😮 A Minnesota State Senator would like to make it legal again to eat what he calls “nature’s chicken.”

Government

Trump Administration Set To Investigate U of M Over Antisemitism Claims

The Summary: The Trump administration has launched investigations into alleged antisemitism at five U.S. universities, including the University of Minnesota.

Key Points of the Investigation

• The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights initiated these investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

• The investigations were opened using the department's power to launch its own civil rights reviews, rather than responding to specific complaints.

• President Trump signed an order calling for aggressive action against anti-Jewish bias on campuses, including the potential deportation of foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests.

U of M Response: The University of Minnesota announced that they would fully cooperate with the investigation.

Campus Protests: In recent months, the U of M has been the site of multiple anti-war protests with students setting up encampments on campus. A total of 11 people were arrested on Oct. 21 for occupying Morrill Hall.

“The University continues to stand firmly against antisemitism. We have and will continue to respond promptly and fully to any reports of harassment, intimidation or bias against Jewish students.” -Official U of M Statement

Business

❯ Dating w/ Disabilities: A Twin Cities mom, Katherine Gyolai, has created Find Love Safely, a personalized matchmaking service for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Twin Cities metro area. Participants connect with Gyolai and potential matches through a guardian-supported process.

❯ Yacht Club Festival: The Minnesota Yacht Club festival is experiencing high demand, with general admission passes already sold out and a low ticket warning issued for single-day admissions.

❯ Businesses Protest Trump: Several Minnesota businesses closed on Monday in solidarity with the "Day Without Immigrants" movement, protesting President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

Government

Minnesota Democrats and Republicans Come To Agreement On House Control 🤝

The Summary: A power-sharing agreement has been reached between Minnesota House DFL and GOP members, ending a nearly four-week standoff that has paralyzed the chamber since the start of the 2025 legislative session.

Leadership and Control: Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth will serve as House Speaker for the entire two-year term, becoming the first Black woman in this role. Republicans will have control over committees while they hold a 67-66 majority. If Democrats win the March 11 special election in District 40B, resulting in a 67-67 tie, committee control will be shared.

Next Steps: The House is expected to convene on Thursday afternoon with both parties present, allowing for official business to be conducted. Committee hearings are set to begin on Monday, with a full slate of bills lined up for consideration in the coming weeks.

What Else We’re Reading…

Twin Sister Pleads Guilty In Attempted Cover-Up Of Crash With Amish Buggy That Killed Two Children

Sarah Beth Peterson pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting criminal vehicular operation for attempting to take the blame for her twin sister, Samantha Jo Peterson, in a fatal Amish buggy crash that occurred in 2023 in Minnesota. The crash, involving an SUV driven by Samantha who was allegedly high on meth, resulted in the deaths of two Amish children. As part of a plea agreement, Sarah faces up to 6 months in jail and 4 years of probation, while Samantha is still facing 17 felony charges.

GAME: Guess The House Price 🏠 💲

The game is simple — we show you one photo of a Twin Cities house that is currently for sale and you guess the listing price.

• Location: St. Paul

• 5 beds, 3 baths

• 4,957 sq ft

➡ Check the answer here.

Sports 🏈

🏈 Former Vikings Defensive End Jared Allen was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Allen played six of his 12 seasons with the Vikings.

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves won back to back games at home against the Bulls and Rockets. Anthony Edwards scored 49 and 41 points in those two games including an insane step-back three-pointer.

🏀 The Gopher Men’s basketball team got back on track with a road win against Penn State. They host #23 Illinois this weekend.

🏀 The Gopher Women’s basketball team mounted a strong comeback against Iowa but came up short at home. They are now 6-6 in the Big 10.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild beat the Carolina Hurricanes last night. They currently sit in third place in the Central Division of the Western Conference.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ A Lakeville hockey coach is in critical condition after falling at practice (Kare11)

❯ Keith Ellison is calling for a crack down on social media algorithms (Fox9)

❯ A Texas lawmaker has called for the deportation of Ilhan Omar (The Hill)

❯ People gathered at the Minnesota Capitol in protest against President Trump (MPR)

The Final Word: Stump Party 🪓

In the dead of winter, most Minnesotans will pass the time by skiing, ice skating, stream a new show, among other activities. However, one group of neighbors decided to throw a “Stump Party.” What did it entail? Read the full story here (possible paywall).

-Patrick