News from the Battleground States at The Minnesota Sun

Minnesota School Board Bans Parents from Discussing Non-Approved Topics and Criticizing Board Members

October 27, 2021October 26, 2021 Admin

Jodi Sapp of Minnesota School Board at meeting

The school board in Mankato, Minnesota, announced strict new rules that effectively prevent parents from criticizing board members.

The new restrictions were announced at a meeting held Oct. 18. “Effective tonight, open forum participants are prohibited from calling out or addressing any individual school board or school district staff member. If this occurs, open forum will be closed,” said School Board Chair Jodi Sapp. “Beginning at the Nov. 1 school board meeting, open forum will be limited to those individuals who wish to speak to an item on the board agenda.”

The effect of these two rules is that parents are not able to discuss anything but topics approved by the board in its agenda and all board members and schools administrators are protected from direct criticism.

Biden Bashed for Action That Could Ban Minnesota Mining Project

October 26, 2021October 25, 2021 The Center Square

President Joe Biden’s administration wants to lead an electric vehicle (EV) revolution, but apparently doesn’t want domestic production of rare earth minerals vital to EVs.

The Biden administration announced a two-year study on a proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeast Minnesota that could delay it for 20 years and stop one of the few planned copper-nickel mines in the nation while the U.S attempts to pivot to EVs from gasoline-powered internal combustion vehicles.

Minnesota College Renames its Arboretum over Racism Controversy

October 26, 2021October 25, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Gustavus Adolphus College, a private college in St. Peter Minnesota, has renamed their arboretum due allegations that it honored a proponent of racism.

The individual in question is the famed botanist Carl Linneaus, known as the ‘father of taxonomy’ for formalizing the classification of living organisms, also known as binomial nomenclature.

Stauber Resolution Condemns Biden’s ‘Weaponization’ of Federal Agencies Against Parents

October 25, 2021October 24, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Twenty-five House members have introduced a resolution to support the free-speech rights of concerned parents speaking at school board meetings nationwide.

The chief proponent of the resolution is Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota. Its stated purpose is to “express the sense of the House of Representatives that the First Amendment rights of parents at school board meetings shall not be infringed.”

Minneapolis Rideshare Drivers Experiencing Spike in Robberies and Carjackings

October 24, 2021October 23, 2021 Admin

Uber and Lyft drivers in Minneapolis are facing a slew of robberies and carjackings, Crime Watch Minneapolis reported this week.

In an article published Thursday, Crime Watch Minneapolis recounted the various incidents against rideshare drivers heard on Minneapolis police scanners since Oct. 1. The crime watchdog noted that “many of those reports have included assaults on the drivers and the use of guns in the robberies.”

Multimillion-Dollar Minnesota ‘Black Power’ Group Is Using Strippers to Entice Voters

October 23, 2021October 22, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

A well-funded black power group will use strippers and party buses to entice people to vote for a measure to amend the Minneapolis City Charter to “remove” the police department later this month.

The Black Visions Collective is a Minnesota-based organization that promotes “black power” and advocates for total abolition of the police. It has also raised $30 million since the George Floyd riots last summer and is using some of this money to run shuttles from a strip club to a voting center to turn out the vote for the municipal election.

Minnesota Rep. Omar and ‘Squad’ Members Spent a Combined $100,000 on Private Security Last Quarter

October 22, 2021October 21, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Despite their anti-police rhetoric, Ilhan Omar and other “Squad” members are big spenders on private security.

FEC records reviewed by Fox News show that Reps. Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Cori Bush spent roughly $100,000 on private security combined last financial quarter, July 1 to Sept. 30.

Minneapolis Police Department Down 296 Officers, Seeks $27 Million Funding Boost

October 21, 2021October 20, 2021 The Center Square

The Minneapolis Police Department has lost nearly 300 officers since 2020, and the city is trying to fund a budget that replaces those officers and protects residents from an increase in violent crime.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s 2022 recommended budget would increase the Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) budget by $27 million, or 17%, if approved by the City Council.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Announced Reelection Campaign

October 20, 2021October 19, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) announced his reelection campaign on Tuesday. Walz is the seventh gubernatorial candidate to place a bid and the only Democrat to have entered the race so far.

Minnesota State Rep. Munson Questions Democrat Redistricting Bill

October 20, 2021October 19, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minnesota State Representative Jeremy Munson (R-Lake Crystal) questioned a Democrat redistricting bill in a Facebook video. Munson said that aspects of the bill are “at odds with election integrity.”

Walz Snaps When Asked About Minnesota Republicans’ Priorities: ‘None of Those Things are Real’

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz snapped at reporters Friday when he was asked about Republican priorities for a special session that has been in the works for months.

“They wanted an absolute ban on vaccine passports, which we don’t have a damn vaccine passport so quit pretending on the politics. My patience level is gone,” Walz said Friday during a visit to North Memorial Hospital.

Ramsey County Sheriff Opposes County Attorney’s Move to Not Prosecute Juveniles

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher wrote a letter to Ramsey County Attorney John Choi opposing his Collaborative Review Team (CRT), saying that it returns dangerous juveniles to society. In his letter, Fletcher asks Choi to pause the program until certain issues are resolved.

Walz-Appointed Judge Releases Accused Pedophile with Zero Bail Required

October 18, 2021October 18, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

A judge who was once praised by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for his “open-mindedness” and “compassion” released an accused pedophile with zero bail required earlier this month.

Jonathan Alton is a 22-year-old Coon Rapids man who is accused of trying to solicit a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual conduct. Prosecutors are pursuing felony charges after Alton allegedly contacted an undercover investigator who he believed to be a child and pursued a sexual relationship with her while acknowledging the illegality of his actions.

Minneapolis Schools Reduce Quarantine Period After Petition

October 18, 2021October 17, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minneapolis Public Schools announced that they will be reducing the mandatory quarantine period following a petition from parents arguing that their policies were stricter than the surrounding districts. As of Sunday, the petition had been signed by over 600 parents.

Parents Announce ‘Not Domestic Terrorists’ Rally in Front of the Justice Department

October 17, 2021October 16, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Parents protesting certain library books in children's schools

Northern Virginia parents plan to protest in front of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Sunday, according to a flyer posted online.

A flyer reveals plans for a “Parents Are Not ‘Domestic Terrorists’ Rally Oct. 17. “Stand up, speak up, fight back!” the memo reads. “Bring friends, be heard … you can make a difference!”

News broke Wednesday that a Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) student was allegedly raped in a school bathroom in May by a male student who wore a skirt. The victim’s father, Scott Smith, was arrested at a LCPS school board meeting weeks later for resisting arrest, and the perpetrator – who was charged with two counts of forcible sodomy – allegedly assaulted another girl at the school he transferred to following the initial incident, Daily Wire reported.

Four Minnesota Legislators Sign Letter Asking for 2020 Forensic Election Audit of All 50 States

October 17, 2021October 16, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Four Minnesota legislators signed a letter asking for a forensic audit of the 2020 election in all 50 states. The letter has been signed by 138 legislators within 38 states. The Minnesota legislators who signed the letter include State Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo Township), Representative Glenn Gruenhagen (R-Glencoe), Representative Erik Mortensen (R-Shakopee), and Representative John Poston (R-Lake Shore).

Minnesota ER Doctors Share Frustrations over Inability to Accept Trauma Patients

October 16, 2021October 15, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Doctor with medical mask, hair net and glasses on

Several Minnesota ER doctors shared their concerns and frustrations over the growing inability of larger local hospitals to accept trauma patients. One Minnesota emergency room doctor who preferred to remain anonymous said that the impact of this lack of staffing is much larger than anyone might realize.

Catholic Minnesota College Among Libraries Promoting Book Containing Alleged Child Porn

October 16, 2021October 16, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

A Catholic university in Minnesota is among several schools and libraries around the country encouraging students and children to read a controversial book that may include child pornography.

“June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month,” the website for Saint Benedict Saint John’s University (SBSJU) says. “This month-long celebration demonstrates how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country, by using their talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill.”

Minnesota Republican Lawmakers Critique Biden for Inflation Problems

October 15, 2021October 14, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Several Republican lawmakers from Minnesota critiqued the recent inflation, blaming the Biden Administration. Minnesota Representatives Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-01), and Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) called out the Biden Administration for their part in driving prices higher.

Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai to Hold Forum on Arizona Audit Findings

October 14, 2021October 14, 2021 Cooper Moran

Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai, who wrote the portion of the Maricopa County ballot audit addressing the signatures on the return envelopes of mail-in ballots, is holding a forum on Thursday to discuss findings of the Arizona election audit.

When addressing the findings, Ayyadurai invited members of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to answer any concerns over the procedures.

Minnesota Healthcare Workers Suing over COVID Vaccine Mandate Forced to Identify Themselves

October 14, 2021October 13, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

A group of Minnesota healthcare workers who are suing several of the state’s healthcare systems over the COVID vaccine mandates are going to be forced to identify themselves. A judge ruled on Tuesday that they must give the names of the plaintiffs to all of the defendants.

Charges Will Not Be Filed in Winston Smith Shooting, Attorneys Say

October 13, 2021October 12, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Charges will not be issued against the officers involved in the shooting of Winston Smith, county attorneys say. The incident that killed Smith was ruled a justified use of deadly force, calling the conduct of the U.S. Marshals involved in attempting to apprehend Smith “reasonable and justified.”

Minnesota Rep. Hagedorn Seeks Answers About ‘Attempts to Silence Parents’

October 12, 2021October 11, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minnesota Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-01) is seeking answers regarding the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) alleged “attempts to silence parents.” Hagedorn announced his support for a letter, led by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI-10), asking why the DOJ “is targeting parents who speak out in opposition to school board decisions.”

Feds Fund Minnesota Groups to Help Permanent Residents Become Citizens

October 12, 2021October 11, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has given around $250,000 to two Minnesota organizations that will assist lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in becoming U.S. citizens.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced the funding in a Friday news release. The International Institute of Minnesota and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid are the two organizations slated to receive the money.

Group of Minnesota Parents Sue School District over Mask Mandate

October 12, 2021October 11, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

A group of parents from the Iron Range are suing the Rock Ridge schools for enacting a mask mandate. According to a report from the Star Tribune, 280 parents are involved.

Vaccine Mandate Could Trigger ‘Mass Exodus’ of Minnesota Nursing Home Workers

October 11, 2021October 10, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minnesota long-term care facilities like nursing homes and memory care centers say they’re in an impossible situation.

President Joe Biden unveiled a mandate last month that effectively requires U.S. employers to make their workers receive the coronavirus vaccine or face termination. This is likely to force a significant portion of workers in long-term care facilities out of their jobs. However, the industry can’t afford to lose more staff as it’s already overburdened and unable to provide care for patients amid a labor shortage.

“There is going to be a mass exodus” of workers, warned Natalie Zeleznikar, a nursing home administrator and executive.

Minnesota U.S. Rep. Omar Demands Biden Cancel Student Debt

October 11, 2021October 10, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) wrote a letter to the Biden Administration demanding that they cancel student debt. Omar said that Biden could cancel student debt “with a flick of his pen.” The letter is asking that the Biden Administration “release the memo to determine the extent of the administration’s authority to broadly cancel student debt through administrative action.”

Minnesota Lawsuit Forces Company to Accept Blood Donations from Transgender People

October 10, 2021October 9, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

The recently announced outcome of a Minnesota lawsuit forces one of the nation’s largest plasma companies to accept blood from transgender donors who were previously considered too high risk.

CSL Plasma is one of three companies that are responsible for collecting over 75% of the total plasma donated in the U.S. For decades, the FDA has recommended caution when collecting blood and plasma from men who have sex with other men, as these individuals pose a higher than average risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases like AIDS. CSL apparently adhered to this guidance by not collecting plasma from biological men who identify as transgender women or nonbinary people, since these individuals are likely to engage in sexual relationships with other men.

Minnesota Announces Expansion of Rapid COVID Tests in Schools

October 10, 2021October 9, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minnesota has announced an expansion of rapid COVID testing in schools. According to Minnesota Public Radio, “The state is making rapid at-home tests available to districts that request them.”

Gov. Tim Walz Calls for Vaccine Requirement for Minnesota Teachers

October 9, 2021October 8, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Governor Tim Walz (D) called for COVID vaccine requirements for Minnesota teachers on Tuesday. The governor said there should also be “consistent” COVID mitigation requirements for schools.

Twin Cities Landlords Ask Voters to Oppose Rent Control on November Ballot

October 8, 2021October 7, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Twin Cities landlords are asking voters to oppose rent control on the November ballots. The landlords say that rent controls would create more issues within an already struggling housing market.

GOP Governors Ignored by Biden Offer Solutions to Border Crisis Anyway

October 7, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

After a group of 26 Republican governors, spearheaded by Gov. Doug Ducey (R), sent a letter to the Biden Administration requesting to meet and discuss the ongoing crisis at the border, the group is pushing forward with solutions.

That letter, sent in late September, was ignored by the White House.

Minnesota Rep. Hagedorn Says Attorney General Garland’s Memo ‘Attempt to Intimidate’

October 7, 2021October 6, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minnesota Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-01) called Attorney General Garland’s memo regarding law enforcement responses to alleged harassment toward public education officials an “attempt to intimidate.” Hagedorn said, “Parents should always be allowed to openly express their opinions and concerns when it comes to their children.”

Upper Midwest Law Center Files Lawsuit over Critical Race Theory Against Honeywell and Anaplan

October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) has filed lawsuits on behalf of employees of two large companies, Honeywell and Anaplan, who were fired for refusing to take part in Critical Race Theory (CRT) trainings. Chuck Vavra was an engineer at Honeywell and Justin Filip was a Product Support Analyst at Anaplan and both were fired after they made it clear that they disagreed with proponents of Critical Race Theory that were being pushed on employees.

Minneapolis Police Department Short by over 200 Officers Due to Defund Police Movement

October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) is short by over 200 officers due in part to the defund the police movement, according to the MPD Union president. She said that they should have around 888 officers, but their current staffing numbers are under 600 total officers.

Minnesota Women’s March Featured Drag Queen and Transgender Karaoke Champion

October 5, 2021October 4, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Minnesota Women’s March showcased several speakers and performers, among them a female to male transgender who took the stage and bragged about the size of her penis.

The march drew thousands of protesters and was attended by multiple state legislators, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and other Minnesota political figures like Erin Maye Quade who rallied to promote abortion. The event also featured a handful of local artists, including drag queen Zon Legacy Phoenix and Mikko Blaze, an award-winning transgender karaoke singer.

Young People Task Force Assembled in Minneapolis to Address Rising Violence

October 5, 2021October 4, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

The Young People Task Force was assembled in Minneapolis to help combat rising violence. Young Minneapolis residents between the ages of 13 and 28 are taking part in the initiative.

11 Months After 2020 Election Georgia Secretary of State Missing Chain of Custody Documents for 6,995 Absentee Ballots Deposited in Fulton County Drop Boxes

October 4, 2021October 3, 2021 Laura Baigert

A review of transfer forms provided to The Georgia Star News in response to an open records request reveals that the Secretary of State’s office in Georgia is missing chain of custody documents for 6,995 absentee ballots deposited in drop boxes in Fulton County during the November 2020 election.

The number of absentee ballots for which the office has no evidence of the origination of the ballots represents 9 percent of the 79,460 total that Fulton County has recorded as being deposited into drop boxes during the more than month-long early voting and election day period.

Minnesota GOP Elects New Chair to Replace Former Chair Carnahan

October 4, 2021October 3, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

The Minnesota Republican Party elected a new chair on Saturday, to replace the former Chair Jennifer Carnahan. The newly elected chair, David Hann, was a former state senate minority leader.

Shakopee School Board Chair Reported Single Mother to Employer for Criticizing the School Board

October 3, 2021October 2, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

The Shakopee School Board Chair reported a single mother to her employer for her criticism of actions of school board members. The mother is now on unpaid suspension and is anticipating that she will be fired.

Arizona Senate President Warns State Could Take Control of Maricopa Election After Audit Red Flags

October 2, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Following the release of explosive findings by an independent forensic audit of the 2020 election in Arizona’s Maricopa County, the state may step in to assume direct control of election administration there before the next election, Arizona Senate President Karen Fann hinted Friday.

The long-awaited results of an outside audit of the county’s 2020 election process were announced Sept. 24. While confirming the rough accuracy of county vote tabulation giving Joe Biden a razor-thin victory in Arizona, the auditors flagged more than 50,000 suspect ballots for further investigation of issues ranging from people voting from addresses from which they had already moved to residents voting twice.

Brainerd High School to Remove Homecoming King and Queen for Inclusivity

October 2, 2021October 1, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

A Brainerd area high school is going to remove the existence of a homecoming king and queen in order to be more inclusive. According to an article by KSTP, they will be replacing the homecoming court with the “Above and Beyond Award.”

Line 3 Pipleine Construction Completed, Set to Begin Operating Friday in Minnesota

October 1, 2021September 30, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Enbridge has successfully completed its Line 3 replacement project, announcing Wednesday that the pipeline will begin operations on Friday, Oct. 1.

Replacement construction on Line 3 began more than seven years ago, according to Reuters, with the project costing $8.2 billion altogether. The replaced pipeline will transport more oil from Canada through North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin than it had previously transported due to its “age and corrosion.”

Minnesota to Sell COVID ‘Morgue’ After Lack of Use

October 1, 2021September 30, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

The State of Minnesota is going to sell the COVID morgue that it purchased in 2020 after a lack of use. State Rep. Jeremy Munson (R-Lake Crystal) called out the state’s political leaders on Facebook, saying that leaders in both parties are responsible.

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith Signs on to Bill to Expand Supreme Court

September 30, 2021September 29, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) signed on to a bill that would expand the Supreme Court. Smith announced her decision Wednesday on Twitter, where she wrote, “Announcing I’m the first co-sponsor of Senator Markey’s bill to expand the Supreme Court.” Smith said, “It’s time.”

More Than 180 Minnesota Health Care Workers Sue over Vaccine Mandate

September 30, 2021September 29, 2021 The Center Square

More than 180 Minnesota health care workers spanning statewide hospital systems filed a federal lawsuit over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, seeking an injunction to block the upcoming rule.

The lawsuit follows weeks after President Joe Biden announced a vaccine mandate for employers with more than 100 employees and facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare. Defendants named include St. Mary’s Duluth, University Of Minnesota Physicians; Mayo Clinic; North Memorial Health Care; Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital; St. Luke’s Hospital Of Duluth; and Minneapolis Radiation Oncology.

White Bear Lake Middle School Will No Longer Give Students an ‘F’

September 30, 2021September 29, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

A White Bear Lake Middle School will no longer be giving any students an ‘F’ in class. In a video from a White Bear Lake principal and associate principal, they explained how they will automatically be giving students 50% of their score, whether or not the assignment was even turned in.

Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Neil Shah Launches Petition to Stop Critical Race Theory in Schools

September 29, 2021September 28, 2021 Hayley Tschetter

A Minnesota gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Neil Shah, launched a petition to stop teaching Critical Race Theory (CRT) in schools. Shah, a “husband, father, physician, business owner and son of immigrants,” is one of six Republican candidates in the 2022 governor race.

Fight Breaks Out at Minnesota School Board Meeting

September 29, 2021September 28, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

A fight at a Minnesota county school board meeting Monday led to parents being ejected from the meeting space.

The topic of the discussion at the Eastern Carver County Schools meeting in Chaska was mask mandates. A video of the incident shows a few men getting physical, apparently over a disagreement about whether taking photos inside the meeting should be allowed.

Brnovich Demands Maricopa County Freeze All Materials Related to 2020 Election

September 29, 2021 Rachel Alexander

In response to the report released last week about the Maricopa County ballot audit, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s Election Integrity Unit sent a letter to Maricopa County instructing the recorder and supervisors to preserve all records related to the 2020 election in preparation for litigation. He also sent a letter to the Arizona Senate requesting more information related to the audit.

“The Arizona Senate’s report that was released on Friday raises some serious questions regarding the 2020 election,” Brnovich said in a statement about the letters. “Arizonans can be assured our office will conduct a thorough review of the information we receive.”