Minnesota Archives - Page 2 of 59

Minnesota Public School System in Hot Water over DEI, Social Justice Trainings Kept Secret from Parents

July 19, 2024July 18, 2024 Peter D'Abrosca

One Minnesota school system has found itself at the center of controversy over staff trainings regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), along with social justice.

“Rochester Public Schools provides training that has staff participate in a “Social Justice Stretch” [and] staff are taught to embrace LGBTQ ideology with the ‘Genderbread Person,’ [and] staff are told not to tell parents about their children’s gender identity,” according to a watchdog group called Parents Defending Education (PDE).

Potentially Dangerous Minnesota County Court Order Reversed Just Three Weeks After Being Issued

July 17, 2024July 16, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A recently enacted Hennepin County Court policy that could have had deadly or dangerous results for domestic abuse victims was suddenly reversed over the weekend.

In mid-June, Hennepin County District Court’s Chief Judge Kerry Meyer issued a Standing Order altering the pre-appearance release procedures and bail for some domestic abuse suspects. The order replaced a prior Standing Order that had been in place since 2019 that required suspects arrested on probable cause misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor domestic assault charges to be held without bail until they were brought before a judge to have bail and/or conditions set, such as a no-contact order with the victim.

Minnesota Citizen Group Makes Progress on Local Election Reform, Saying ‘We Are Election Verifiers’

July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Concerned and committed north metro citizens have met every week for nearly two years as part of a group they call ACEIT, the Anoka County Election Integrity Team.
“No one is coming to save us. That’s one of our mottos,” Derek Lind of Ramsey told Alpha News.

Rochester Public Schools Abolishes Pandemic-Era ‘Equitable’ Grading

July 13, 2024July 12, 2024 The Center Square

A Minnesota school district is finally giving its students back the freedom to fail.

Rochester Public Schools implemented a “no credit” grading policy in 2020, in hopes of helping failing students who were struggling with virtual learning. Now, four years later, the district has overturned their policy to increase student accountability.

Funds for African Immigrants and Delivery Fee Among New Laws on the Books in Minnesota

July 6, 2024July 5, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

The latest round of legislation passed by the Minnesota Legislature includes $1 million in funding for the African Immigrants Community Services nonprofit and an added delivery fee on retail orders.

The Minnesota House of Representatives released a list of legislation which was due to go into effect on July 1, all of which were sponsored by members of the DFL. Chief among the pieces of legislation passed during the most recent session is new spending. $23.85 million was delegated to the Department of Employment and Economic Development for “job training and economic development programs in fiscal year 2025.” Included in that spending was “$1 million to African Immigrants Community Services for workforce development for new Americans” as well as “$1 million to the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce for technical support to Black-owned small businesses.” Furthermore, “the law also appropriates General Fund money to support programs through Explore Minnesota Tourism,” including “$400,000 to Ka Joog for Somali community and cultural festivals and events.”

Minnesota Judge Who Supported Trump Reprimanded After Denying Felons the Right to Vote

July 3, 2024July 2, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A Minnesota district court judge was publicly reprimanded by the Minnesota Board of Judicial Standards after denying several convicted felons the right to vote when issuing probation orders to those felons.

On June 27, Judge Matthew Quinn of Minnesota’s Seventh Judicial District was reprimanded by the Minnesota Board of Judicial Standards (MBJS). According to the Board’s findings, Judge Quinn began issuing probation sentencing orders to convicted felons in October of 2023 which denied those individuals the right to vote.

Minnesota City Council Votes in Favor of Moratorium on Mosque-Centric Development

June 29, 2024June 28, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Lino Lakes City Council has voted 4-1 to postpone development of a new residential community centered around a mosque, with a final vote to decide the moratorium coming on July 8.

The development, with the proposed name of “Madinah Lakes,” was slated to cover 156 acres in Lino Lakes’ northwest quadrant. 434 housing units, businesses, and a grocery store, along with the $15 million, 40,000 square foot mosque at its center, were to be built on an area formerly dedicated to sod farming. The community was specifically marketed as “Masjid-Centric” in reference to the mosque.

RFK Jr. Cleared to Appear on Minnesota Presidential Ballot

June 26, 2024June 25, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Independent candidate for president Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been officially approved to appear on the 2024 presidential ballot in Minnesota, officials with Secretary of State Steve Simon’s office have confirmed.

Field staff for Kennedy’s campaign in Minnesota submitted their ballot petition — which includes the requisite minimum of 2,500 signatures and a list of presidential elector nominees — to the secretary of state on Jun 7. The secretary of state then engaged in a standard review of the signatures and application materials.

10 More Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with Illegal Gun Possession and Drugs

June 22, 2024June 21, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Ten more alleged Minneapolis gang members have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a machine gun, and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger in a Tuesday press conference.

Luger was joined by Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Leah Greeves in announcing charges against the “10z” and “20z” (pronounced “tens” and “twenties”) gang members who they say operate mainly in the area of East Franklin and Chicago avenues in south Minneapolis and are part of a two-year crackdown on gangs in the city.

Minnesota Parents Petition School Board for Improved Safety in Schools

June 19, 2024June 18, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A petition was presented to the Hopkins School Board during a June 11 meeting, calling on the board to provide a safe environment for students in Hopkins Public Schools following a violent incident that occurred at the end of May.

“We, the undersigned members of the Hopkins Public Schools community, are deeply concerned about the violent assault last Thursday against a transgender student at Hopkins High School,” the petition reads. “Just two days prior, there were three fights at the high school and the police were called to prevent a fourth.”

16-Year-Old Minnesota Girl Speaks Out About Having to Share School Restrooms and Locker Rooms With Males

June 15, 2024June 14, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A 16-year-old Minnesota girl forced to share private spaces with males under a public school transgender policy says that girls deserve privacy in their restrooms and locker rooms.

“It’s really uncomfortable, because I was in gym class, and I was just about to change, but then I heard this voice, and I was, like, ‘That does not sound right.’ So, I look, and it’s a male,” said the rising junior at Stewartville High School, who asked to remain anonymous to speak freely on the controversial issue.

Minnesota Farmer Claims Victory over State’s Race-Based Grant Program

June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 The Center Square

A Minnesota farmer claimed victory in a lawsuit filed against the state in January that said his race and sex placed him at the back of the line to receive grants to buy farmland.

Gov. Tim Waltz recently signed legislation that rolls back the state’s policy of prioritizing “emerging farmers” based on characteristics such as race and sex.

Minnesota Supreme Court Won’t Let Group of Moms Defend Parental Notification Law for Abortions

June 8, 2024June 7, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to hear a case brought by a group called Mothers Offering Maternal Support (MOMS), which sought to intervene in the ruling of the Ramsey County District Court in the 2022 case Dr. Jane Doe, et al. v. State of Minnesota. In that case, the court struck down Minnesota’s remaining abortion restrictions, including a requirement that practitioners give parents notice before performing an abortion on a minor.

In the aftermath of the ruling, most of Minnesota’s former abortion restrictions were officially removed from the statutes during the state’s 2023 legislative session. However, one precondition that remained on the books was the parental notification requirement. This requirement became MOMS’ primary object of focus in its attempts to secure an intervention in the case.

Minnesota State Rep. Calls Gov. Walz a ‘Masterful Liar’ After Another Officer is Murdered in Minnesota

June 5, 2024June 4, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Walter Hudson, a Republican Minnesota state representative from Albertville, joined Liz Collin on her podcast to speak out on failed leadership and how “lies about public safety” have continued to put police officers in danger.

Last week, Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell became the fifth first responder in Minnesota to be murdered in just a little over a year — the 10th in this region.

Minnesota DFL Chair Calls on Sen. Nicole Mitchell to Resign Days After Session Ends

June 1, 2024May 31, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Just a little more than a week after the legislative session ended in Minnesota, the DFL Party has called for the resignation of beleaguered Sen. Nicole Mitchell — who faces felony burglary charges stemming from her arrest at her elderly stepmother’s home in northwest Minnesota last month.

Republican leaders in the Senate said the timing of such a statement after session has concluded is “hypocrisy” and a political ploy leading up to the November election.

Minnesota GOP Legislators Call on Gov. Walz to Veto 1,400-Page Bill Passed amid Chaos

May 25, 2024May 24, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Republican leaders in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate called on Gov. Tim Walz to veto a 1,400-page bill that was passed in the final moments of the legislative session before many lawmakers even had a chance to see what was in the bill.

House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, made their request in a letter to Gov. Walz on Wednesday.

Ilhan Omar Votes Against Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Who Assault Police

May 22, 2024May 21, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Two Democratic Minnesota congresswomen voted against federal legislation which seeks to deport illegal immigrants who assault law enforcement officers. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Betty McCollum were the lone votes from Minnesota to oppose H.R. 7343.

The aptly named “Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act” was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week in a 265-148 vote. In total, 54 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill; 148 Democrats voted against H.R. 7343. No Republican opposed the proposed law.

New Polls Show Trump, GOP Legislators in Competitive Minnesota Races

May 18, 2024May 17, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A set of new polls show that Republican candidates are in close contests for both the 2024 Minnesota presidential race and the race to win the majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

According to a McLaughlin & Associates poll conducted on behalf of the Trump campaign, former President Donald Trump is locked in a competitive race with President Biden in the 2024 presidential election in Minnesota. In the survey, pollsters gauged voter interest in several different scenarios.

Minnesota Mother Says Daughter was Attacked at School Because ‘She Wasn’t Muslim’

May 15, 2024May 14, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A Minnesota mom is demanding answers after she says her nine-year-old daughter was jumped on the school playground by a group of girls who she was told targeted her daughter because “she wasn’t Muslim.”

Shawna Larson told Liz Collin Reports about the disturbing details of the attack that she says took place on Monday, April 29 at Hidden Valley Elementary in Savage.

Minnesota and Wisconsin Withhold Voter Registration from Public That Most States are Federally Mandated to Disclose

May 12, 2024May 11, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Wisconsin is one of the most fiercely contested battleground states in this election cycle, but it lacks federal transparency requirements for voter registration imposed on most states, according to a lawsuit by an election watchdog.

Minnesota, generally a solidly blue state although it saw a razor-thin margin in the results of the 2016 presidential race, also doesn’t make its voter rolls available to the public, the lawsuit contends.

Proposed Minnesota Legislation Would Require Study of Reparations, Formal Apology for Slavery

May 11, 2024May 10, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation this week to establish an advisory council that would examine a possible reparations program. Introduced in the last days of the legislative session, HF 5456 would also require the State of Minnesota to “issue an apology for the past occurrence of chattel slavery and notable slave owners in Minnesota.”

Known as the “Minnesota Migration Act,” HF 5456 first makes several historical declarations.

Legislators Debate Whether to Help University of Minnesota Pay for Costs Associated with Anti-Israel Camp

May 8, 2024May 7, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

It’s been less than a week since a group of anti-Israel activists on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus packed up their tents and provisions and ended their encampment protest on Northrop Mall.

And now come the questions: How much was the damage incurred by the boycott/divestment/sanctions protesters? Who will pay for it?

Recruit More Queer, Trans Scholars to Help Environment: University of Minnesota Report

May 4, 2024May 3, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A new University of Minnesota report advocates for more “2SLGBTQIA+” individuals in environmental work, arguing their communities are disproportionately harmed by pollution and natural disasters.

Published in the university’s Gender Policy Report, the article “Environmental Justice for Queer and Transgender Communities” says queer and transgender communities tend to be left out of environmental health policies and planning even though they “experience discrimination leading to social, economic, and health disparities that place them at an increased risk for environmental injustices.”

Democrat Nicole Mitchell Returns to Minnesota Senate After Arrest, Casts Votes on Her Own Fate

May 1, 2024April 30, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

It’s been just more than one week since police found Sen. Nicole Mitchell hiding in the basement of her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home before dawn on April 22 and subsequently arrested her on suspicion of felony burglary.

The first term DFLer from Woodbury — who says she doesn’t intend to resign her District 47 seat — appeared on the Senate floor Monday for the first time since she was charged with first-degree burglary seven days ago.

University of Minnesota Policy Would Require Researchers to Get Permission from Indigenous Tribes

April 26, 2024April 25, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A proposed University of Minnesota policy would require scholars to obtain permission from Native American groups when doing research involving their cultures.

However, an anthropologist has concerns about the proposal.

Minnesota Democratic State Senator Arrested, Charged with First-Degree Burglary

April 24, 2024April 23, 2024 Just the News

The lawmaker was attempt to retrieve belongs of her late father in her stepmother’s home.

A Minnesota Democratic state senator was arrested early Monday and charged with first-degree burglary in Detroit Lakes, police said Tuesday.

Ellison Faces Scrutiny for Use of San Francisco Firm on Lawsuit Against Energy Companies

April 19, 2024April 18, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A trio of Republican lawmakers are asking Attorney General Keith Ellison to provide the public with more details on his office’s contract with a San Francisco-based law firm hired to aid in an ongoing climate change-related lawsuit against three major oil companies.

Sens. Mark Koran and Andrew Mathews, and Rep. Jim Nash sent Ellison a detailed letter last week that claims the law firm, Sher Edling, LLP, has received more than $13 million from special interest organizations outside of Minnesota to help fund its climate litigation efforts, including the one ongoing in Minnesota. And they want Ellison to provide the public with “a complete accounting of who is providing financial support for Sher Edling’s work on the Minnesota case.

State Republicans Accuse DFL, Walz of Playing Politics with Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Results Release Date

April 18, 2024April 18, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

For more than 20 years the Minnesota Department of Education has released to the public aggregated results of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment test during the first weeks of the school year — before or by Sept. 1, to be exact. That’s almost certain to change.

Last week DFL lawmakers who control the House stood firm in defending a provision in their education policy bill that would give MDE a 12-week extension to release MCA results to the public.

Minneapolis City Council Votes to Delay New Pay Standards for Uber, Lyft Drivers

April 13, 2024April 12, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Minneapolis City Council voted to delay the enforcement date for new minimum compensation standards for drivers with transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft. Pending approval from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the minimum compensation standards would go into effect on July 1.

In March, the Minneapolis City Council authorized an ordinance which mandates that a driver for Uber or Lyft must be paid $1.40 for every mile driven while transporting a rider, and $0.51 for every minute a rider is being transported, or $5.00 (whichever is greater). The per mile and per minute rates would be annually adjusted under the ordinance.

After Being Stabbed 22 Times, Derek Chauvin Suffers Setbacks, Double Standards

April 10, 2024April 9, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

In November 2023, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was copying documents in a law library at a federal prison in Tucson when he was stabbed 22 times. Chauvin is slowly recovering from the attack but continues to suffer a series of peculiar setbacks and double standards.

‘Ban on Book Bans’ Included in Education Bill Passed by Minnesota DFL in Senate

April 6, 2024April 5, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A proposed statewide “ban on book bans” in public schools and libraries is just one of about 100 new provisions contained in a DFL-backed omnibus education policy bill that passed off the Senate floor this week.

SF3567 is sponsored by Democratic Sens. Steve Cwodzinski of Eden Prairie and Mary Kunesh of New Brighton. It passed on a 35-31 vote Tuesday, with Sen. Jim Abeler of Anoka casting the lone vote for Republicans.

Poll Shows Potentially Close Race Between Ilhan Omar and Don Samuels

April 3, 2024April 2, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Democratic congressional candidate Don Samuels is in a potentially tight race against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, according to a new poll released by his campaign. Running in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, Samuels is challenging Rep. Omar for the district’s Democratic nomination.

In the new poll, when likely Democratic primary voters were initially asked about their preferences between Omar and Samuels, 49% said Omar, 30% said Samuels, and 21% said Undecided. However, the same poll found that the margin shifted to a tie between the two candidates (41% – 41%) after those same voters heard Samuels’ message of being “a progressive and pragmatic alternative to Rep. Omar without the divisive comments and history of taking unpopular votes.”

Minnesota Democrats Introduce Multiple Bills to Transfer Ownership of State Land to Tribes

March 30, 2024March 29, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Four pieces of legislation that Democrats have introduced at the Minnesota Legislature in recent weeks aim to transfer ownership of property they say tribal nations inside Minnesota lost decades ago due to federal and state government policies.

But while proponents believe these land reclamation, or “land back,” bills are gaining momentum, many residents and local government officials in those areas are criticizing the legislation and opposing it at the Capitol.

Detransitioner to Minnesota Legislators: ‘We are Being Silenced’

March 27, 2024March 26, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

While European nations hit pause on puberty blockers and surgical measures for children, Minnesota Democrats are pushing health plans to cover so-called “gender-affirming care.”

A detransitioner from Oregon recently testified in front of Minnesota lawmakers after she says she was given the green light for top surgery over a Zoom call.

Minnesota Democrats Reject Amendment to Allow Police to Buy Defensive Armored Vehicles

March 23, 2024March 22, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Democratic members of the Minnesota House of Representatives rejected an amendment that would have allowed local law enforcement agencies to purchase armored and tactical vehicles with state funds.

Last year, Minnesota state government authorized legislation that allocated $300 million to law enforcement agencies around the state. Agencies that received the money could use those funds to update equipment, offer raises, give out retention bonuses, and other needs. However, the agencies who received those funds were barred from using the money to purchase armored or tactical vehicles.

State Republicans Introduce Bill to Save Uber and Lyft After Minneapolis Vote

March 20, 2024March 19, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minnesota Republicans have introduced a bill that would prohibit local governments from regulating rideshare companies after Uber and Lyft said they plan to leave portions of the metro area May 1.

That’s the day a new ordinance passed by the Minneapolis City Council setting minimum compensation standards for rideshare drivers is set to take effect.

Ranked-Choice Voting Push Continues at Minnesota Capitol

March 16, 2024March 15, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A pair of DFL lawmakers who fell short last year of gaining enough support in the legislature to turn Minnesota into a ranked-choice voting state aren’t giving up on their goal. They’ve just scaled back their efforts to more incremental steps.

On Wednesday, a committee in the state House approved a bill that would make it easier for cities across the state to implement ranked-choice voting as a method of electing local representation.

Republicans Introduce Bill to Ban Sanctuary Cities in Minnesota

March 13, 2024March 12, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Over two dozen Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature are supporting legislation that would prohibit Minnesota cities from becoming so-called “sanctuary cities.” Known as SF 4328, the proposed law would also increase penalties for human trafficking and fine employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

SF 4328 is authored by Minnesota Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls.

Hotels Paid by Hennepin County to House Migrants at Locations Across Twin Cities

March 9, 2024March 8, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Hundreds of migrants are staying at “shelter sites” across the Twin Cities metro. Having been sheltered in Minnesota for months, these migrants are largely families who are staying at various Minneapolis area hotels.

Alpha News traveled to multiple shelter sites and talked with migrants and hotel staff on the ground.

Minnesota DFL Legislators Want to Enshrine Trans Sports in State Law, Ban Removal of LGBT Flags

March 6, 2024March 5, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A group of Democrats are putting forward legislation to enshrine transgender sports in state statute and ban the removal of LGBT flags in many public places.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers have signed on to HF 4394 in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Authored by Rep. Leigh Finke, D-St. Paul, this bill would require the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) commissioner to develop a “gender inclusion policy” that must be adopted in some form by school districts across the state.

Democrats Advance Two Gun Control Bills in Minnesota House

March 2, 2024March 1, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives advanced two gun control bills on Thursday that have Republicans, gun groups, and private citizens concerned.

HF 4300, authored by Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn, D-Roseville, would set new laws for how firearms must be stored. Under the proposed law, gun owners must either leave their firearms unloaded with a locking device, or store their firearms in a legitimate “firearm storage unit” such as a safe. Citizens who fail to do so will face legal consequences ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the offense.

Minnesota School Board Votes to Leave Sexually Graphic Book in School Library

February 28, 2024February 27, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Osseo school board voted Tuesday to leave a sexually explicit graphic novel in the Maple Grove High School library.

“It does have the potential, as a parent mentioned earlier, to help some students,” board member Thomas Brooks said while explaining why he would be voting to leave the book on the shelves.

Couple Flees Minneapolis as Crime Turns Neighborhood They Once Loved into ‘Third-World Country’

February 24, 2024February 23, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

It’s not often a mid-morning interview starts with such a stern warning.

“Didn’t you tell her to be careful?” Jon Loidolt asked.

Minnesota Combat Veteran Forced to Medically Retire from Military After COVID Vax Injury

February 21, 2024February 20, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

A disabled Minnesota Army combat veteran is fighting a new battle — one he never signed up for after he says the COVID vaccine destroyed the life he once knew.

Drew told his story on Liz Collin Reports this week. He doesn’t like to use his last name publicly but readers can follow his story on social media.

Complaint: Minnesota High School Restricts Student Group Entry by Race

February 17, 2024February 16, 2024 The Center Square

Parents Defending Education filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Burnsville High School in Minnesota based on race and national origin in programs that receive federal financial assistance.

Burnsville High School offers programming to affinity groups only open to some students.

Minnesota Republicans Run into DFL Roadblock in Attempt to Fast-Track Passage of School Resource Officers Fix

February 14, 2024February 13, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives wasted no time in the opening moments of the 2024 legislative session in attempting to fast-track passage of a seemingly bipartisan proposal to fix a new law enacted last year that has hampered the work of school resource officers in several public schools across the state.

But the author of that bill ended up being the GOP’s biggest stumbling block in attempting to pass it on the House floor Monday.

Minnesota GOP Representative Calls for Investigation into ‘Cover-Up’ Allegations from Feeding Our Future Leader

February 10, 2024February 9, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Republicans are calling for an investigation into allegations that Gov. Tim Walz’s Department of Education “engaged in deceptive practices” in order to conceal records in a lawsuit related to the Feeding Our Future case.

Aimee Bock, the founder and executive director of the defunct nonprofit, claimed in a court filing last month that the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) “intentionally deleted and hid documents from discovery” when her organization sued MDE in November 2020.

Lawsuit: Minnesota Education Department ‘Engaged in Deceptive Practices’

February 7, 2024February 6, 2024 The Center Square

A lawsuit in the Ramsey County Second Judicial Court claims Minnesota Department of Education employees “deleted large amounts of data and intentionally engaged in deceptive practices.”

The education agency sued nonprofit Feeding Our Future over a scheme from May 2020 through January 2022 in which three entities – ThinkTechAct Foundation, Empire Cuisine & Market and Empire Enterprises – collaborated to steal $250 million of Federal Child Nutrition Program money meant to feed hungry children and instead spent it on luxury cars, homes, and more.

Minnesota Democrat Andy Smith Jokes About Possible Arson of Conservative Offices

February 3, 2024February 2, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Democratic legislator Andy Smith was widely criticized for his reaction to the news that three conservative organizations may have been the victims of arson — so much so that he almost immediately deleted his Twitter account.

A Golden Valley building that houses the Center of the American Experiment, TakeCharge, and the Upper Midwest Law Center caught fire early Sunday morning. The ATF confirmed with Alpha News that federal and local agencies are conducting an “arson investigation” into the fire.

Children’s Minnesota Displays ‘Pronoun Galaxy’ at Hospital Entrance

February 3, 2024February 2, 2024 Minnesota Sun Staff

Children’s Minnesota is displaying a “pronoun galaxy” at the entrance of its Minneapolis hospital, according to images provided to Alpha News.

“At Children’s Minnesota, you’re a star,” the display reads. Each star on the display includes different pronouns like “she/her,” “they/them,” and “he/his.”