

The Minnesota Department of Corrections showcased 'earned living units' inside MCF–Stillwater during a Nov. 20 media tour in Bayport, unveiling inmate‑operated spaces such as a barbershop ('Street Cuts'), a licensed tattoo studio, a greenhouse and an art studio as the facility winds down toward a 2029 closure. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Warden William Bolin said inmates are being moved to other facilities as part of the transition, with ongoing SUD therapy and creative programs continuing on site.

Public Safety Local Government

Ramsey County names deputy manager, reorganizes services

Nov 20 Breaking TC 1

Ramsey County appointed CFO Alex Kotze as deputy county manager and chief operating officer effective Dec. 1, 2025, and outlined an internal restructuring that creates an Operations Service Team and sunsets the Strategic Team and Information and Public Records Service Team as of Jan. 1. Kotze, who has overseen the county’s $870 million budget since 2020 and previously served as interim deputy for Health and Wellness, will lead strategy for property management, finance and information services as the county streamlines operations.

Local Government Business & Economy

St. Paul mayor‑elect Her names transition team

Nov 20 Breaking TC 1

St. Paul Mayor‑elect Kaohly Vang Her announced her transition team on Nov. 20, appointing Erica Schumacher and Hnu Vang as co‑leaders to help select department heads and senior City Hall staff. The team also includes Nick Stumo‑Langer as transition advisor, Matt Wagenius as communications director/press secretary, and Bridget Hajny as scheduler/office manager; Her resigned her state House seat earlier this week following her Nov. 4 victory.

Local Government Elections

Hennepin touts data showing youth diversion works

Nov 20 TC 1

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office and the University of Minnesota presented new juvenile justice data indicating early‑intervention diversion programs reduce reoffending and teen auto thefts. Officials said that among 127 youths who received early intervention last year, fewer than one‑third reoffended, and teen auto‑theft cases are down 58% since the county launched a youth auto‑theft initiative.

Public Safety Local Government

St. Paul OKs trash cart sharing for small multifamily

Nov 20 Breaking TC 1

The St. Paul City Council voted 7–0 on Nov. 19 to allow tenants in duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes to share trash carts starting Jan. 1, 2026, with defined overflow penalties and potential revocation if carts repeatedly overflow. The ordinance also lets adjacent properties under the same owner request dumpster service from the city and, if unavailable, seek city‑approved private service; owners of 5+ unit buildings may opt into coordinated collection to share carts.

Local Government Utilities

Opioid settlement funds used for K-9s, admin

Nov 20 TC 1

A Minnesota Reformer analysis details how cities and counties spent opioid settlement dollars in 2024, including Hennepin County’s administrative hires and medical examiner costs and Minneapolis’ $500,000 grant to Turning Point. While most spending went to treatment, recovery and prevention, some counties used funds for law-enforcement K‑9 units and drug‑crime investigator salaries; overall local spending rose to more than $17 million in 2024 as settlements are set to deliver roughly $633 million to Minnesota, with 75% going directly to local governments.

Health Local Government Public Safety

St. Paul seeks 120-day pause in $22M permit-fee suit

Nov 20 Developing TC 1

St. Paul City Attorney Lyndsey Olson asked Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro on Nov. 10 for another 120-day stay in a class-action lawsuit alleging the city overcharged building-permit fees by more than $22 million from 2018–2023, citing records still not migrated to the new PAULIE system after a cyberattack. Plaintiff Patrick Bollom’s attorney, Shawn Raiter, said they would accept a partial stay while allowing other case work to proceed; a prior 120-day pause was granted in August, and a new continuance could push the case into February under the incoming mayoral administration.

Legal Local Government

Lakeville OKs first mosque at former office

Nov 20 Breaking TC 1

The Lakeville City Council unanimously approved establishing the city’s first mosque at the former Lakeville Area Schools district office on 210th Street near McGuire Middle School. Project leaders said staggered daily worship times and a 75‑space lot will manage parking, and supporters noted it will spare worshipers long drives to mosques in Rosemount or Burnsville despite some resident concerns about traffic and noise.

Local Government

Washington County unveils $12M emergency shelter

Nov 19 Breaking TC 1

Washington County held a Nov. 19 ribbon cutting for its first county-run homeless shelter on the Stillwater Government Center campus, a $12 million, 30-room Emergency Housing Services Building set to open in the second week of December. The 24/7 facility offers private rooms with bathrooms (including two fully accessible rooms), on-site supports (social services, transportation, legal help, computer lab), and is designed for average 90-day stays while staff connect adults to permanent housing and jobs.

Housing Local Government

MnDOT sets Robert Street project meetings

Nov 19 Breaking TC 1

MnDOT will hold public meetings in St. Paul as it begins visual quality planning for the Robert Street reconstruction between Page Street and Cesar Chavez Street, part of a project to replace pavement and sidewalks and improve safety. Meetings are at Backstory Coffee Roasters, 432 Wabasha St. S., on Monday from 9–11 a.m. and Dec. 10 from noon–1 p.m.; Project Manager Chris Bower and partners will gather feedback to reduce community impacts ahead of phased construction slated for 2027–2028.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

MN Senate probes Twin Cities college grant cuts

Nov 19 TC 1

A Minnesota Senate subcommittee heard testimony that federal agencies have terminated or suspended more than $50 million in higher‑education awards statewide, including 101 University of Minnesota research awards worth $33 million and five St. Catherine University grants totaling $2.4 million, with Augsburg University’s McNair Scholars program among those defunded. The hearing, held last week, examined how Trump administration policy shifts canceling or suspending awards—some tied to diversity or antiracism references—are affecting research, workforce pipelines, and first‑generation and underrepresented students at Twin Cities institutions.

Education Local Government

MnDOT denies permit for Lift Bridge tug-of-war

Nov 18 Breaking TC 2

MnDOT denied a permit for the annual Vikings-Packers tug-of-war on the Stillwater Lift Bridge, prompting organizer Ryan Nelson of Guv’s Place in Hudson to relocate the event to Hudson’s Old Toll Bridge. Last year’s event drew about 150 participants and raised $4,000 for first responders; organizers say the move could boost Wisconsin businesses while Stillwater’s mayor explores whether the city could assume permitting to bring it back, though MnDOT’s willingness to reconsider remains unclear.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

St. Paul hit-and-run: Michael Kentrell Smith charged with vehicular homicide in death of Amber Deneen

Nov 18 Breaking TC 5

Michael Kentrell Smith, 39, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide in Ramsey County after a hit-and-run on St. Anthony Avenue that killed 30-year-old Amber O. Deneen and her two dogs; police allege Smith slowed but did not stop at a stop sign before striking Deneen and witnesses say they followed and honked at the dark-colored SUV as it fled. Surveillance video shows the SUV at a nearby Speedway inspecting the front passenger tire, Smith told officers he thought he hit bike-lane cones and later said, “I don’t remember hitting nobody,” and his first court appearance is set for Tuesday while neighbors plan a memorial and police increase local speed enforcement.

Legal Public Safety Transit & Infrastructure

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski to retire in 2026

Nov 17 Breaking TC 2

Sen. Steve Cwodzinski announced he will retire and will not seek reelection in 2026. In a statement thanking constituents in Eden Prairie and Minnetonka, he invoked the Constitution’s “more perfect union” language, and his Senate District 49 is forecast to significantly favor the DFL in 2026.

Local Government Elections

Rep. Sandra Feist to retire after term

Nov 17 Breaking TC 2

Rep. Sandra Feist said she will not seek reelection in 2026 and plans to pivot back to immigration work after her term. Feist represents HD 39B, which covers parts of Hennepin, Ramsey and Anoka counties and is considered a safe DFL seat, and her legislative record includes authoring the North Star Act (a sanctuary-state proposal) and notable positions on a menstrual-products bill.

Local Government Elections

Wayzata sets April 14, 2026 special election; $465M bonds plus separate $31M pool question on ballot

Nov 17 Breaking TC 2

The Wayzata School Board voted 6–1 on Nov. 10, 2025, to hold a special election April 14, 2026, with three ballot questions: an extension of the tech levy, $465 million in general obligation bonds for new schools and upgrades, and a separate $31 million GO bond for an eight‑lane pool with a diving well at Wayzata High School (contingent on passage of the second question) that would be permitted for community use. The district—enrollment topped 13,000 and is projected to exceed capacity at every grade level by 2027–28—has submitted the proposal to the Minnesota Department of Education for approval; Director Valentina Eyres cast the lone no vote questioning the pool and the April special election, and Superintendent Dr. Chace Anderson plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year.

Local Government Elections Education

St. Paul eases mixed‑use zoning, launches corridor study

Nov 17 Breaking TC 1

The St. Paul City Council voted 7–0 on Wednesday to simplify and update standards in its T1–T4 'Traditional Neighborhood' zoning districts—aimed at encouraging pedestrian‑oriented, mixed‑use development—and immediately launched a follow‑up study to consider expanding T zoning along transit corridors. Changes include new corner parking setbacks, strengthened street‑level frontage requirements, floor‑area bonuses tied to affordable units, and clarification of height allowances; the Planning Commission recommended approval 12–0 on Sept. 5 and the council held a public hearing Nov. 5.

Local Government Housing

MnDOT to brief Hastings U.S. 61 rebuild Tuesday

Nov 17 Breaking TC 1

MnDOT will hold a public meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Hastings City Hall to outline a $30–$40 million reconstruction of U.S. 61 between just north of 3rd Street and just south of 36th Street. Plans include roundabouts at MN 316 and 36th Street, a new signal at 18th Street, new sidewalks and ADA ramps, and replacement of the historic Todd Field wall to meet safety standards, with construction slated for fall 2027 through spring 2029 (most work in 2028). Funding comes from the Metropolitan Council’s Regional Solicitation and MnDOT’s Transportation Economic Development program.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

St. Paul police adopt first AI-use policy

Nov 15 TC 1

The St. Paul Police Department has implemented its first policy governing artificial intelligence, currently limiting use to automated transcription of interviews, and says it has no short‑term plan to adopt Axon’s Draft One report‑writing tool. Neighboring agencies differ: Eagan police use Draft One for non‑felonies (accepted by the Eagan City Attorney), while Hennepin and Dakota county attorneys won’t accept Draft One reports and Ramsey County requires notice when AI tools are used in investigations; civil oversight members and the ACLU of Minnesota are urging public input and guardrails.

Local Government Public Safety Technology

Congress passes shutdown bill with 0.4 mg hemp‑THC cap; 1‑year phase‑in alarms MN beverage industry

Nov 15 Developing TC 5

Congress has passed a stopgap funding bill that includes a national cap of 0.4 mg hemp‑derived THC per container, taking effect in one year and overriding higher state per‑serving limits (Minnesota currently allows ~5 mg), a measure pushed to close a 2018 Farm Bill looph and intended to block unregulated intoxicating hemp products. Minnesota brewers, retailers and hemp beverage makers warn the cap would effectively ban most THC edibles and drinks and devastate a roughly $140–200 million local market — though regulators say licensing and oversight remain unchanged until the cap’s effective date and industry groups urge business as usual in the interim.

Legal & Regulatory Local Government Business & Economy

Leaked DHS emails flag 2022 grant draw risk

Nov 14 TC 1

Internal Minnesota DHS messages from December 2022 show CFO Dave Greeman warning of a 'critical' situation with behavioral‑health grants and a narrow window to draw federal funds, saying 'we can’t continue to miss federal draws' and citing potential taxpayer exposure of 'hundreds of thousands or even millions.' DHS told Alpha News it is not aware of any missed federal draws, attributing late-year concerns to grantee underspending and noting invoices submitted after award expiration could not be paid with federal dollars.

Local Government Health

I-494 weekend closure from Hwy 77 to Hwy 100

Nov 14 Breaking TC 1

MnDOT will close westbound I-494 between Highway 77 (Cedar Ave.) and Highway 100 from 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, through the weekend for winter prep work; eastbound I-494 will also close Saturday night for utility work, with detours via Hwy 77, Hwy 62 and Hwy 100. The agency says lanes will reopen by Monday morning weather permitting, and the I-494 ramps at Nicollet Ave. and 12th Ave. will be permanently closed by the end of the year for bridge construction.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Ryan Winkler launches bid for HD 43B

Nov 13 Breaking TC 1

Former MN House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler announced he is running for House District 43B, which covers Golden Valley, Robbinsdale and a small part of Plymouth. The open seat follows DFL Rep. Mike Freiberg’s run for the Minnesota Senate; Winkler joins state tax auditor and former Robbinsdale school board member Sam Sant in the DFL field ahead of the August primary.

Elections Local Government

Hennepin, metro cities boost food aid amid SNAP delays

Nov 13 Developing TC 2

Hennepin County and other Twin Cities cities and counties have stepped in to fund emergency food aid after SNAP payments were delayed during the federal shutdown. With the shutdown over, states are transitioning from partial or paused SNAP payments to full November benefits — USDA guidance says most states can access funds within 24 hours but beneficiaries may see staggered deposits spread over several days up to about a week, so local aid remains important in the short term.

Local Government Health Government/Regulatory

St. Paul passes contingent assault‑weapons ban; gun‑rights group files lawsuit

Nov 13 Breaking TC 7

St. Paul’s City Council unanimously approved a contingent ordinance (7–0) that would ban public possession of assault‑style firearms, magazines holding more than 20 rounds and binary triggers, require serial numbers to curb ghost guns, and bar guns in most city‑owned spaces — but the law is written to take effect only if state firearm preemption is repealed, amended or judicially invalidated. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus immediately sued in Ramsey County, calling the measure unlawful, while the city attorney says St. Paul is prepared to defend the contingent approach amid the broader push by about 17 Minnesota cities and significant public comment (including over 700 “vote no” emails).

Public Safety Legal Local Government

St. Paul offers $2,500 eviction-prevention aid

Nov 13 Breaking TC 1

St. Paul opened applications for its Emergency Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Program, offering one-time grants up to $2,500 to low‑income tenants facing eviction, effective Nov. 13, 2025. Funded with $1 million in the 2025 city budget, the program requires landlords to agree not to evict aided tenants and limits eligibility to households at or below 80% AMI with proof of a pending eviction; the City Council is exploring funding in 2026.

Housing Local Government

Judge grants TRO barring encampments on Sabri Minneapolis properties

Nov 13 Developing TC 8

A Hennepin County judge on Tuesday granted a temporary restraining order barring homeless encampments on any Minneapolis properties owned by Hamoudi Sabri after negotiations between Sabri and the city broke down and following a Sept. 16 mass shooting near E. Lake St. that injured seven people. Mayor Jacob Frey said the TRO lets the city close encampments once services and shelter are offered; city crews cleared the site, estimate the cleanup cost about $50,000 and may seek reimbursement, and police have increased patrols and placed fencing around the area. Sabri says he plans to convert the cleared lot into a "hygiene and outreach hub," has not obtained required permits, faces possible citations if he violates the order, and is weighing further legal action while criticizing the city's homelessness response.

Housing Public Safety Legal

Walz orders veteran food pantry network

Nov 13 Breaking TC 1

Gov. Tim Walz issued a Veterans Day executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to create a statewide Veteran Food Pantry Network and authorizing the agency to use existing resources, partner with nonprofits and private entities, and accept donations. The move aims to reduce food insecurity among Minnesota’s 296,000 veterans — including many in the Twin Cities — amid data showing 13% of veterans in VA care are food insecure and roughly 12,000 Minnesota veterans use SNAP.

Local Government Health

Stillwater schools weigh boundary changes

Nov 13 Developing TC 1

Stillwater Area Public Schools outlined three attendance-boundary scenarios to prepare for new Lake Elmo and Bayport elementary schools opening next fall, with scenarios affecting either 135 or 39 students. An open house is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Oak-Land Middle School, a School Board study session is Dec. 2, and a final decision is expected Dec. 16; the district also listed the current Lake Elmo Elementary for $5 million and plans to consolidate central services into the current Andersen Elementary building in Bayport.

Education Local Government

CBP building $15.6M facility at Holman Field

Nov 12 Breaking TC 1

The Metropolitan Airports Commission says a 4,800‑sq‑ft U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility at St. Paul’s Holman Field received a city building permit on Nov. 4, replacing a small in‑building CBP site to better process international charter passengers and cargo. The project, funded with federal/state grants and General Airport Revenue bonds, will handle 100–150 international flights per year and feature LEED Gold design with geothermal, solar, and a green roof.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Washington County plans Ideal Avenue upgrades

Nov 12 Breaking TC 1

Washington County announced an Ideal Avenue (County Road 13) improvement project between Stillwater Blvd and 34th St N on the Oakdale–Lake Elmo border, adding wider shoulders, turn lanes, and better pedestrian/bike facilities, drainage, and capacity. An open house is set for 4–6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Oakdale Discovery Center, with online feedback accepted Nov. 19–Dec. 10; the $7.8 million project is slated to start in spring 2029 and will be funded by the county’s transportation sales tax, the Minnesota Transportation Advancement Account, and the cities of Lake Elmo and Oakdale.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

St. Paul keeps staff-led review for reparations study

Nov 12 Developing TC 1

The St. Paul City Council voted 6–1 on Nov. 5 to stick with a staff‑led procurement process for a reparations 'harm study' budgeted up to $250,000, rejecting a proposal from Council Member Anika Bowie to restart the evaluation with a community‑driven review panel. The RFP, extended in September and closed Oct. 3, drew three research firms; a preferred vendor has been identified but not yet finalized, and the contract will come back to the council for approval amid objections from some Black elders and split views among the council’s two Black members.

Local Government Business & Economy

IACP to review 43-hour response to June 14 lawmaker shootings; $429.5K cost

Nov 12 Developing TC 3

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Brooklyn Park, Champlin and New Hope police departments and Hennepin County have hired the International Association of Chiefs of Police to conduct an independent after-action review of the 43-hour law enforcement response to the June 14 lawmaker shootings — from the first 911 call just after 2:30 a.m. to the arrest of Vance Boelter — a manhunt DPS calls the largest in state history. The six-month review, announced in a DPS Veterans Day release, will cost $429,500 (the state covering $210,000 and Hennepin County $165,000), will be released publicly, and has drawn support and questions from officials including Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher about early communication to legislators.

Legal Local Government Public Safety

Minneapolis CM Jamal Osman carjacked amid spree; two teens arrested, VW recovered

Nov 11 Breaking TC 2

Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman was carjacked shortly before 8 p.m. at Lake St. & Portland Ave.; MPD says he was threatened with mace and his Volkswagen Atlas was stolen as part of a same-day spree that began with a 2 p.m. Subaru Outback theft and included an attempted carjacking and another vehicle theft earlier in the evening. Officers later spotted the stolen vehicles near Lake & Pillsbury, one car hit a hydrant during a pursuit, and two teens (15 and 16) were arrested after fleeing on foot and Osman's VW was recovered near Lyndale Place; police say one arrested teen has a prior history, and separately two adults were arrested in an unrelated early-morning carjacking near Penn Ave. N. and 26th Ave. N.

Local Government Public Safety

Minneapolis weighs downtown public restroom expansion

Nov 11 Developing TC 1

Minneapolis’ Public Health and Safety Committee is reviewing a 62-page city report on the shortage of public restrooms downtown and options to increase access, including installing standalone “Portland Loo” units or compelling businesses to open facilities. The analysis cites 27 city 311 complaints about human feces and 26 about public urination from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, and notes costs of $152,000–$185,000 per unit (or ~$24,000/year to rent) as the Council considers next steps.

Local Government Public Health

Judge denies stay on binary trigger ban ruling

Nov 11 Developing TC 1

Ramsey County District Court Judge Leonardo Castro on Nov. 5 denied the State of Minnesota’s request to stay his Aug. 18 ruling that struck down the 2024 omnibus bill’s "binary trigger" ban under the state constitution’s Single Subject Clause. The decision leaves the ban unenforceable and, in the order, the judge wrote that the public interest favors not enforcing unconstitutional laws and cited due-process concerns with arresting people under an invalid statute.

Legal Local Government

Appeals court orders full SNAP funding; Supreme Court to decide whether 65% cap remains

Nov 11 Developing TC 71

After the federal shutdown prompted USDA to pause SNAP disbursements and initially push a roughly 65% partial‑payment plan, a coalition of states sued and district judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered USDA to use contingency and other funds to provide full November benefits. The 1st Circuit upheld the lower‑court order requiring full funding (after a brief Supreme Court stay), leaving some states that already issued full payments in limbo as the Supreme Court prepares to decide whether the administration may enforce the 65% cap.

Legal Government/Regulatory Politics

AG’s conviction review of 2002 Dakota murder nears

Nov 11 TC 1

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s Conviction Review Unit says its report on Philip Vance’s 2002 South St. Paul murder conviction is in final review after four years of investigation, even as Vance’s separate court bid based on witness recantations remains paused pending the CRU outcome. The case highlights growing scrutiny of the three‑person unit’s pace—five completed reviews since 2021—with the defense warning delays risk witness availability and prosecutors notified of an anticipated report as far back as February.

Legal Local Government

Swing‑district Sen. Seeberger backs assault‑weapon ban

Nov 11 TC 2

Swing‑district Sen. Seeberger told a Stillwater town hall with Gov. Tim Walz that “everything’s on the table” and she will vote yes on measures that save lives, signaling support for an assault‑weapons ban while noting she is a gun owner and unsure any Republicans would back such a ban. Her stance comes as her district stretches from Grant to Hastings amid razor‑thin legislative margins (an evenly divided House and a one‑seat DFL Senate majority) and with House Republicans pushing a counterplan focused on school security, school resource officers and more mental‑health treatment beds.

Local Government Public Safety

Veterans Day closures and services in Twin Cities

Nov 10 Breaking TC 1

For Tuesday, Nov. 11, most government offices and post offices are closed across Minneapolis–Saint Paul, while many grocery stores and malls remain open. Minneapolis and St. Paul will not enforce parking meters (UMN meters are enforced), Metro Transit buses and Blue/Green lines run regular schedules and offer free rides to veterans and active‑duty military with ID, most libraries and many schools are closed, and select museums have varied hours.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Demuth names Ryan Wilson running mate in 2026 governor bid

Nov 10 Breaking TC 8

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth named former state auditor candidate Ryan Wilson as her running mate in her 2026 gubernatorial bid; Wilson is an attorney, founder and former CEO of a clinical‑trials company who narrowly lost the 2022 auditor race. The Demuth‑Wilson ticket — the first prominent GOP campaign this cycle to announce a lieutenant governor pick — will begin a statewide tour and frames its priorities around fighting government fraud, education and public safety amid a GOP primary that includes Scott Jensen, Kristin Robbins and Kendall Qualls.

Elections Local Government

Hennepin County revises North Arm landing plan

Nov 10 TC 1

Hennepin County dropped a proposed second ‘vertical’ access at Lake Minnetonka’s North Arm public landing in Orono after resident and city pushback, revising its redesign to add a picnic area instead. The county still plans safety and sustainability upgrades — including ramp realignment, parking changes, stormwater controls, shoreline pods for anglers/paddlers, lighting and solar features — and Commissioner Heather Edelson said the controversy will spur broader coordination among 14 lakeshore cities, the county, LMCD and the DNR on commercial use of public landings.

Local Government Transit & Infrastructure Environment

I-394 E‑ZPass lanes reopen after July closure

Nov 10 Developing TC 1

MnDOT reopened the reversible E‑ZPass lanes on I‑394 between downtown Minneapolis and Golden Valley on Sunday after months of bridge and pavement work, but warns overnight closures will continue through December and major traffic shifts resume in spring. Starting in February, all westbound traffic will be routed into the E‑ZPass lanes during construction, then eastbound traffic will follow as crews rehab concrete, repair bridges and ramps to Hwy. 55/I‑94, and replace the Penn Avenue bridge deck.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Bernie Sanders backs Peggy Flanagan for Senate

Nov 10 Breaking TC 2

Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for the U.S. Senate, praising her background and tying his support to her backing of Medicare for All; Flanagan said, "Folks deserve to afford the lives they want to live... not just the fights we think we can win." Flanagan’s growing coalition includes Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and former Sen. Al Franken, while Democratic rival Rep. Angie Craig is backed by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, more than a dozen labor unions and Dave Wellstone; GOP contenders include Royce White and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze.

Local Government Elections

Ramsey County approves $450K for food shelves; 11 recipients named, $70K reserved for infant formula

Nov 10 Breaking TC 3

Ramsey County approved $450,000 in emergency funds for 11 food shelf providers — Keystone Community Services; Neighborhood House; Open Cupboard; Sanneh Foundation; Merrick Community Services; White Bear Area Food Shelf; Corner Shelf; CLUES; Hallie Q. Brown Community Center; Interfaith Action (Department of Indian Work); and Vineyard Community Services — and reserved $70,000 specifically to buy infant formula if WIC benefits are disrupted. The emergency allocation, prompted by SNAP and MFIP stoppages that affect roughly 35,500 SNAP households (about 68,500 people) and 3,500 MFIP households (about 9,800 people) in Ramsey County, mirrors similar funding moves by nearby counties and cities.

Health Local Government

State awards $69M from MN Forward Fund, including $50M for Rosemount 'North Wind,' $5M for UST and $4M for Hennepin Tech

Nov 09 Breaking TC 4

The state’s Minnesota Forward Fund awarded $69 million across four projects — including a $50 million forgivable loan for North Wind’s $1 billion, 250,000‑sq.‑ft. Minnesota Aerospace Complex at the UMore site in Rosemount, $10 million for Niron Magnetics in Sartell, $5 million for the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and $4 million for Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie). The Rosemount project, which UMN sold 60 acres for and will partner on, will house three hypersonic wind tunnels, is backed by an additional $99 million U.S. Army contract and $85 million in company investment, targets completion in 2030–31, and has drawn some campus protests over military ties.

Technology Business & Economy Local Government

Judges in Minnesota rebuff ICE bond denials

Nov 09 TC 1

Federal judges in Minnesota and nationwide are rejecting ICE’s bid to hold immigrants without bond hearings under a Trump‑era DHS policy expanding detention, with 177 recent rulings favoring immigrants versus nine for the government as of Oct. 31. In Minneapolis, a federal judge ordered a bond hearing Oct. 27 for Jose Andres Robles—detained a month at Freeborn County Jail without a hearing—after which his family posted $10,000 to secure his release; more than 1,000 immigrants have been detained in Minnesota since January.

Legal Local Government

Shepard Road lights still dark after thefts

Nov 09 TC 1

St. Paul officials say repeated copper wire thefts have kept roughly 250 streetlights dark along a four‑mile stretch of Shepard/Warner Road from Lowertown to Otto Avenue, despite citywide progress restoring lights. Public Works estimates it will cost $750,000 or more to fully restore the corridor; the city spent $2 million in 2024 replacing stolen wiring and installing high‑access poles, and 2025 service calls about dark lights are down about 30% year‑over‑year. Council President Rebecca Noecker is urging residents to press City Hall for dedicated funding, citing public‑safety concerns and recent related vandalism along the corridor.

Transit & Infrastructure Public Safety Local Government

Progressives keep 7–6 edge on Minneapolis council; veto overrides no longer possible

Nov 09 Developing TC 6

Progressive-aligned candidates won seven of 13 Minneapolis City Council seats, preserving a narrow majority but losing a veto‑proof supermajority after a moderate pickup in Ward 7; all races are now decided, including Ward 5 where Tinitha “Pearll” Warren prevailed in a ranked‑choice second round. Mayor Jacob Frey and council leaders say the result will require more negotiation on issues like public safety and the budget, and the new council will be sworn in January for a four‑year term.

Local Government Elections

United Way reports 150% surge in food requests; $105K in grants distributed

Nov 08 Developing TC 2

United Way says its 211 helpline has seen a 150% increase in food-related requests since mid-October as Minnesota food shelves feel pressure from the federal shutdown, and the organization has distributed approximately $105,000 in emergency grants to local nonprofits, including funding Route 1 produce pop-up events. 211 is available 24/7 for food access and other services, and United Way is inviting donations and volunteers.

Business & Economy Local Government Health

Minnesota State Grant faces $102M shortfall

Nov 08 Developing TC 1

Minnesota’s largest college financial-aid program is projecting a $102 million deficit in the current biennium, and officials say awards may need to be reduced again in coming semesters. The Office of Higher Education cites higher enrollment (+4,000 students), more recipients (+2,200), and FAFSA-driven need and Pell changes as key drivers, following July fixes that boosted funding by $44.5M but cut average awards by $475 after addressing a prior $239M shortfall. Lawmakers signaled hearings are likely, with Rep. Marion Rarick warning rationing may be unavoidable while OHE advises families not to be overly worried.

Education Local Government

Minnesota to correct SNAP payout overcount

Nov 08 Developing TC 1

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families said Friday it mistakenly included and double‑counted Pandemic EBT in federal FNS‑46 reports, inflating reported SNAP payouts from about $725 million in 2020 to roughly $1.9 billion in 2021. The agency said the reporting errors did not reflect improper payments and it will submit corrected figures to USDA after the federal shutdown ends; the correct totals are not yet known.

Local Government Business & Economy

St. Paul launches SNAP relief food drive

Nov 08 Breaking TC 3

St. Paul launched a food drive for SNAP recipients and has collected more than 10,000 pounds to date. The city lists drop-off locations and partner agencies — Keystone, Merrick, Feeding Frogtown, Hallie Q. Brown, with Neighborhood House beginning pickups next week — and says donations include hygiene supplies, culturally familiar staples, pet food and recipe kits, with the Office of Financial Empowerment noting a strong community response.

Local Government Health

Walz appoints Robin Hutcheson Met Council chair

Nov 07 Breaking TC 2

Gov. Tim Walz appointed transit specialist Robin Hutcheson as chair of the Metropolitan Council, with her term beginning Dec. 1, 2025 and running through Jan. 4, 2027; she succeeds Charlie Zelle, who retired in September, and interim chair Deb Barber is currently serving. Walz called Hutcheson a "proven leader" focused on roadway safety and quality of life. Hutcheson, a former Minneapolis Public Works director and Salt Lake City transportation director, is a Senate‑confirmed former administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration who worked on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and she also serves as a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies, runs Hutcheson Advisory, formerly led NACTO’s board, and holds degrees from CU Boulder and the University of Utah.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Retired Woodbury police chief Bill Hering dies at 76

Nov 07 Breaking TC 1

William “Bill” Frederick Hering IV, former Woodbury police chief and public safety director, died Nov. 1, 2025 at age 76 following a brain cancer diagnosis. Hering led Woodbury Public Safety for 32 years and was praised by current Director Jason Posel for shaping a culture of respectful, service‑oriented policing; visitation is Nov. 13 in Stillwater and funeral services are Nov. 14 in Afton, with donations requested to the Public Safety Woodbury Community Support Fund.

Public Safety Local Government

Walz orders half‑staff flags for Farmington officer

Nov 07 Breaking TC 1

Gov. Tim Walz ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags at state buildings to fly at half‑staff on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, to honor Farmington Police Officer Pete Zajac, a 15‑year veteran and former school resource officer who died by suicide on Oct. 28. The proclamation encourages all Minnesotans and organizations to lower flags; a Mass was held Friday in Hastings, and a GoFundMe has been set up for his family.

Public Safety Local Government

Two charged in Bar Zia killing; prosecutors cite security lapses, city shutters bar

Nov 07 Developing TC 2

Prosecutors say a July shooting at downtown Minneapolis’ Bar Zia left 21-year-old Damarco Fletcher Jr. dead and three others wounded (women, 35 and 22, and a 24-year-old man) and led to charges against Arlonzo Williams Jr., 26, for second‑degree murder, illegal gun possession and three counts of attempted murder, and Dantrell DaJuan Clark, 24, as an accomplice on murder and attempted murder counts. Charging documents allege coordinated, gang-related conduct and security lapses — including patrons being allowed to re‑enter without screening after suspects briefly exited to retrieve a gun — and the city closed Bar Zia three days later for a licensing violation tied to lack of insurance.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Frey wins third term after single RCV round; precinct map shows bases

Nov 07 Developing TC 8

Jacob Frey was declared the winner of the 2025 Minneapolis mayoral race, earning a third term after a single round of ranked‑choice reallocation Wednesday morning that left him with about 50% of the final vote (he led first‑choice totals roughly 42% to Omar Fateh’s 32%) and prompted Fateh to concede. The count — finished around 11 a.m. after Hennepin County’s cast‑vote record arrived and city teams manually reallocated rankings — came amid record turnout (147,702 voters, 55%), and precinct results show Frey’s strength in southwest Minneapolis, the city core and parts of north Minneapolis while Fateh’s support clustered in Powderhorn, LynLake, Phillips, the university area and Cedar‑Riverside; Fateh received nearly 20,000 second‑choice votes but could not overcome Frey’s first‑round lead.

Local Government Elections

Why Minneapolis reported RCV results later

Nov 07 TC 1

Ramsey County delivered St. Paul’s ranked‑choice outcome around midnight using new open‑source tabulation software, while Minneapolis waited for a Hennepin County file and then followed a city‑ordinance process requiring manual write‑in review and spreadsheet‑based reallocation, finishing late Wednesday morning. Officials detailed exact timelines, software used, and legacy costs that shaped how quickly results were posted in each city.

Elections Local Government Technology

Farmington officer Pete Zajac dies by suicide

Nov 07 Breaking TC 2

Community and state officials are mourning 41-year-old Officer Pete Zajac, a 15-year Farmington police veteran who was born in Hastings, grew up in Wyoming, Minn., lived in Hastings for the past 11 years and worked in Faribault from 2006–2010. Gov. Tim Walz ordered state and U.S. flags at government buildings to fly at half-staff on the day of Zajac’s funeral, and a GoFundMe has been established to support his family.

Health Local Government Public Safety

Cottage Grove OKs EIS for riverbed mine

Nov 07 Breaking TC 1

The Cottage Grove City Council voted 5–0 on Nov. 6 to deem adequate the final environmental impact statement for Amrize Nelson’s proposal to shift and expand sand-and-gravel mining into the Mississippi River backwaters near Lower Grey Cloud Island, moving the project to state and federal permitting. Friends of the Mississippi River objected, arguing shoreline mining is illegal under MRCCA rules, while the mayor said the three‑year review only assessed EIS adequacy; the expansion would tap about 400 acres and extend mine life by 20–25 years.

Local Government Environment

St. Paul Sen. Sandy Pappas retiring in 2026

Nov 06 Breaking TC 1

DFL Sen. Sandy Pappas, who represents St. Paul’s SD 65 and chairs the Senate Capital Investment Committee, announced she will retire after the 2026 session, ending a 42‑year legislative career. The former Senate president (2013–2016) highlighted work on bonding and local projects like Pedro Park, the Third Street–Kellogg Bridge, the North End Community Center and Union Depot; her departure creates an open seat in central St. Paul and a change in leadership over statewide infrastructure funding.

Local Government Elections

Minneapolis speed cameras cut speeding 30%; citations begin Friday

Nov 06 Breaking TC 3

Minneapolis this week activated five traffic‑safety cameras (Fremont Ave N near W Broadway; 18th Ave NE near Central Ave NE; 3rd St N near 1st Ave N; Chicago Ave S near Franklin Ave E; Nicollet Ave S near 46th St) as part of a pilot through July 2029 that could expand to 42 cameras and later add red‑light enforcement; the cameras capture license plates only (no facial recognition) and enforcement areas are signed as required by state law. Preliminary results show speeding fell about 30% at the camera sites and drivers exceeding limits by 20+ mph dropped 76% after a month, with 12,633 warnings issued; October warnings count as a first offense, citations begin Friday (first detected offense is a warning) and subsequent fines are $40 or $80 if 20+ mph over, though drivers may contest tickets or take a free traffic‑safety class in lieu of paying the first citation.

Public Safety Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Patrick Knight launches Minnesota governor campaign

Nov 06 Breaking TC 1

Patrick Knight, a businessman and retired U.S. Marine who grew up in Plymouth and is CEO of Good Sense Foods, announced a Republican bid for Minnesota governor. In an announcement video and website, he outlined priorities including pushing Minnesota into the Top 10 for GDP, job and wage growth, improving public safety and student proficiency, and making homeownership more affordable; he joins a crowded GOP field seeking to challenge Gov. Tim Walz, who is running for a third term.

Elections Local Government

St. Paul orders demo of former CVS at Snelling & University; 15-day deadline

Nov 06 Breaking TC 2

St. Paul’s City Council voted unanimously to order demolition of the vacant former CVS at 499 Snelling Ave. N., giving a 15‑day deadline after Hearing Officer Marcia Moermond detailed severe building deterioration (missing ventilation, compromised electrical) and an extensive nuisance history. Council Member Molly Coleman cited roughly 600 police visits in five years; CVS, which holds a lease through January 2031, asked for a 120‑day delay to seek buyers, while neighborhood groups urged demolition but worried about the consequences of an interim empty lot.

Housing Local Government

Minnesota on pace for record eight 2025 specials

Nov 06 TC 2

Minnesota is on pace for a record eight special elections in 2025 after two more were announced, joining six earlier special-election triggers: the resignation of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, the death of Sen. Bruce Anderson, the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, the resignation of former Sen. Justin Eichorn, a residency dispute involving Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson, and the death of former Sen. Kari Dziedzic. Gov. Tim Walz will set the dates; the two new House vacancies are in heavily DFL districts (Kaohly Her won HD 64A with 83% and Amanda Hemmingsen‑Jaeger won HD 47A with 61%, with presidential margins of roughly +70 and +25 for Kamala Harris), but with the House tied 67–67 a single GOP flip would create a Republican majority — though any GOP bills would still face a DFL Senate and the governor — and big 2026 issues already being floated include gun control and barring transgender women and girls from female sports.

Local Government Elections

Most MN school levies pass; MSBA says 62% of 96 questions approved, ~$1B okayed statewide

Nov 06 TC 3

Minnesota voters approved 60 of 96 school referendum questions (just over 62%) across roughly 70 districts in the 2025 election, the Minnesota School Boards Association said, OKaying about $1 billion of the roughly $1.6 billion districts sought. MSBA cautioned results are unofficial until certified; local outcomes include St. Paul Public Schools’ levy, confirmed to generate about $37.2 million annually for 10 years, and high pass rates in many rural districts as districts contend with inflation and the 10‑year referendum limit.

Elections Local Government Education

Stillwater denies cannabis shop near rec center

Nov 06 Breaking TC 1

The Stillwater City Council on Nov. 5 denied permits for two adult‑use cannabis retailers — including one at 1754 Washington Ave. near the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center and another near Chesterton Academy — while approving a third location. Council debate focused on how Minnesota’s buffer rules apply, including whether the recreation center is a 'public park attraction' regularly used by minors and how to measure distance; the city attorney said Curio Dance does not meet the state definition of a school for the 1,000‑ft buffer.

Local Government Business & Economy

Mpls Park Board appoints interim District 2 commissioner

Nov 06 Breaking TC 1

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appointed educator Averi Turner, 29, on Nov. 5 to temporarily fill the North Side’s District 2 seat through year‑end after Becka Thompson resigned to run for City Council. Turner will attend four meetings and represent District 2 during debate and approval of the park system’s proposed $160 million budget; her pay will be prorated, and Charles Rucker will assume the elected District 2 seat in January.

Local Government Elections

States sue DHS over FEMA grant restrictions

Nov 05 Breaking TC 1

Eleven states and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear sued DHS and FEMA in federal court in Eugene, Oregon, challenging new conditions on core emergency-preparedness grants, including cutting the spend period from three years to one and requiring states to certify populations excluding people removed under immigration law. The suit targets the $320M Emergency Management Performance Grant and $1B Homeland Security Grant Program after FEMA issued an Oct. 1 funding hold pending states’ methodology submissions; DHS says the changes ensure effective use aligned with current threats.

Legal Local Government

Minneapolis sets record municipal turnout

Nov 05 Developing TC 1

Minneapolis reported a record 147,702 ballots cast (55% of registered voters) in the 2025 municipal election, surpassing the city’s 2021 high-water mark. Ranked-choice tabulation for the mayoral race and a close City Council contest will resume Wednesday, Nov. 5, with final results to be certified by the City Council acting as the Municipal Canvassing Board on Monday, Nov. 10.

Elections Local Government

DFL retains Minnesota Senate after SD47 win; GOP takes SD29

Nov 05 TC 5

Special elections Tuesday left the DFL with a 34–33 Senate majority after state Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen‑Jaeger won open Senate District 47 roughly 61–39 to replace Nicole Mitchell, who resigned following a felony burglary conviction. Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. captured Senate District 29 by about a 24‑point margin to fill the seat vacated by the late Sen. Bruce Anderson; the House remains evenly split and the Legislature is slated to reconvene Feb. 17, 2026.

Elections Local Government

DFL keeps one-seat Senate majority after Nov. 4 specials

Nov 05 TC 6

Special elections Nov. 4 for SD47 (Woodbury/south Maplewood) and SD29 (parts of Wright, Meeker and Hennepin counties), vacated by DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s resignation and the death of GOP Sen. Bruce Anderson, resulted in DFL Amanda Hemmingsen‑Jaeger winning SD47 and Republican Michael Holmstrom Jr. winning SD29, leaving the Minnesota Senate at a 34–33 DFL majority. The House remains evenly divided heading into the 2026 session (scheduled to resume Feb. 17, 2026), and Hemmingsen‑Jaeger’s victory will trigger a special election to fill her Woodbury-area House seat.

Elections Local Government

St. Paul mayoral race advances to RCV; first count: Carter ~40%, Her ~38%

Nov 05 Breaking TC 4

After first-round unofficial tallies in the five-way St. Paul mayoral race, incumbent Melvin Carter led with just over 40% to challenger Kaohly Her’s just over 38%, so no candidate reached a majority and ranked‑choice reallocations are next. Ramsey County plans to post RCV results late Tuesday using new open‑source tabulation software (ending prior multi‑day hand counts); early returns briefly showed Her slightly ahead, turnout was heavier than expected, and the ballot also included a 10‑year school levy and a charter amendment on administrative citations.

Local Government Elections

St. Paul voters back administrative citations charter amendment; Yes leads 68–32 with 78 of 86 precincts reporting

Nov 05 TC 4

Unofficial returns show St. Paul voters backing an administrative‑citations charter amendment — "Yes" leading 68% to 32% with 78 of 86 precincts reporting. The amendment would authorize the City Council to create civil‑fine penalties for ordinance violations (with specific fines and covered offenses to be set later after public hearings); supporters including Mayor Melvin Carter and Rep. Kaohly Her say it will help enforce everything from building codes to wage and sick‑time rules, while critics such as former councilmember Jane Prince warn fines could be overused or become a budget tool after prior charter attempts failed and a petition forced the measure onto the 2025 ballot.

Local Government Elections

Ramsey County election results and levies

Nov 05 Breaking TC 1

On Nov. 4, 2025, Ramsey County communities reported municipal and school election results and levy outcomes. White Bear Lake’s mayoral race showed Mary Nicklawske leading 64%–36% with 3 of 6 precincts reporting; Falcon Heights council leaders were Georgiana May (42%) and Jim Mogen (40%) with 1 of 2 precincts; St. Anthony’s two council seats were uncontested. School board outcomes included SANB reelecting Annie Bosmans, Laura Haas and Prachi Striker, with Daniel Turner leading a special race; Mounds View, Roseville and North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale posted partial board tallies, and levies passed in Mounds View (64%) and Roseville (68%) but failed in North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale (56% No).

Elections Education Local Government

Dakota County voters approve school levies; Reichenberger, Mikel‑Mulder win board seats

Nov 05 TC 2

Dakota County voters approved school levies in three districts: Farmington’s operating levy passed with more than 57% support, providing $1,236.60 per student (about $8 million a year for 10 years) and raising taxes on a median $350,000 home by roughly $534 a year; Lakeville renewed its 2015 capital projects levy with nearly 70% support, continuing about $4 million a year for 10 years with no new tax increase; and Rosemount‑Apple Valley‑Eagan (ISD 196) voters renewed and increased the tech levy from 3.015% to 5.015% (about 68% approval), adding roughly $6.4 million a year to reach about $15.5 million annually for 10 years. In board races, Tony Reichenberger defeated Lakeville incumbent Brett Nicholson 51%–48%, and Elaine K. Mikel‑Mulder won a Hastings ISD 200 special election with more than 60% of the vote to fill a seat through Jan. 1, 2029.

Local Government Elections Education

SPPS uses public funds for levy outreach

Nov 05 TC 2

St. Paul Public Schools used taxpayer funds to conduct outreach about a special levy ahead of the Nov. 4 referendum. As of Oct. 29 the district had spent $59,977 on outreach materials and $108,257 in total including the required mailing.

Education Elections Local Government

St. Paul schools seek $1,073-per-pupil levy

Nov 05 TC 2

St. Paul Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $1,073-per-pupil levy referendum that would generate about $37.2 million a year; district officials say failing to pass it would force at least $37 million in budget cuts for 2026–27. The district reported spending roughly $60,000 on levy communications ($108,257 including the required mailed notice), estimates the median homeowner would pay about $309 per year if it passes, and warns that percentage property‑tax increases would vary by neighborhood, with the North End, Payne‑Phalen, Thomas‑Dale/Frogtown and the West Side facing the largest increases.

Education Elections Local Government

St. Paul proposes cannabis business manager post

Nov 04 Breaking TC 1

St. Paul plans to add a cannabis oversight position in its proposed 2026 budget to guide entrepreneurs through registration, zoning and local compliance, with pay between $73,000 and $102,000 funded by cannabis registration fees. City officials say they hope to fill the role internally, mirroring Minneapolis’ existing specialist, as the Office of Cannabis Management notes cities are still shaping oversight in the evolving market.

Local Government Business & Economy

Minneapolis election to decide council control

Nov 04 TC 3

Minneapolis voters are deciding whether the City Council’s seven-member progressive bloc will retain its veto-proof edge over Mayor Jacob Frey, with three open seats and three competitive incumbent races — including Ward 2 (Shelley Madore raised $129,000 to Robin Wonsley’s $72,000) and a costly Ward 7 contest in which incumbent Katie Cashman lost the DFL endorsement to Elizabeth Shaffer — poised to determine control. Only first-choice ranked-choice totals will be reported Tuesday night and reallocations resume Wednesday, and the council outcome is tied to the broader mayoral showdown between Frey and democratic-socialist Omar Fateh, who is running as part of a coordinated “slate for change.”

Elections Local Government

Pro-labor challengers surge in Mpls Park races

Nov 04 TC 2

A surge of pro-labor challengers and democratic-socialist newcomers is reshaping the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board races, with all nine seats on the ballot, several incumbents not seeking re-election, and results that may take days to finalize. At-large contests include incumbents Meg Forney and Tom Olsen, DFL endorsements for Olsen, Michael Wilson and Amber Frederick, three newcomers who identify as democratic socialists (Adam Schneider, Averi Turner and Michael Wilson) and mayoral backing for Mary McKelvey and Matthew Dowgwillo; District 1 now features DFL-backed union organizer Dan Engelhart after incumbent Billy Menz suspended his bid, Districts 2 and 3 are uncontested (Charles Rucker and Kedar Deshpande) and District 4 pits Jeannette Colby and Andrew Gebo against DFL-endorsed Jason Garcia.

Elections Local Government

Minneapolis voters decide Park Board, BET seats

Nov 04 Breaking TC 1

On Nov. 4, Minneapolis voters are casting ballots for all nine Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board seats and the Board of Estimate and Taxation, with four Park Board incumbents not seeking re‑election and results potentially taking days. The at‑large field includes incumbents Meg Forney and Tom Olsen, DFL endorsements for Olsen, Michael Wilson and Amber Frederick, and mayoral picks Mary McKelvey and Matthew Dowgwillo; district races feature unopposed candidates in Districts 2 (Charles Rucker) and 3 (Kedar Deshpande), a reshuffled District 1 after Billy Menz suspended his bid, and a three‑way District 4 contest to replace Elizabeth Shaffer.

Elections Local Government

Suburban Twin Cities elect local leaders

Nov 04 Breaking TC 1

On Election Day, Nov. 4, 2025, voters in Bloomington, Minnetonka and Lino Lakes are choosing mayors and City Council members amid debates over taxes, development and affordability; polls are open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. The article details candidate slates and priorities, including Bloomington’s at‑large race (Jonathan Minks, Danielle Robertson, Isaak Rooble) plus two district contests, Minnetonka’s open mayoral race with five candidates and one contested at‑large seat, and Lino Lakes’ mayoral race centered on rapid development and a controversial housing/mosque project with incumbent Rob Rafferty seeking reelection.

Elections Local Government

Community campaign saves Lake of the Isles rink

Nov 04 Breaking TC 1

After the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board considered closing the Lake of the Isles outdoor skating rink due to climate pressures and budget shortfalls, a neighborhood campaign led by Kenwood resident Janet Hallaway gathered nearly 3,000 signatures, prompting staff to keep the rink open for the upcoming winter season. District 4 Park Commissioner Elizabeth Shaffer said the push also spurred plans to restore and maintain several other rinks that were slated for closure or were closed last year.

Local Government Environment

Lake St. Croix Beach fires administrator; suit planned

Nov 04 Breaking TC 1

Lake St. Croix Beach’s council voted 3–2 on Oct. 20 to terminate City Clerk/Administrator Dave Engstrom, 71, after a 90‑day performance plan; Engstrom says he will sue for age discrimination and has retained Minneapolis‑based Halunen Law Firm. During an open review, officials cited attendance, communication and meeting‑minutes oversight issues, while Engstrom disputed the findings and alleged a council member previously called for “new blood.”

Local Government Legal

Avery Severson launches bid for House 36A

Nov 03 Breaking TC 1

Avery Severson announced Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, that she is running as a Republican for Minnesota House District 36A, which covers Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, North Oaks, Centerville, and most of White Bear Township. The swing‑district race is endorsed by outgoing Rep. Elliott Engen, now running for state auditor, and comes as the House is split 67–67, making 36A one of several seats likely to decide majority control in 2026.

Elections Local Government

Minneapolis early voting at second-highest pace

Nov 03 Developing TC 1

Minneapolis reports more than 23,000 early ballots cast as of Sunday, about 9% of eligible voters, putting the city on pace for its second‑highest municipal early turnout behind 2021. The Early Vote Center (980 E. Hennepin Ave.) is open until 5 p.m. Monday ahead of Tuesday’s election for mayor, all 13 City Council seats, all nine Park Board seats, and the two Board of Estimate and Taxation seats; Ward 6 currently leads early turnout, followed by Ward 3.

Elections Local Government

Walz directs $4M to Minnesota food shelves as SNAP cutoff nears

Nov 02 Breaking TC 8

Gov. Tim Walz this week formally directed $4 million to Minnesota food shelves as an emergency stopgap ahead of an expected Nov. 1 interruption to SNAP and other federal food and preschool aid if the partial federal shutdown continues. The one‑time allocation — small compared with roughly $73 million in monthly SNAP benefits that reach more than 440,000 Minnesotans — supplements relief from United Way, local governments and food pantries preparing expanded distributions, but advocates warn food shelves alone cannot close the gap.

Health Local Government Business & Economy

Washington County allocates $250K to food shelves

Nov 02 Breaking TC 2

Washington County Board approved a one-time $250,000 allocation to area food shelves to help meet rising need as federal aid is strained. The move mirrors other metro stopgaps—Bloomington also approved $250,000 in grants—and comes as United Way launches a relief campaign while city departments coordinate donation drives and urge support for pantries such as VEAP.

Health Local Government

Ramsey County elections: races and ballot measures

Nov 02 TC 1

Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, the Pioneer Press lists Ramsey County ballots: St. Paul and White Bear Lake mayoral races; city council contests in Falcon Heights, St. Anthony and White Bear Lake; and school board races in St. Anthony–New Brighton, Mounds View, North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale and Roseville. St. Paul voters will also decide a St. Paul Public Schools levy that would raise $37 million annually for 10 years (inflation‑adjusted) and a charter amendment allowing administrative citations; several districts also have levy questions.

Elections Local Government Education

Where Minneapolis mayoral frontrunners stand on issues

Nov 01 TC 1

With Minneapolis voters heading to the polls Tuesday, the Star Tribune details where the four leading mayoral candidates — Jacob Frey, Omar Fateh, DeWayne Davis and Jazz Hampton — stand on downtown revival, public safety, housing and homelessness. The report outlines shared support for a more mixed‑use downtown and key differences, including Frey’s backing to move bus routes off Nicollet Mall, Fateh’s push to expand Vibrant Storefronts and partner with the Downtown Council, Davis’ focus on smaller leasable spaces, tax incentives and ‘third spaces,’ and Hampton’s call to streamline permitting/inspections and strengthen walkable neighborhood connections.

Elections Local Government

St. Paul decertifies Westminster Junction TIF early

Nov 01 Breaking TC 1

The St. Paul Port Authority board voted Monday to decertify the 26-year Westminster Junction TIF redevelopment district five years early, returning the East Side business center to the full tax rolls after outperforming projections. The 25-acre site along Phalen Boulevard and Cayuga Street has grown from a blighted rail yard with about 50 jobs to 15 companies with 913 jobs, lifting annual property taxes from $138,000 to $2.6 million, which officials say will help reduce the city’s levy.

Local Government Business & Economy

U.S. Ed Dept furloughs hit OCR, special ed

Oct 31 Developing TC 2

Furloughs tied to the government shutdown have hit Education Department offices that oversee special education and civil‑rights enforcement (OCR), coming after staffing at the department fell from about 4,100 to roughly 2,400 since the Trump administration began and leaving only about 330 employees deemed “essential.” The cuts have halted new grants and frozen competitions, slowed reimbursements—raising concerns about school‑meal reimbursements and Head Start funding—while Pell Grants and FAFSA processing have continued.

Government/Regulatory Education Local Government

Pro‑Frey PACs outspend Fateh allies in Mpls

Oct 31 TC 1

Campaign‑finance reports through Oct. 20 show PACs aligned with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and his allies have raised about $1.6 million, in addition to nearly $1 million raised by Frey’s campaign, far outpacing groups backing state Sen. Omar Fateh and his allies ahead of the Nov. 4 election. The largest PAC, All of Minneapolis, has raised $1.2 million, while We Love Minneapolis has raised $309,000 and transferred $130,000 to Thrive MPLS, as both sides mobilize for the mayoral and 13 council races.

Elections Local Government

MN Senate hears shutdown’s toll on TSA, WIC

Oct 31 Developing TC 1

At an Oct. 30 hearing of the Minnesota Senate’s Subcommittee on Federal Impacts, union leaders said MSP TSA agents are missing rent and taking home donated food boxes, while advocates warned Minnesota’s WIC funds (about $9M/month) will last only through the third week of November. State officials cited diminished communication with USDA and Attorney General Keith Ellison said a judge is expected to rule soon in the 25‑state lawsuit seeking to restore SNAP during the shutdown.

Local Government Health Business & Economy

St. Paul administrative citations on ballot: full question, backers, and how it would work

Oct 31 Developing TC 2

Ordinance Ord 25-2, on the St. Paul ballot, would amend the city charter to authorize administrative citations, and city leaders — including Mayor Carter, Rep. Kaohly Her, all seven council members, the Charter Commission and a broad coalition of labor, faith and community groups — have urged residents to vote “yes.” The charter change itself sets no fine amounts or covered violations (those would be adopted later through separate ordinances after public hearings for roughly 15 enforcement areas such as animal control, neglected construction, landlord code/rent issues, illegal sewer discharges and employer wage/sick‑time violations); critics warn fines could become a “tax on the poor” or a revenue source, the measure was put on the ballot after a petition by former City Hall employee Peter Butler, and some mayoral candidates (Yan Chen, Mike Hilborn) say they will vote no while Kaohly Her supports it.

Local Government Elections

MPD orders review and retraining after Willard-Hay domestic-violence killing

Oct 31 Breaking TC 6

After Mariah Samuels was fatally shot in her Willard‑Hay home on Sept. 14 — allegedly by ex‑boyfriend David Wright, who has been arrested and charged with second‑degree murder and was under a court order to stay away — reviews found MPD failed to assign an investigator after an August assault despite a risk assessment, witness statement and surveillance video, and body‑camera footage contradicted an officer’s report. Chief Brian O’Hara has ordered a thorough review and department‑wide retraining on domestic‑violence protocols to be completed by the end of 2025 amid criticism over understaffing in the domestic assault unit, numerous unassigned “gone on arrival” cases, City Council demands and public rallies by the victim’s family.

Public Safety Legal Local Government

St. Paul chiefs warn pay gaps risk retention

Oct 30 TC 1

St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry and Fire Chief Butch Inks say they now earn less than their potential pensions and below market for their roles, as the city raised non‑union manager salary ranges by 9% in Dec. 2024 but has not moved managers within those ranges pending union negotiations. Henry earns $207,688 and Inks $201,968, while the new top ranges would be $226,387 (police) and $220,147 (fire); Henry cites a city job study suggesting about $256,000 as market. Mayor Melvin Carter acknowledges budget pressures — including a $7.5M lawsuit payout, cyberattack costs, and threatened federal funding — and proposed limited raises as top police and fire staff consider unionizing.

Local Government Public Safety

Walz backs Frey in Minneapolis mayor race

Oct 30 TC 1

Days before the Nov. 4 election, Gov. Tim Walz endorsed incumbent Jacob Frey in Minneapolis’s 15‑candidate mayoral race, which uses ranked‑choice voting allowing voters to select up to three choices. The article identifies four frontrunners — Frey, Sen. Omar Fateh, Rev. DeWayne Davis and Jazz Hampton — outlines their public‑safety and wage positions, and notes the DFL revoked its earlier endorsement of Fateh after internal disputes.

Elections Local Government

Sheriffs warn of SNAP 'emergency relief' text scams amid shutdown (now includes Anoka County)

Oct 29 Breaking TC 2

Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to Minnesota SNAP recipients offering fake $1,000 "emergency relief," with some messages using the phrase "Food Debit Emergency Relief" and appearing amid a shutdown. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office warned about the scam on X, noting roughly 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP and may be targeted.

Public Safety Local Government Government

Oak Park Heights OKs Mango Cannabis at Joseph’s

Oct 29 Breaking TC 1

The Oak Park Heights City Council unanimously approved a conditional-use permit Tuesday for Mango Cannabis to occupy the entire Joseph’s restaurant building at 14608 60th St. N. City officials said Joseph’s plans to relocate nearby, while applicants ABJKM Holdings and Boundary Waters Capital also seek a Stillwater site as both cities raise caps to four cannabis retailers. The Hwy. 36 corridor is drawing interest due to Wisconsin’s cannabis ban, and Oak Park Heights previously approved Oak Park Heights Canna for a 2026 opening.

Local Government Business & Economy

University of Minnesota ends hosting high school graduations

Oct 29 Breaking TC 1

The University of Minnesota said this week it will no longer host high school commencement ceremonies at any campus venue, ending more than 20 events each spring at 3M Arena at Mariucci and other sites. Citing an unsustainable strain on resources—and following heightened security after a May 30 shooting outside a graduation—the decision leaves Twin Cities districts that relied on Mariucci’s 6,000+ indoor capacity scrambling to secure new locations, adjust dates, or implement ticketing.

Education Local Government

Minnesota Capitol to add 20 officers, threats investigator as threats surge

Oct 29 Breaking TC 2

Facing a surge in threats — roughly 50 reported in under 10 months this year, with 13 leading to charges and on pace to triple 2024’s 19 — Minnesota’s Capitol will add 20 security officers (training begins mid‑ to late‑November) and a dedicated threats investigator by year‑end. Since August all but four public entrances have been closed, further enhancements and a legislative vote on additional security changes are expected in February, while the building still lacks metal detectors and allows firearms, a policy Republicans are not backing to change.

Local Government Public Safety

Judge blocks federal-worker layoffs during shutdown, citing political retribution

Oct 29 Developing TC 2

A judge has extended an order barring the Trump administration from carrying out shutdown-related federal-worker layoffs, finding the planned firings amounted to political retribution. The ruling reinforces protections for federal employees while the government funding lapse continues.

Government Legal Local Government

Court narrows Minneapolis duty to defend officers

Oct 28 Breaking TC 1

A Minnesota court ruled Tuesday that the City of Minneapolis is not obligated to provide a legal defense to some police officers being sued over their conduct during the 2020 George Floyd protests. The decision clarifies when the city’s duty to defend applies, indicating certain alleged actions fall outside what Minneapolis must cover and potentially reducing taxpayer exposure in ongoing civil cases.

Legal Local Government

Minneapolis clears 234 OPCR misconduct cases backlog

Oct 27 Breaking TC 1

The Minneapolis Office of Police Conduct Review said Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, it completed investigative work on 234 backlogged police‑misconduct complaints received on or before May 23, 2024, after hiring/reassigning 12 staff, adding supervisors, and restructuring investigations. Cases now move to panel review and a final decision by the police chief, and OPCR will focus on newer complaints as the city works toward compliance with its Minnesota Department of Human Rights settlement agreement.

Local Government Public Safety

Nov. 4 voting guide for Twin Cities

Oct 27 TC 1

FOX 9 outlines what’s on 2025 ballots and how/where to vote ahead of Minnesota’s Nov. 4 municipal and school board elections, including Minneapolis and St. Paul mayoral races and St. Paul’s ballot question. The guide details polling hours (most 7 a.m.–8 p.m., but metro polling places in municipal/school-only elections may open as late as 10 a.m.), early in‑person voting through Nov. 3, absentee ballot rules, and how to find polling places and register via mnvotes.org.

Elections Local Government

MAC Chair Rick King to retire

Oct 26 Breaking TC 1

Rick King, chair of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, announced his retirement on Oct. 26, 2025. The MAC oversees Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and several reliever airports, making the leadership change significant for the Twin Cities’ primary aviation infrastructure; the report did not immediately specify timing or succession details.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Weinhagen resigns from Mounds View school board

Oct 24 Developing TC 1

Jonathan Weinhagen has resigned from the Mounds View (ISD 621) school board amid federal fraud allegations. The departure changes leadership for the Ramsey County district and follows his recent federal indictment tied to his prior role outside the district.

Education Local Government

State investment board cites safety, moves online

Oct 24 Breaking TC 1

The Minnesota State Board of Investment delayed parts of its agenda and shifted its Oct. 23 meeting to a virtual format, citing concerns about political violence and safety. The board, which oversees public pension investments for state and local employees including many in the Twin Cities, said the changes were precautionary as it conducted business remotely.

Local Government Public Safety

Southwest LRT begins on‑track testing

Oct 23 Breaking TC 2

Trains on the Southwest Light Rail have begun moving along the new tracks for on‑track testing. The Metropolitan Council says the Green Line extension to the west metro is still targeted to begin service in 2027, reaffirming that timeline after testing started.

Public Safety Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

Secondary market emerges for MN cannabis licenses

Oct 23 TC 1

FOX 9 reports Minnesota recreational cannabis licenses are being listed and resold on secondary markets, with more than 80 licenses recently posted at combined asking prices once above $100 million. One local example is a former Wendy’s site in Roseville marketed with city approval and a lease, though any change in majority ownership would reset its place in the city’s queue for three retail licenses; all transfers require approval from the Office of Cannabis Management.

Business & Economy Local Government

St. Paul Mayor Carter seeks third term

Oct 23 Breaking TC 1

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said he is seeking a third term, citing ongoing work he wants to complete as the Nov. 4, 2025 election approaches. The announcement comes with early voting already underway; Carter faces challengers Kaohly Vang Her, Adam Dullinger, Yan Chen and Mike Hilborn.

Elections Local Government

Early voting starts Sept. 19 in Twin Cities

Oct 23 Breaking TC 2

Early voting in the Twin Cities begins Sept. 19 for 2025 contests, including a Nov. 4 special election for Minnesota Senate District 29. The SD29 race pits GOP nominee Michael Holmstrom Jr., a Buffalo small‑business owner, against DFL nominee Louis McNutt, a MnDOT heavy equipment mechanic and AFSCME Council 5 secretary, and because the district leans GOP (Anderson won 68–32 in 2022) the result could affect the DFL’s narrow 33–32 Senate majority with two open seats (SD47 and SD29).

Local Government Elections

Rep. Elliott Engen launches auditor bid

Oct 23 Breaking TC 1

Republican state Rep. Elliott Engen announced he is running for Minnesota state auditor, entering the 2026 statewide race for the office that audits state and local governments. The auditor’s work directly affects metro cities, counties and school districts, and Twin Cities voters will help decide the contest.

Elections Local Government

Express buses to replace Northstar at two stops

Oct 23 Breaking TC 1

Metro Transit will replace Northstar commuter rail service at the Big Lake and Elk River stations with new express bus service, affecting riders who use those stations to reach Minneapolis and other Twin Cities stops. The change shifts how Sherburne County commuters access the Northstar corridor and downtown, with officials outlining the replacement service to maintain connectivity.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Minneapolis posts full 2025 mayor, council ballot

Oct 23 TC 1

FOX 9 lists all candidates for Minneapolis’ 2025 mayoral and City Council races and details where and when residents can vote. Fifteen candidates are on the mayoral ballot, including incumbent Jacob Frey and Sen. Omar Fateh, with ranked-choice voting in use; early voting is open now at the Early Vote Center (980 E Hennepin Ave) ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4, 2025. The guide also notes at least three open council seats (Wards 5, 8, 11) and publishes ward-by-ward candidate lineups.

Elections Local Government

St. Paul meeting addresses racist fliers

Oct 23 Developing TC 1

About two dozen St. Paul residents met with police and Mayor Melvin Carter Wednesday night at Bethlehem Lutheran Church to discuss racist fliers found Oct. 2 in several Merriam Park locations targeting Black and Somali people. Police said they are investigating who distributed the fliers—tossed on the ground at four spots—and noted it is unclear whether a crime occurred, though littering or trespassing could apply.

Public Safety Local Government

Lakeville weighs 390-acre, 1,440-home project

Oct 22 Breaking TC 1

Lakeville officials are reviewing a proposal for a roughly 390-acre development in the city’s southwest corner that could include up to 1,440 homes and substantial commercial space. The plan, reported Oct. 22, 2025, would significantly reshape land use and could impact housing supply, retail mix, and local services if approved.

Housing Local Government

MPD seeks two cyclists in Temple Israel bias‑graffiti case; asks public for video

Oct 22 Breaking TC 2

Minneapolis police are treating anti‑Semitic graffiti at Temple Israel as a bias crime and are seeking two cyclists seen leaving the scene — both wearing dark hoodies, masks and blue surgical gloves — and have issued a public appeal for tips and surveillance footage. The pair were observed arriving and leaving via 24th St W to Fremont Ave S, seen near 25th St W & Humboldt Ave S and last seen southbound at 26th St W & Irving Ave S; residents with video from Oct. 8 between 2–3 a.m. are asked to contact policetips@minneapolismn.gov, 612‑673‑5845 or CrimeStoppersMN.org/1‑800‑TIPS.

Legal Local Government Public Safety

Union stages protest against Ramsey County detox program closure

Oct 21 Developing TC 2

On Oct. 21 union members held a public protest opposing Ramsey County’s planned closure of its detox/withdrawal management program, escalating organized labor’s pushback beyond earlier statements. Protesters urged county commissioners to keep the program open, emphasizing the closure’s impact on St. Paul and Ramsey County residents.

Health Local Government

St. Paul joins lawsuit over $100M emergency grants

Oct 21 Developing TC 1

The City of St. Paul said Tuesday it has joined a coalition of cities suing the federal government over a policy that threatens more than $100 million in emergency grants. City officials argue the federal conditions unlawfully put critical emergency funding at risk for municipalities, and the suit seeks to block the changes while the case proceeds.

Local Government Legal

Grand Ave Macalester–Wheeler segment reopens Tuesday; $6.7M project ribbon cutting 4:30 p.m.

Oct 21 Breaking TC 2

Grand Avenue between Macalester and Wheeler streets reopens Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a free community celebration from 4–6 p.m. and a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.; traffic is expected to reopen by 11 p.m. The $6.7 million phase — part of the larger Grand Ave. project between Snelling and Fairview and partly funded by the 1% sales tax approved in 2023 — aims to improve pedestrian safety and crossings, modernize infrastructure, and upgrade environmental and transit amenities, with most construction due to finish by year‑end 2025 and final cleanup into 2026.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

State lifts cap on Hennepin jail capacity

Oct 21 Breaking TC 1

The Minnesota Department of Corrections has approved an increase in the Hennepin County jail’s allowable population after a hiring spree boosted detention staffing, officials said this week. The change, affecting the Adult Detention Center in downtown Minneapolis, relaxes earlier limits tied to staffing shortfalls and enables the county to hold more detainees locally under DOC standards.

Public Safety Local Government

Ramsey County settles foster parents data case

Oct 21 Breaking TC 1

Ramsey County will pay $875,000 to foster parents from Little Canada to resolve a data practices dispute, according to a report published Oct. 20, 2025. The settlement closes a legal conflict over the county’s handling of data, ending the case without further litigation and carrying financial implications for the county.

Legal Local Government

Walz, Prairie Island sign cannabis compact; wholesale to state dispensaries could begin in November

Oct 21 Breaking TC 2

Gov. Tim Walz and leaders of the Prairie Island Indian Community signed a tribal-state cannabis compact on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, establishing terms for the tribe to supply recreational cannabis to state dispensaries. If implementation proceeds as planned, wholesale deliveries to state-licensed retailers could begin as soon as November.

Local Government Business & Economy

Minnesota ends same-day license pilot Oct. 31

Oct 21 Breaking TC 1

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services will discontinue its pilot for same‑day printing of standard Class D driver’s licenses on Oct. 31, 2025, after recommending against expansion due to quality and appearance differences that led to acceptance issues at bars and airports. The pilot, launched in May 2023 at the Dakota County License Center in Lakeville and in Moorhead, will shift all standard licenses, IDs, and permits back to vendor‑printed cards mailed to customers.

Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

Federal cuts slash Minnesota food aid

Oct 20 Developing TC 1

USDA funding reductions to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) have removed roughly 1 million pounds of food from Minnesota’s supply, and state and nonprofit officials warn deeper cuts could follow. The shortfall affects food shelves statewide, including in the Twin Cities, forcing pantries to stretch resources as demand remains high.

Health Local Government Business & Economy

Wayzata sued over short-term rental ban

Oct 20 Breaking TC 1

Five Wayzata rental owners have filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s September ordinance that bans short‑term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo, which is set to take effect next April. The suit argues the city failed to follow required procedures such as holding a public hearing and that the ordinance conflicts with city and state laws; plaintiffs are asking a judge to block enforcement so they can continue operating. The ordinance allows rentals only if they are 30 days or longer.

Legal Local Government Housing

Minneapolis starts fall street sweeping Tuesday

Oct 20 Breaking TC 1

Minneapolis Public Works will begin its fall street sweeping on Tuesday, enforcing temporary 'No Parking' rules on posted streets while crews clean. Residents are urged to watch for signs, use the city’s online map or call 311 to check their block’s schedule; vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed and towed.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Minneapolis board weighs school closures

Oct 20 Developing TC 1

The Minneapolis School Board signaled on Oct. 20, 2025, that school closures are on the table, according to a Minnesota Reformer report. The indication suggests the district may pursue consolidation or closures, with details, affected schools, and a decision timeline not yet specified.

Education Local Government

Scott Jensen launches second run for governor

Oct 19 Breaking TC 1

Former Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen announced a second bid for governor and said he is embracing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” theme. The Star Tribune reports the move positions Jensen in the emerging 2026 field, which includes Gov. Tim Walz seeking a third term, and signals the messaging he plans to center in his campaign.

Elections Local Government

BCA: Twin Cities violent crime up 1% in 2024

Oct 17 TC 2

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reports violent crime in the Twin Cities rose 1% in 2024, even as statewide data show murders and assaults continued to decline, extending a post‑pandemic downward trend. The BCA framed 2024 as a continuation of post‑pandemic normalization in key violent‑crime categories.

Public Safety Local Government

Minnesota federal courts limit operations amid shutdown

Oct 17 Developing TC 1

The U.S. District Court for Minnesota announced it is shifting to limited operations due to the federal funding lapse tied to the government shutdown, affecting the Minneapolis and St. Paul courthouses. Essential criminal proceedings will continue while some civil matters and court services are curtailed until funding is restored.

Legal Local Government

Guide to 2025 metro county elections

Oct 16 TC 1

The Pioneer Press provides a 2025 election guide for Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties, detailing local races and ballot questions ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4, 2025. The guide consolidates what’s on ballots across the three Twin Cities counties with timing reminders as early voting continues.

Elections Local Government

Minnesota drops 800 inactive Medicaid providers statewide

Oct 16 Breaking TC 1

Minnesota’s Department of Human Services disenrolled about 800 inactive Medicaid providers on Oct. 15, 2025, under Gov. Tim Walz’s Executive Order 25-10 directing immediate removal of providers who haven’t billed in the past 12 months. DHS said the step, which excludes 621 inactive Housing Stabilization Services providers slated to end Oct. 31, is part of tightening oversight after widespread fraud allegations, with additional rounds of eliminations planned.

Health Local Government

Minneapolis mayoral hopefuls split on policing

Oct 16 Developing TC 1

At a Wednesday forum at The Capri Theater in Minneapolis, mayoral candidates outlined contrasting approaches to policing and public safety with less than three weeks before Election Day. All agreed the city needs officers for violent crime, while diverging on funding priorities and responses to non‑violent calls, with Mayor Jacob Frey emphasizing hiring more officers and others focusing on reallocating resources toward behavioral crisis response and alternatives to police.

Elections Public Safety Local Government

AG: Two contractors accused in $1.5M fraud

Oct 14 Breaking TC 1

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office alleges contractors Ryan Pietron and Earl Bode took more than $1.5 million from families for home projects they abandoned or never started, with victims in Maplewood and Apple Valley among those affected. The state has already imposed a lifetime contractor ban on Bode and barred Pietron from applying for a license until at least 2030, and lawsuits are seeking further penalties and restitution.

Legal Local Government

Judge: DHS can’t tie FEMA aid to immigration cooperation, calls tactic ‘bullying’

Oct 14 Breaking TC 2

A federal judge ruled that the Department of Homeland Security cannot condition FEMA disaster aid on state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, issuing an injunction barring the DHS-imposed eligibility requirement. In his opinion the judge said DHS was "bullying" states into accepting those immigration-enforcement conditions, a prohibition that affects states and localities including Minnesota.

Legal Local Government

Minneapolis seeks developer for Dania Hall site

Oct 13 Breaking TC 1

The City of Minneapolis is seeking a developer to revive the former Dania Hall site in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, a historically significant parcel where the 1886-built Danish cultural center was destroyed by fires in 1991 and 2000. The move signals a new push to redevelop the long-vacant site; formal solicitation details were not included in the preview.

Local Government Housing

Rep. Ilhan Omar backs Fateh for mayor

Oct 13 Breaking TC 1

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar endorsed state Sen. Omar Fateh for Minneapolis mayor, the Minnesota Reformer reports. The high‑profile backing comes during Minneapolis’s ongoing 2025 mayoral campaign as early voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Elections Local Government

MSP opens Terminal 1 FLEX Lane for MEA

Oct 13 Breaking TC 1

MSP Airport and the Metropolitan Airports Commission say MEA-week travel will surge about 19% over a typical fall day, with more than 52,000 passengers expected at TSA on Thursday, Oct. 16, and over 50,000 on Wednesday, Oct. 15. To ease congestion, a new free FLEX Lane at Terminal 1 on the left side of Departures Drive (access via doors 5–8; connected to ramps and sky bridges) is now available, while officials expect only minimal local impacts from the ongoing federal government shutdown. Travelers are urged to arrive two hours early for domestic flights, three hours for international, consider MSP RESERVE for security, prebook parking, and use cell phone lots for pickups.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

CDC urges COVID shots; Walz gets vaccinated

Oct 13 Breaking TC 1

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz received a COVID-19 vaccination as the CDC recommended that Americans get vaccinated this fall to reduce severe illness. The nationwide guidance applies to Twin Cities residents and comes ahead of the colder season when respiratory viruses typically rise.

Health Local Government

Nonprofit takes over Alliance Bank Center

Oct 13 Breaking TC 1

The Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation has acquired the vacant Alliance Bank Center in downtown St. Paul from Madison Equities and will assume property management and security from the city, officials confirmed. The nonprofit, a subsidiary of the St. Paul Downtown Alliance, will keep the building and connected skyways closed while conducting a 12‑month redevelopment evaluation, with updated skyway maps coming before winter.

Business & Economy Local Government

Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner to retire Dec. 31; to lead Phyllis Wheatley Community Center

Oct 12 Developing TC 2

Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner, who began his Minneapolis Fire Department career in 1995 and was appointed the city's second Black fire chief in December 2020, will retire effective Dec. 31, 2025, to become executive director of the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center. During his 30-year career—raised in North Minneapolis and holding an Executive Fire Officer certification—Tyner led the department through COVID-19 and civil unrest, increased firefighter staffing, launched EMS Pathways and Safe Station programs and a nationally recognized commercial building inspection program; a national search for his successor is underway and an interim chief will be appointed.

Public Safety Local Government

Bloomington used COVID relief for City Hall bathroom

Oct 12 TC 1

The City of Bloomington spent nearly $1 million in federal COVID‑19 relief funds to renovate a bathroom at City Hall, according to a Star Tribune report. The use of federal aid for a municipal facility upgrade highlights how pandemic funds were allocated locally and raises oversight and prioritization questions for residents and officials.

Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

Minneapolis opens RFP for 'New Nicollet' Phase One

Oct 10 Breaking TC 1

The City of Minneapolis has issued a formal Request for Proposals this week for Phase One of the 'New Nicollet' redevelopment at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue, the former Kmart site long blamed for severing the corridor. Phase One targets the southeast quadrant with subsidized and affordable apartments; bids are due in January 2026, with a developer to be approved later in 2026 and construction still several years away.

Housing Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

Judge blocks conditions on domestic-violence grants

Oct 10 Breaking TC 1

A federal judge ruled on Oct. 10, 2025, that the Trump administration cannot impose additional conditions on federal domestic‑violence grants, limiting the administration’s ability to tie funding to new requirements. The decision has direct implications for Twin Cities governments and victim‑service providers that depend on these grants to fund domestic‑violence programs.

Legal Local Government

Shakopee neighbor feud triggers 232 police calls

Oct 10 Developing TC 1

Shakopee police say a long-running shared-driveway dispute between neighbors Juan Salas and Jessica Keil generated 232 calls and 260 officer hours over the past year in Shakopee, with Police Chief Jeff Tate estimating the saga has cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. Both parties hold harassment restraining orders against each other and accuse the other of violations, as the city and courts seek a resolution to the escalating conflict.

Public Safety Local Government

Bloomington mulls 9.44% levy, $100M complex

Oct 10 Developing TC 1

City of Bloomington officials are considering a 9.44% property tax increase alongside plans for a $100 million complex, according to a new report. The proposal would affect Bloomington taxpayers in Hennepin County as city leaders review budget and capital project options.

Local Government Transit & Infrastructure

I-94 St. Paul weekend closure for bridge work

Oct 10 Breaking TC 1

MnDOT will close sections of I-94 in St. Paul from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, for John Ireland Boulevard bridge replacement work tied to a nine-bridge repair program. Westbound I-94 will be closed between I-35E and Dale Street and eastbound I-94 between Highway 280 and University Ave East, with detours via I-35E, Highway 36, and Highway 280; the bridge is slated to reopen next summer.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

UMN regents approve 9-2 transfer of Eastcliff to University Foundation

Oct 09 Breaking TC 2

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents voted 9-2 on Oct. 9, 2025, to transfer Eastcliff to the University of Minnesota Foundation. The approval clears a $2.2 million sale of the property to the Foundation.

Education Local Government Business & Economy

Matt Pelikan launches Hennepin County attorney bid

Oct 09 Breaking TC 2

Matt Pelikan has officially launched a campaign for Hennepin County Attorney, declaring his candidacy in the emerging 2026 contest. FOX 9 lists him among four declared contenders, noting his entry follows incumbent Mary Moriarty’s decision not to seek re-election.

Legal Elections Local Government

Four candidates now running for Hennepin County Attorney

Oct 09 Developing TC 1

Four candidates have publicly announced runs for Hennepin County Attorney ahead of the November 2026 election: Anders Folk (former acting U.S. attorney and DOJ official), state Rep. Cedrick Frazier, Hao Nguyen (former assistant Ramsey County attorney), and Matt Pelikan (Minneapolis attorney). The Fox9 roundup summarizes each campaign announcement, cites endorsements (Andy Luger for Folk, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flangan and several mayors for Frazier), and notes the race is open after incumbent Mary Moriarty said she will not seek reelection.

Elections Legal Local Government

Hundreds of Minnesota clergy demand assault-weapons ban

Oct 08 Developing TC 1

About 750 clergy from across Minnesota gathered at the State Capitol in St. Paul, delivering a letter to Gov. Tim Walz and lawmakers calling for a special legislative session to ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. The group — representing more than 60 of the state's 87 counties — launched a "Seven Days of Prayer and Action," holding noon prayer vigils on the Capitol steps for a week; the action was organized in response to the Annunciation Church mass shooting that killed two children and wounded dozens.

Local Government Public Safety

Anoka extends downtown social district through 2025

Oct 07 Developing TC 1

The Anoka City Council voted Oct. 6, 2025 to extend its downtown 'social district' open-container rules through the end of 2025, allowing patrons to legally carry beer, wine and cocktails within a defined area of downtown and Riverfront Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The program includes a color-coded sign system for participating businesses, requires drinks to be served in special recyclable plastic cups, and excludes use during the city's Halloween parades; the council also approved allowing the expanded hours annually going forward.

Local Government Public Safety

Ramsey County to pay $100,000 settlement

Oct 07 Breaking TC 1

Ramsey County has agreed to pay $100,000 to a former detainee of the county’s Juvenile Detention Center, the Twin Cities–area news outlet reported on Oct. 7, 2025. The payment was announced by county officials (or reported by the paper) and concerns a former juvenile held at the Ramsey County facility; the action raises questions about the county’s handling of the underlying claim and potential oversight or policy implications.

Local Government Courts/Legal

Loma Bonita Market to Open in Richfield

Oct 07 Breaking TC 1

Loma Bonita Market, a locally owned Mexican grocery chain, will occupy the long-vacant Rainbow Foods building at The Hub in Richfield and is set to open in the next few weeks. The store — the chain's largest at more than 50,000 square feet — will include a bakery, butcher shop, taqueria and tortilleria, and city officials say the project will revitalize the strip-mall area and expand grocery options for local residents.

Business & Economy Local Government

Minnesota DFL probes Minneapolis DFL mailers amid Fateh endorsement dispute

Oct 07 Developing TC 3

Following a contentious review that saw the Minnesota DFL State Executive Committee vote 40–7 to uphold the revocation of Sen. Omar Fateh’s Minneapolis mayoral endorsement and form a subcommittee to ensure convention compliance, the party has opened an investigation into postcards mailed by the Minneapolis DFL that featured Fateh. A complaint to the DFL’s Constitution, Rules and Bylaws Committee alleges the mailer contradicted the party’s retraction, while Minneapolis DFL says the postcards were delivered to its printer before a leaked draft ruling and bulk-mail delays explain late arrival; party leaders cited a “substantially flawed” first ballot and complications after the convention operator suffered a stroke, and Hennepin County judges previously fined Fateh’s campaign $500 for using the endorsement logo after it was rescinded.

Local Government Elections

All five St. Paul mayoral candidates speak at Gloria Dei forum

Oct 07 Breaking TC 2

All five St. Paul mayoral candidates — incumbent Melvin Carter, Kaohly Her, Adam Dullinger, Yan Chen and Mike Hilborn — spoke at a forum held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and organized by Fair Vote Minnesota. Candidates addressed public safety, housing and property taxes, with early voting already under way ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4, 2025.

Local Government Elections

Minnesota school board members urge ban on trans girls' sports

Oct 07 Developing TC 1

A coalition of school board members from 40 Minnesota districts sent a letter this week to the Minnesota Department of Education, the Minnesota State High School League, the attorney general and the governor, asking state leaders to bar transgender athletes assigned male at birth from competing in girls' sports. The move follows a recent U.S. Department of Education finding that Minnesota is in violation of Title IX and comes amid a separate lawsuit by an advocacy group challenging current participation policies; the case has seen a denied emergency injunction and an appeal to the Court of Appeals.

Education Legal Local Government

Former Golden Valley chief alleges department racism

Oct 06 Developing TC 1

Virgil Green, who resigned as Golden Valley police chief after four months and a period on paid administrative leave, told FOX 9 that he felt unsupported and believes racism remains within the city’s police department. His resignation followed two internal investigations — one into the alleged improper release of body-worn-camera footage and another into alleged interference with an internal probe — and comes amid deep staffing turnover at the department.

Local Government Public Safety

I-494 overnight closure for Portland Ave bridge work

Oct 06 Breaking TC 1

MnDOT will close I-494 between I-35W and Highway 77 overnight Friday at 10 p.m. through Saturday at 5 a.m. to pour concrete for the Portland Avenue bridge decks; drivers are detoured to Highway 62. Two ramps — I-494 east to Lyndale Avenue and I-35W north to eastbound I-494 — are scheduled to close starting Sunday night, Oct. 12 and will remain closed through November.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Minnesota Sen. Jim Carlson to Retire in 2026

Oct 06 Breaking TC 1

State Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL‑Eagan), who has represented Senate District 52 since first being elected in 2006, announced Oct. 6, 2025 that he will retire at the end of his current term. Carlson — a five‑term senator who chaired the Senate Elections Committee and served on Judiciary, Public Safety, State and Local Government and Veterans, and Transportation committees — cited satisfaction with his legislative accomplishments; his seat will be contested Nov. 3, 2026.

Local Government Elections

John Ireland Blvd bridge closed until summer 2026

Oct 06 Breaking TC 1

MnDOT announced the John Ireland Boulevard bridge over I-94 in St. Paul will close starting Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, for a teardown and rebuild and is expected to remain closed until August 2026. The long-term project is part of repairs to nine bridges on I-94 and I-35E in St. Paul; MnDOT published driver and pedestrian detours and warned of construction noise and traffic impacts for nearby residents and commuters.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Hennepin County seeks help identifying two 1990s bodies

Oct 04 Developing TC 1

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner this week released details and images seeking public help to identify two men found dead in the Mississippi River in 1995 and 1996 in Minneapolis. Officials provided forensic approximations, clothing and personal-item descriptions, locations where the bodies were recovered, and a contact number for tips as part of an active effort to close the cold cases.

Public Safety Local Government

Forest Lake superintendent Steve Massey to retire

Oct 03 Breaking TC 1

Forest Lake Schools Superintendent Steve Massey announced plans to retire, according to a TwinCities.com article published Oct. 3, 2025. The announcement concerns leadership at the public school district serving Forest Lake in Washington County and is expected to prompt local officials and the school board to begin transition planning.

Education Local Government

Golden Valley police chief resigns after probe

Oct 03 Developing TC 1

Golden Valley announced the resignation of Police Chief Virgil Green after internal investigations concluded he released confidential body-worn camera footage from an active criminal investigation to a local news outlet and improperly attempted to interfere with an internal affairs probe. Green was placed on administrative leave in June (initially placed on leave in late May), and a city memorandum says he acknowledged the mistake; City Manager Noah Schuchman thanked assistant chiefs for interim leadership and said a search for a new chief will be announced.

Local Government Public Safety

I-35W Burnsville overnight lane closures start Oct. 6

Oct 03 Developing TC 1

MnDOT announced overnight lane reductions and targeted closures on I-35W in Burnsville beginning Monday, Oct. 6, to allow crews to stripe and deck the westbound Highway 13 bridge. Southbound I-35W will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Oct. 6–8 while northbound is reduced to one lane; then northbound will be closed nightly 9 p.m.–5 a.m. Oct. 8–10, with detours and traffic impacts between I-494 and the I-35/I-35E/I-35W split.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Kaohly Her outlines St. Paul downtown plan

Oct 03 Developing TC 1

State Rep. Kaohly Her, a leading challenger to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, told FOX 9 she would prioritize improving city operations (permitting and licensing) and immediately work with partners to structure an "urban wealth fund" to finance downtown investment. Her framed the approach as combining operational reforms with an investment vehicle leveraging city assets to turn the Downtown Investment Strategy into concrete projects ahead of the Nov. 4, 2025 mayoral election.

Elections Local Government

50 sticks of suspected dynamite prompt Medina evacuation

Oct 01 Breaking TC 1

A Medina resident discovered a container holding 50 sticks of suspected dynamite in an old garage on the 4600 block of Mohawk Drive just after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, prompting an immediate evacuation of the immediate area. The Minneapolis bomb squad responded, removed the explosives, and police said there was no danger to the public once the scene was cleared, according to a Medina Police Department press release.

Public Safety Local Government

South St. Paul council member's daycare license reinstated

Oct 01 Developing TC 1

South St. Paul City Council member Pam Bakken had her in-home daycare license conditionally reinstated after appealing the state's revocation tied to a Dec. 6, 2024 incident in which a 3-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine. Dakota County prosecutors rescinded a maltreatment determination, saying they could not prove exposure occurred at the daycare beyond a reasonable doubt, but a separate DHS order keeps the facility closed pending conditions; residents have launched a recall petition with over 2,500 signatures.

Local Government Public Safety

Omar Jamal released after settlement following ICE arrest

Oct 01 Breaking TC 2

Omar Jamal, a Somali community advocate who has served as a civilian Community Service Officer and liaison to the Somali community with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office since 2020, was arrested by ICE in Minneapolis on Aug. 29 and later released after a mutually agreed-upon settlement that resulted in a court order directing his release, prompting a lawsuit over his detention. DHS said Jamal had a final order of removal issued in 2011 and publicly listed alleged prior offenses, while Jamal’s attorney thanked the local U.S. Attorney’s Office and ICE personnel for their cooperation.

Local Government Legal Public Safety

DOJ sues Minnesota, Minneapolis over 'sanctuary' policies

Sep 30 Breaking TC 1

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit on Sept. 29, 2025, against Minnesota, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Hennepin County, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt, alleging policies that obstruct federal immigration enforcement. DOJ, citing a DHS directive, claims local noncooperation results in the release of removable offenders; Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vowed to fight the lawsuit, calling it politically motivated.

Legal Local Government

Frey, Fateh clash in first Minneapolis debate

Sep 26 Breaking TC 1

On Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, the Citizens League hosted the first Minneapolis mayoral debate at Westminster Presbyterian, featuring Mayor Jacob Frey, Sen. Omar Fateh, Rev. Dewayne Davis, Jazz Hampton, and Brenda Short. The 82‑minute forum highlighted divisions on encampment clearances and public safety response models, with only Fateh backing rent control; candidates also agreed against using more city funds to keep the Timberwolves/Lynx. Early voting is already open, and another debate is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Elections Local Government

Woman dies after Lake Street encampment shooting; victim identified

Sep 26 Developing TC 7

A woman shot during a Sept. 15 mass shooting at a homeless encampment near E. Lake St. and 28th Ave. S. in Minneapolis died Sept. 18; police identified her as 30-year-old Jacinda Oakgrove, while several others were wounded and tents caught fire during the gunfight. Investigators say the violence stemmed from a drug-territory dispute; Hennepin County prosecutors have charged Trivon D. Leonard Jr., 31, of Illinois, with first-degree riot resulting in death and illegal gun possession after he admitted firing before his gun jammed. The city has increased patrols and erected fencing along the corridor, and MPD is examining whether this shooting is connected to another Lake Street shooting earlier that day.

Legal Local Government Housing

Wild owner vows team will stay in St. Paul

Sep 26 Breaking TC 1

Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold said Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, that the NHL franchise will remain in St. Paul, affirming the team’s long‑term home at Xcel Energy Center. The pledge, reported by the Pioneer Press, addresses questions about the club’s future location and signals continued commitment to downtown St. Paul.

Business & Economy Local Government

Westbound I-94 closed I-35E to John Ireland Sept. 26–29; MnDOT detours set

Sep 26 Breaking TC 2

Westbound I-94 will be closed in downtown St. Paul between southbound I-35E and John Ireland Blvd. from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, through Monday, Sept. 29, as part of a MnDOT project to repair nine bridges on I-94 and I-35E. Detours include routing northbound I-35E traffic to westbound Hwy 36 and southbound Hwy 280, and sending southbound I-35E drivers via eastbound I-94 to southbound Hwy 52 to I-494; additional weekend closures and John Ireland Blvd. bridge work in October mean drivers should expect delays.

Traffic Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Minneapolis Fed orders full-time office return

Sep 25 Breaking TC 1

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, one of downtown Minneapolis’ largest employers, has mandated a full-time return to the office, reversing hybrid or remote arrangements. The policy goes further than other large organizations that have recently tightened remote-work rules, signaling a notable shift for the downtown workforce.

Business & Economy Local Government Technology

St. Paul rejects 28.5% Ashland rent hikes

Sep 25 Breaking TC 1

The St. Paul City Council voted 4-3 on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, to reject proposed 28.5% rent increases for properties on Ashland Avenue under the city’s rent stabilization framework. The decision directly affects tenants at the Ashland Avenue addresses and reflects the council’s oversight of large rent-hike requests.

Housing Local Government

Legislative auditor urges stronger anti-fraud controls

Sep 25 TC 1

Minnesota Legislative Auditor Judy Randall said her office is coordinating with the BCA’s new financial crimes unit and stressed the state must tighten and enforce existing internal controls to stop fraud, in an interview following new federal charges in state-funded programs. DHS said it designated the autism program “high risk” in May, enhanced provider screening, imposed stricter billing, and is moving faster to halt payments when fraud is suspected, with expanded data analytics outlined to lawmakers this month.

Local Government Legal Health

Minnesota Supreme Court censures, suspends Anoka County judge for misconduct

Sep 24 Breaking TC 2

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Sept. 23, 2025, publicly censured and suspended an Anoka County District Court judge for nine months following a misconduct case brought by the Board on Judicial Standards. The high court’s order cites key findings from the board’s investigation, according to the Star Tribune.

Local Government Legal

Minneapolis to nominate three Black heritage sites

Sep 24 Breaking TC 1

The City of Minneapolis says it will nominate the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder building, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in North Minneapolis, and the former home of Harry Davis Sr. in South Minneapolis to the National Register of Historic Places. The effort, part of a city initiative begun in 2019 to document Black history, could open access to preservation grants and tax credits, with decisions expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Local Government Housing

Nicole Mitchell sentencing set Tuesday; defense seeks misdemeanor downgrade and Ramsey County confinement

Sep 23 Developing TC 2

Sentencing is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday in Becker County (Detroit Lakes) for Nicole Mitchell, a Minnesota state senator representing Woodbury, following her July 2025 jury convictions for first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. Her defense is asking the court to reduce the felony convictions to misdemeanors, to allow any sentence—minimum six months in jail or workhouse—to be served in Ramsey County rather than Becker County, and is disputing $23,585 in restitution sought by prosecutors.

Elections Local Government Legal

Tad Jude announces secretary of state bid

Sep 23 Breaking TC 1

Tad Jude announced he is running for Minnesota secretary of state, emphasizing a platform of transparency in election administration. The statewide office oversees elections that include Minneapolis–Saint Paul, making the campaign relevant to metro voters as the 2026 race takes shape.

Elections Local Government

Arden Hills considers allowing backyard ducks

Sep 22 Breaking TC 1

The Arden Hills City Council will take public comment Monday on proposed changes to its backyard poultry ordinance that would allow residents to keep ducks and loosen chicken rules. The proposal would raise the chicken limit from three to seven, permit larger coops, allow fenced-yard roaming, and enable coops in detached garages; a staff memo notes six metro cities already allow ducks and the Planning Commission recommended approval 7–0.

Local Government Environment

Blue Line shuts 10 p.m. Sept. 22–Oct. 4; buses replace trains

Sep 22 Breaking TC 3

Metro Transit will shut the Blue Line light rail for 12 days starting at 10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, through Saturday, Oct. 4, with replacement buses running and trips expected to take longer. The closure launches phase one of the agency’s multi-year Renew the Blue project, replacing track along the entire corridor and several switches near Cedar-Riverside; trains resume at 7 a.m. Oct. 4, running every 12 minutes. A second phase is planned for June 2026 with a 45-day full-line closure; the Blue Line carries more than 17,000 rides per day.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

St. Paul restores library, rec center internet

Sep 22 Developing TC 2

St. Paul has restored public internet access at its libraries and recreation centers after a cyberattack disrupted services, officials announced Sept. 18, 2025. Mayor Melvin Carter said the city did not pay a ransom in the summer ransomware attack and that response and cybersecurity upgrades have cost well over $1 million, with teams working around the clock to back up data and restore services.

Local Government Technology

St. Paul cyberattack cost tops $1M; no ransom

Sep 22 Developing TC 1

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said in a Sept. 22 FOX 9 interview that the city did not pay a ransom after this summer’s ransomware attack and that response and cybersecurity upgrades have cost 'well over $1 million.' He added teams worked around the clock to back up data and restore services as systems came back online.

Technology Local Government

Minneapolis opens shooting assistance center

Sep 20 Developing TC 1

The City of Minneapolis has opened an assistance center to support people affected by recent shootings in the city, providing a centralized place to access victim services and other resources. The move follows multiple high-profile shootings and is intended to streamline help for victims, families, and impacted community members.

Public Safety Local Government

Minnesota OKs campaign funds for candidate security

Sep 20 Breaking TC 1

The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board has ruled that campaign funds may be used for candidate security, including threat assessments and on‑site event protection, following a request from the Minnesota DFL Party. The decision applies statewide to candidates of any party, enabling security expenses during the 2025–2026 campaign cycle across the Twin Cities and Minnesota.

Elections Local Government

St. Paul's West 7th Street reopens after sinkhole

Sep 19 Breaking TC 1

The City of St. Paul reopened West 7th Street on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, after a sinkhole forced a four-month closure. The restoration of the major corridor resumes normal traffic flow along a key route connecting downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Transit & Infrastructure Local Government

Hennepin County halts charges from minor stops

Sep 19 Breaking TC 2

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced her office will no longer charge cases arising from low-level traffic stops — such as equipment or registration violations — across Minneapolis and its suburbs. The policy, which effectively limits felony prosecutions stemming from these stops, drew swift criticism from multiple police officials, who warned it could hinder prosecutions and harm public safety.

Legal Public Safety Local Government

Minnesota free school meals hit 302M total

Sep 19 TC 1

Gov. Tim Walz said Minnesota’s Universal Free School Meals program served 151 million meals in its second year, bringing the total to more than 302 million since the program launched in 2023. The statewide program provides free breakfast and lunch to all K–12 students regardless of income, with the governor’s office estimating about $1,000 in annual savings per student; a State Fair House poll found most respondents opposed an income cap. Parents interviewed praised access while noting some portion-size concerns requiring paid seconds.

Education Local Government

Minneapolis hires firm for neighbor shooting audit

Sep 19 Developing TC 1

The City of Minneapolis says it has contracted an independent law firm to assist with an audit related to the shooting of Davis Moturi by his neighbor, John Sawchak, and anticipates releasing findings in February 2026. Moturi, who was shot in the neck while trimming a tree and says MPD took five days to arrest Sawchak, continues to seek accountability as Chief Brian O’Hara has previously said the department failed him.

Public Safety Local Government

DPS, State Patrol join MPD patrols after shootings

Sep 17 Developing TC 2

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will partner with the Minneapolis Police Department under a Joint Powers Agreement to boost patrols, with Minnesota State Patrol troopers assigned to the Lake Street corridor following two mass shootings on Monday. MPD has further increased its own presence, and the city has erected fencing and barriers along parts of Lake Street to control access, measures officials say aim to deter further violence and stabilize the area. DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson announced the deployment, while MPD Chief Brian O’Hara said the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the BCA are assisting and the National Guard is not currently needed.

Public Safety Local Government

St. Paul budget leaves 16 police vacancies

Sep 17 Developing TC 1

The Pioneer Press reports that under Mayor Melvin Carter’s proposed city budget, 16 vacant St. Paul Police Department positions would remain unfilled as part of the spending plan outlined Wednesday in St. Paul. The move affects police staffing levels and is part of the administration’s budgeting decisions for the upcoming year.

Local Government Public Safety

DFL Sen. Ann Rest to retire after 40 years

Sep 17 Breaking TC 1

DFL state Sen. Ann Rest, a longtime legislator representing a northwest Hennepin County district in the Twin Cities metro, announced her retirement after 40 years in office, according to the Star Tribune on Sept. 17, 2025. Her departure will open a metro Senate seat and marks the end of one of the longest tenures in the Minnesota Legislature.

Elections Local Government

Falcon Heights debates Les Bolstad redevelopment

Sep 17 Developing TC 1

Falcon Heights and University of Minnesota officials drew a large crowd Tuesday night to discuss the future of the 141-acre Les Bolstad Golf Course, which the university plans to close for financial reasons. The city presented mixed-use concepts including affordable housing, green space, and small-scale retail, citing a study that the site could support 1,500–2,000 homes; the Planning Commission is set to vote next Tuesday on a community feedback report to guide next steps with the university and developers.

Housing Local Government

Xp Lee wins Minnesota House District 34B special election

Sep 17 Developing TC 2

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, voters in Minnesota House District 34B—which includes parts of Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, and Champlin in Anoka and Hennepin counties—held a special election to fill the seat vacated after Rep. Melissa Hortman’s killing in June, for which a suspect has been indicted. DFL nominee Xp Lee defeated Republican Ruth Bittner with 60.82% (4,331 votes) to 39.11% (2,785), according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s unofficial results; the district had 26,596 registered voters at 7 a.m. on Election Day, and results will be certified later. Lee thanked supporters and pledged to honor Hortman’s legacy, as party leaders praised the win.

Local Government Elections

GOP seeks Annunciation shooter toxicology

Sep 16 Developing TC 1

Minnesota Republican lawmakers led by Sen. Steve Drazkowski sent a letter to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension requesting the Annunciation Church shooter's complete autopsy and toxicology reports and asking for an expanded screen for antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, cannabinoids, psychoactive substances, and gender‑transition medications. The request follows the Aug. 27 Minneapolis mass shooting during morning Mass that killed two children and injured 21 before the gunman died by suicide.

Public Safety Local Government

Urban farm group misses Roof Depot deadline

Sep 16 Developing TC 1

Urban farm activists seeking to buy Minneapolis’ Roof Depot industrial site in the East Phillips neighborhood missed a city-imposed deadline to complete the purchase. The lapse puts the future of the long-disputed site back in the City of Minneapolis’ hands as officials determine next steps for the property.

Local Government Housing Environment

Falcon Heights nets $49K from State Fair parking

Sep 15 Breaking TC 1

The City of Falcon Heights reports earning a $49,000 profit from on-street parking fees charged during the Minnesota State Fair in areas near the fairgrounds. The fees were enforced on city streets in Falcon Heights during the event, generating revenue beyond program costs.

Local Government Transit & Infrastructure Business & Economy