📺 The Art Shanty projects on Lake Harriet received some national attention this past week when they appeared on NBC’s Nightly News

Government

Trump Administration Opens Investigation Into MSHSL Over Transgender Policy

The Summary: The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) over its transgender student-athlete policy. This probe comes in response to the MSHSL's decision to maintain its current bylaw allowing transgender participation, despite President Trump's recent executive order banning transgender girls and women from competing in women's sports.

Federal Investigation: The DOE's Office for Civil Rights is conducting the investigation, with Acting Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor stating that the MSHSL must abide by federal law. The Trump administration views the MSHSL's stance as a violation of federal antidiscrimination laws related to girls' and women's sports.

MSHSL's Position: The MSHSL has stated that its current policy is based on the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution, which prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

Potential Consequences: If found in violation of the executive order, the MSHSL could lose its federal funding. The DOE emphasized that state laws do not override federal antidiscrimination laws, and the MSHSL remains subject to Title IX regulations.

Politics

Senator Tina Smith Announces She Will Not Run For Another Term In 2026; Walz Weighs Senate Run

The Summary: Senator Tina Smith announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, citing personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with her family after 20 years in public service. She plans to serve out the remainder of her term.

Democratic Contenders: Several prominent Democrats have expressed interest in running for the open seat. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan quickly announced her intention to run. Gov. Tim Walz is considering a Senate run, although he is also mulling a third term as governor. Rep. Ilhan Omar is also reportedly considering a run.

Republican Prospects: While Minnesota has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006, the race is expected to be competitive. Royce White has already declared his intention to run. Other potential Republican candidates include State Rep. Kristin Robbins, State Sens. Karin Housley and Julia Coleman, former state auditor candidate Ryan Wilson, and attorney Chris Madel.

Political Implications: Democrats face an uphill battle to regain control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority. Smith's retirement deprives Democrats of an incumbent advantage in what could be a competitive race.

Business

Fairview Says “No” To Merger with University of Minnesota and Essentia Health

The Summary: Fairview Health Services has announced its opposition to a potential merger with the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health. This decision was communicated in a letter to employees from Fairview CEO James Hereford.

Background: The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health recently announced plans to explore the creation of a new nonprofit healthcare system. Fairview entered into an agreement with the University of Minnesota in 1997 that is set to expire in 2026.

Fairview's Position: Fairview stated that it has informed the University of Minnesota that it is open to a strategic partnership, but not a merger. The letter acknowledged Essentia's interest in supporting the university. Fairview said that the current level of support from Fairview for the University of Minnesota Medical School is unsustainable.

New Revelation: According to a new report from the Star Tribune, the University of Minnesota offered Fairview $600M to buy back its teaching hospital in December. Fairview rejected the deal saying it would be insufficient to cover debts connected with the facility.

What Else We’re Reading…

Family Sues Mayo Clinic After Their Son’s Donated Heart Fell Apart During Surgery

Noah Leopold went to Mayo Clinic thinking he was getting a brand new heart that was needed after sustaining heart damage from cancer treatment earlier in his life. However, the new heart ended up falling apart during the procedure and Noah passed away. Kare11 reporting has revealed that the original heart donor had died from a drug overdose, something that was not told to Noah when he was informed a heart was available for transplant. Noah’s family is now engaging in an intense legal battle with Mayo Clinic on the grounds that Noah should have never been given the heart from someone who died from a drug overdose.

GAME: Three Headlines and a Lie

The game is simple — we give you four headlines, three that are real and one that is fake. Can you spot the fraudulent headline?

❯ Minnesota got its 10,001st lake after a water main broke at a busy Minneapolis intersection (link)

❯ A plow named Anthony Sledwards will now be helping to keep our streets clear of snow (link)

❯ Minneapolis City Council announced a new comprehensive interstate construction project expected to create slow commutes this summer (link)

❯ Minneapolis ranked as one of the least rude cities in America according to a recent study (link)

Sports 🏀

Lore, A-Rod to Acquire Timberwolves and Lynx After Winning Arbitration Against Taylor

The Summary: Arbitrators have ruled in favor of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez in their bid to become the new owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, ending a dispute with current owner Glen Taylor.

Background: Lore and Rodriguez reached an agreement with Taylor in 2021 to purchase the teams. However, Taylor later attempted to back out of the deal, seeking to retain ownership despite Lore and Rodriguez's completion of several agreed upon purchase milestones.

Decision and Implications: The arbitrators' decision clears the way for Lore and Rodriguez to finalize the purchase, pending NBA approval. This would mark the end of Taylor's 30+ year ownership of the Timberwolves, which began in 1994. Lore and Rodriguez said they look forward to working with the NBA to complete the approval process.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ UHG is tired of seeing social media posts it deems as inaccurate (Bloomberg)

❯ 185 St. Thomas students had their scholarships cancelled by the federal government (Kare11)

❯ New legal charges have been brought against a Minnesota state senator (MPR)

❯ U of M faculty are feeling anxious amidst the proposed NIH cuts (WCCO)

❯ An elementary school teacher in Prior Lake says she was suspended without pay after making a Facebook post supporting Donald Trump (Fox9)

The Final Word: Up North 🚢

I’m in Duluth this weekend visiting family and while I much prefer visiting during the summer or fall, the town and surrounding area is incredibly beautiful during the cold winter months. Just check out this video from a few weeks back featuring a couple big ships rolling in.

-Patrick