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  • Minnesota Legislature Kicks Off with Razor-Thin Partisan Divide, Key Issues at Stake

    Minnesota Legislature Kicks Off with Razor-Thin Partisan Divide, Key Issues at Stake
    2026/02/19
    Minnesota's 2026 legislative session kicked off this week with a razor-thin divide, pitting 100 Republicans against 101 Democratic-Farmer-Laborers in the House and a similar split in the Senate, setting the stage for bipartisan compromises on key issues. According to Minnesota News Network, top headlines include Hennepin County Attorney's Touhy demands for federal records in the Alex Pretti death and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shooting cases, where the FBI has declined cooperation, and Duluth police linking shell casings from a February 10 homicide of Darius Handy to a subsequent deputy-involved shooting. U.S. Senator Tina Smith rallied lawmakers and advocates at the Capitol to block copper mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, warning a Chilean firm would export profits while damaging habitats, as the U.S. Senate eyes a vote next week.

    In politics, Republicans prioritize fraud crackdowns, affordability measures like tax cuts on tips and overtime, and a constitutional amendment to end unfunded mandates, per House Republican leaders. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce launched its Economic Imperative for Growth initiative, seeking data-driven strategies to boost competitiveness and attract businesses. Clean Water Action pushes PFAS defenses and Amara's Law amid industry lobbying.

    Business news highlights a California man's conviction for defrauding Optum of $1.2 million, while workforce strains from paid family leave mandates and rising energy demands prompt calls to lift the nuclear moratorium. Community updates feature $5 million in proposed Iron Range funding for Aitkin School District's scaled-back PreK-6 elementary school after a failed referendum, with a new vote set for April 14. Public safety saw a minor Mankato crash involving a DHS vehicle, and federal prosecutors face resignations amid political pressures.

    Blowing snow triggered no-travel advisories in south-central counties, per MnDOT. No major recent weather disasters reported.

    Looking Ahead: Watch the U.S. Senate's BWCA mining vote, Aitkin referendum, February budget forecast influencing bonding, and ongoing ICE operations wind-down after protests.

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  • Minnesota Legislature Tackles Fraud, Economic Challenges, and Public Safety in 2026 Session

    Minnesota Legislature Tackles Fraud, Economic Challenges, and Public Safety in 2026 Session
    2026/02/17
    Minnesota entered its 2026 legislative session Tuesday amid significant challenges and competing priorities across government, economy, and public safety.

    House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Republican leaders outlined their legislative agenda, with combating fraud topping the priority list. According to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, the state has potentially lost billions of dollars through schemes involving Feeding our Future, housing stabilization, Medicaid, and Somali-run daycare centers. Republicans plan to advance House File One, which would establish an independent inspector general, along with the Fraud Isn't Free Act to create consequences for agencies allowing fraud to occur unchecked. A similar inspector general bill passed the Senate 60-7 last year but was blocked in the House by Democrats.

    The economic landscape presents mixed signals. Minnesota Management and Budget reported a projected general fund surplus of 2.465 billion dollars for the 2026-2027 biennium, yet the state faces a potential 2 billion dollar deficit, a dramatic shift from the nearly 18 billion dollar surplus two years ago. To address affordability concerns, Republicans support conforming state tax code to federal changes that cut taxes on tips and overtime for workers.

    Immigration enforcement remains contentious following Operation Metro Surge, which began in December 2025. According to KAXE, Minneapolis businesses lost an estimated 10 to 20 million dollars in sales each week during the federal immigration surge, prompting Governor Tim Walz to propose 10 million dollars in forgivable loans for affected businesses. House Speaker Demuth indicates Republicans will revive a bill banning sanctuary policies, while Democrats plan legislation limiting ICE access in schools and making it easier to sue federal agents.

    Gun violence and public safety weigh heavily following the murder of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband last June. KARE 11 reports Democrats plan to introduce an assault weapons ban, though passage is unlikely given House Republican opposition. Both parties support revisiting a statewide office of Inspector General bill.

    Infrastructure investment remains promising. Governor Walz released bonding recommendations totaling 907 million dollars, with 700 million in general obligation bonds. According to a legal analysis by Winthrop and Weinstine, because the Minnesota Constitution requires a bonding bill to pass with a three-fifths majority in both chambers, bipartisan support is essential.

    Environmental permitting improvements received attention as well, with Governor Walz signing an executive order streamlining air, water, and wetland permits to improve business competitiveness.

    Looking ahead, lawmakers will address education funding, workforce challenges, and whether to reconsider the state's moratorium on nuclear energy as data center demands surge. The closely divided House will require bipartisan cooperation on most significant legislation.

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  • Minneapolis Reels from $203M Economic Impact of Massive Federal Immigration Crackdown

    Minneapolis Reels from $203M Economic Impact of Massive Federal Immigration Crackdown
    2026/02/15
    Minneapolis reels from the end of Operation Metro Surge, a massive federal immigration crackdown that deployed thousands of ICE agents, arrested over 4,000 people, and sparked violent protests, two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens, and widespread fear in immigrant communities. According to Minnesota News Network, Mayor Jacob Frey announced the city suffered a $203 million economic hit from lost business, mental health strains, and increased food insecurity, while Governor Tim Walz proposed $10 million in forgivable loans for affected businesses, as reported by the Minnesota Reformer and his office press release. The Minneapolis Foundation launched a $4 million Economic Response Fund for small businesses statewide, distributing grants up to $10,000 through nonprofit partners.

    Federal indictments continue from protest fallout: a St. Paul woman faces charges for biting off a federal agent's finger tip, and out-of-state individuals from Washington, California, and Illinois are accused of threatening FBI agents after personal data was stolen during clashes, per Minnesota News Network. ICE placed two agents on leave after video contradicted their statements in a January shooting, the network added.

    The state legislature convenes Tuesday in a divided session, with the House tied 67-67 and DFL holding a slim Senate edge, CBS News Minnesota reports. Priorities include affordability, fraud prevention in programs like Housing Stabilization Services, tax conformity with federal changes like no tax on tips or overtime, and bipartisan school security grants, though Democrats push gun reforms like assault weapon bans amid a Valentine's Day rally at the Capitol by Protect Minnesota. Republicans focus on mental health and avoiding tax hikes amid potential deficits.

    Education sees momentum with $5 million recommended for Aitkin School District's new PreK-6 facility after a scaled-back referendum, per the Iron Range Resources Board, and $43 million upgrades at Park Center Senior High including a new media center and career wing, CCX Media notes.

    No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session for immigration recovery debates, bonding bills for infrastructure like flood mitigation, and an April 14 referendum on Aitkin schools. A gun violence rally unfolds today at the Capitol.

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    3 分
  • ICE Operations Spark Controversy in Minnesota: Protests, Economic Impact, and Legislative Tensions Escalate

    ICE Operations Spark Controversy in Minnesota: Protests, Economic Impact, and Legislative Tensions Escalate
    2026/02/12
    Intense ICE operations continue to dominate headlines in Minnesota, with reports of reckless driving by federal agents in Minneapolis and a multi-vehicle crash in St. Paul on Wednesday. According to Bring Me The News, an aide to City Council President Elliott Payne noted agents speeding in Northeast Minneapolis, echoing an earlier St. Paul incident where Mayor Kaohly Her blamed ICE for endangering residents. Protests erupted at Target stores demanding the retailer restrict federal agents without warrants, while a KARE 11 poll showed most Minnesotans oppose Operation Metro Surge. Governor Tim Walz called a partial federal drawdown a step forward but urged a full exit, as ICE agents outnumber local police.

    The state legislature reconvenes Tuesday, February 17, in a tied 67-67 House after special elections restored balance, per the League of Minnesota Cities. Leaders like Speaker Lisa Demuth and DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson pledge bipartisan work on gun violence, immigration, fraud, and a potential bonding bill amid a projected $2.96 billion deficit. Governor Walz pushes $907 million in capital investments for infrastructure, though debates rage over funding without cuts.

    Economically, federal presence hammers small businesses, especially immigrant-owned ones, with Minneapolis estimating $10-20 million weekly losses and 90% of hospitality firms hit by absenteeism, according to DEED Commissioner Varilek. The Minneapolis Foundation launched a $4 million Economic Response Fund for stabilization grants up to $10,000, while Minnesota Housing awarded $7.5 million for 21 housing projects. Startups shine brighter, with 12 firms eyed for growth by the Business Journals.

    Community-wise, St. Louis County deputies fatally shot a suspect in Duluth after a reckless driving chase, investigated by the BCA. Public safety tensions rise alongside calls for Medicaid protections against $1.4 billion federal cuts from the Minnesota Medical Association.

    No major weather events reported recently.

    Looking Ahead: Watch the legislative session through May 18 for bonding deals and policy clashes, plus Walz's Shop Local Month push and any ICE drawdown updates.

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    3 分
  • Minnesota Faces Immigration Tensions, Political Shifts, and Economic Innovation in Comprehensive State Update

    Minnesota Faces Immigration Tensions, Political Shifts, and Economic Innovation in Comprehensive State Update
    2026/02/10
    Minnesota grapples with federal immigration enforcement as the Trump administration announces a drawdown of 700 ICE agents from the state, citing progress in local cooperation, according to border czar Tom Homan. Democracy Now reports over 4,000 criminal illegal aliens have been removed since Operation Metro Surge began, though Governor Tim Walz calls it a step forward while demanding faster withdrawal, and Democratic lawmakers urge a full ICE exit amid school disruptions. Teachers unions have sued to bar agents from school grounds after a 10-year-old girl was detained en route to class in Columbia Heights.

    In politics, special elections restored a 67-67 tie in the Minnesota House with new DFL representatives Meg Luger-Nikolai and Shelley Buck sworn in, maintaining power-sharing ahead of the February 17 legislative session, per the League of Minnesota Cities. Lawmakers face a tight 12-week window to tackle supplemental budgets and bonding bills.

    Economically, Minnesota boasts vibrant startups like HistoSonics, 4C Medical, and Mayo Clinic innovations, ranking among the top 100 firms, as tracked by F6S. The Minnesota Chamber highlights business leadership in electrical infrastructure supporting the states economic engine.

    Community headlines include Wayzata Public Schools referendum for $465 million in new schools and safety upgrades to handle growth, voting by April 14, and Northfield High Schools nearing construction bids for renovations emphasizing geothermal systems and flexible spaces. A $70 million Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame advances in Inver Grove Heights with city support. Public safety saw tragedies like a St. Cloud murder-suicide and St. Louis Park fire death, per Minnesota News Network. No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead, watch the legislative session kickoff on February 17 for biofuel markets and farming priorities from MCGA, plus Wayzata referendum results.

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  • Minnesota AG Challenges Homeland Security's Border Operation, Citing Economic and Community Harm

    Minnesota AG Challenges Homeland Security's Border Operation, Citing Economic and Community Harm
    2026/02/08
    Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security's Operation PARRIS, which targets legal refugees alongside Operation Metro Surge, bringing 3,000 agents to the state and sparking widespread protests. Minnesota News Network reports Ellison claims the operations sow fear in immigrant communities, harm the economy, and disrupt public services, with small business owners citing weekly losses of $10 to $20 million in Minneapolis alone from reduced customer traffic. The White House announced over 4,000 criminal illegal immigrants removed, calling it a milestone in law and order, while a federal judge denied Minnesota officials' bid to block the surge, despite fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, as noted by Democracy Now.

    In politics, Congressman Pete Stauber introduced the Minnesota Voter Integrity Act of 2026 with colleagues, withholding federal funds until the Secretary of State cooperates with a DOJ election review, per Stauber's office. The state Legislature reconvenes February 17, with Democrats planning bills for immigrant aid, agent accountability like mask bans, and rental assistance amid the enforcement chaos, though bipartisan support is needed in the tied House, according to CBS News Minnesota. GOP leaders may push cooperation with ICE.

    Economically, Louisiana-Pacific proposes a $157 million wood products plant in North Branch, seeking $10 million from DEED's Minnesota Forward Fund to create 100 jobs at $32.75 hourly wages, with a public hearing February 25, Finance & Commerce reports. DEED also announced $1.425 million in childcare grants to boost providers and growth.

    Community efforts include Wayzata Public Schools' 2026 referendum for $465 million in new schools and safety upgrades due to enrollment surges, and Northfield High School's renovation nearing bids for summer construction with geothermal features and flexible spaces, per local school updates.

    Public safety sees DWI arrests rising over Super Bowl weekend, with extra enforcement urged by State Patrol. Rallies against ICE continue, including Indigenous-led events in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park.

    No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead: Watch the February 17 legislative session for immigration debates, gun control post-Annunciation shooting, and the North Branch plant hearing on February 25.

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  • Minnesota Braces for ICE Drawdown: Immigration Tensions Spark Political Showdown and Economic Uncertainty

    Minnesota Braces for ICE Drawdown: Immigration Tensions Spark Political Showdown and Economic Uncertainty
    2026/02/05
    Minnesota grapples with federal immigration enforcement fallout as Border Czar Tom Homan announced the immediate withdrawal of 700 ICE officers, leaving about 2000 in the state, according to Minnesota News Network. This drawdown follows months of Operation Metro Surge operations, which sparked protests, two protester deaths in Minneapolis, and lawsuits from school districts and teachers unions seeking to block ICE near schools. DFL Senator Doron Clark called it progress but urged continued community vigilance.

    In politics, the legislature reconvenes February 17 amid tied House control, with immigration dominating debates. Democrats plan bills for immigrant support like rental aid and agent accountability, while Republicans push voter integrity measures via Congressman Pete Stauber's new act withholding funds until election data cooperation, per his office release. GOP Rep. Kristin Robbins testified on Capitol Hill about widespread state fraud, claiming broken systems and whistleblower harm, as reported by Minnesota News Network. Bonding for infrastructure and fraud oversight top session previews from Senate Republicans.

    Economically, Louisiana-Pacific proposes a $157 million wood products plant in North Branch, eyeing 100 jobs at $32.75 hourly wages and up to $10 million in state aid, with a public hearing February 25, Finance & Commerce reports. Cannabis sales hit $31 million post-2025 launch, signaling steady growth despite licensing hurdles, per CJBS analysis. Governor Walz declared February Shop Local Month as small businesses report 60% sales drops from ICE fears, Twin Cities Business Journal notes. Federal funds secured by Rep. Tom Emmer total $12.2 million for St. Cloud and Clearwater road projects.

    Community headlines include Northfield High School's renovation nearing bids for summer construction with geothermal upgrades and safety features, KYMN Radio states. A Fergus Falls ex-doctor faces sexual assault charges for underage hockey players, and a Champlin couple felony tax evasion counts.

    No major recent weather events reported.

    Looking Ahead, watch legislative immigration clashes, the North Branch plant hearing, Northfield school bids, and cannabis market scaling through 2026.

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  • Minnesota Immigration Crackdown: Federal Agents Intensify Operations Amid Local Resistance

    Minnesota Immigration Crackdown: Federal Agents Intensify Operations Amid Local Resistance
    2026/02/03
    Minnesota continues to face unprecedented turmoil as federal immigration operations intensify across the state. According to Democracy Now, a federal judge denied Minnesota officials' request to temporarily block Operation Metro Surge, the surge of 3,000 federal immigration agents now in its third month under the Trump administration. Federal Judge Kate Menendez ruled that the state had not met the threshold for a preliminary injunction, despite Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's condemnation of the decision as failing to address the fear and disruption experienced by residents.

    The operation has resulted in tragic consequences. Reports indicate that Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, sparking sustained protests throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. According to evrimagaci.org, tensions escalated when President Trump warned that ICE, Border Patrol, and military forces would act forcefully to protect federal property, threatening severe consequences for any violence against federal officers. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison responded sharply, dismissing Trump's rhetoric as self-aggrandizing while Minnesotans faced nine-below weather defending their communities.

    On the local government front, St. Peter police made history when the city's police chief intervened to prevent federal agents from detaining a U.S. citizen, marking the first time a Minnesota police department has intervened in federal immigration activity since the surge began. This incident, reported by Minnesota Public Radio, highlighted the tension between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics.

    Community activism has intensified considerably. Democracy Now reports that former CNN anchor Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort were arrested on federal charges for reporting on a peaceful protest inside a St. Paul church where a top ICE official serves as pastor. They have since been released and vowed to continue their reporting. Additionally, the ICE Out of Minnesota coalition organized protests at over three dozen Target stores, demanding the Minneapolis-based company take a stronger stand against the federal operation and calling for ICE to leave the state.

    A significant development came when a federal judge ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father from an ICE detention center in Texas. According to evrimagaci.org, the judge criticized the current approach as inhumane, with Liam's case generating international support and prompting pleas from elementary students at his school for kindness and respect.

    Looking ahead, observers expect legal battles to continue as Minnesota officials challenge federal authority, while community organizations plan sustained pressure on major corporations and elected officials to oppose the immigration enforcement surge.

    Thank you for tuning in to this summary. Please subscribe for continued coverage of developing stories in Minnesota.

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