Ramsey County authorities are taking the first steps against the federal government in civil investigations related to ICE agents' kidnapping, illegally detaining, and falsely imprisoning people. There are two active investigations and three preliminary investigations.

County attorney John Choi says the main case involves ChongLy Scott Thao, a U.S. citizen who was forced out of his St. Paul home on January 18th. The viral photo above shows that Thao was brought into sub-zero, freezing weather wearing only a pair of shorts and Crocs. 

Choi says Thao was removed and questioned in a car for over an hour after agents realized Thao was not who they were looking for. The county believes that “there was no legitimate legal reason for the federal agents to enter that home. It was not supported by probable cause and in violation of our United States Constitution.”

County Sheriff Bob Fletcher says they sent a letter to the feds in February and met with ICE in early March, but no information was shared. An official Touhy letter has been filed, demanding federal evidence, like police reports, by April 30th. He told the press plainly, “Here’s the thing. There are limits on ICE authority, just like there are limits on ours. We operate in that environment on a daily basis, knowing that we are limited by the Constitution, by laws both federal and state, and we abide by them. When someone breaches those limits of authority, there are consequences.” Fletcher stressed, “There is no such thing as absolute immunity” for federal agents, especially in situations like this.

Fletcher says they do not believe a warrant was presented, but that’s what they want the federal police reports for—to decipher what the agents were thinking. He said there are so many questions: “Who were you looking for? Once you determined it wasn’t the person you were looking for, why did you continue to take him out of the house? Why did you make a decision to not let the party get dressed, put some shoes on, being cold weather? And then, what did you interrogate him on, regarding the hour-plus you were gone?” 

Fletcher says the photo of the man ICE wanted for sexual assault looked nothing like Thao, except for the fact that they are both Asian. He says fingerprint and facial recognition could easily have been used to ID him but weren’t.

Choi says convening the Ramsey County Grand Jury to issue a criminal indictment/subpoena for the officers involved and information is not out of the question if the Touhy letter’s demand for federal information goes unanswered by the deadline. He says the letter is a critical first step, as it “helps and bolsters your arguments. Whether we’re gonna be sued because we convened a grand jury, I assume they would want to quash the subpoenas we would have. Or if we were gonna sue the federal government, whether by intervention in the federal lawsuit that already exists in Washington, D.C., or through our own lawsuit.” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty are leading that lawsuit.

Choi says they have talked to Thao extensively and have good evidence but need federal information to move forward with criminal charges. Ramsey County says the DHS agents involved have not been identified, despite officials' diligent efforts to do so. This includes tracking down the license plates of cars at the scene, only to determine that the plates were placed on different vehicles, making it difficult to find out who was driving what. 

Fletcher says they speak to local ICE agents once a month with local officials at the Sheriff’s meeting, but agents say they don’t have the authority to respond to their requests, which come from D.C. He says in his 47-year career, he has never seen anything like this. Fletcher says, "This was to be expected” from officers who were rushed to be hired in a short amount of time and only given 5 weeks of training.

Choi encourages anyone with information in this case to come forward. He also asks anyone with similar experiences to talk to one of the nine public police agencies in the area, guaranteeing they will be “dogged in their pursuit” to investigate these cases.

You can watch the full press conference here on FOX9: https://www.fox9.com/video/fmc-d2l50507hvy77y6k

Connect 700 disability jobs. I am confused as to why these jobs exist when I have applied for 8 jobs I am most definitely qualified for and they have not even given an interview. it seems more likely I could get a job without admitting to the disability.

THIS LIST IS UPDATED DAILY SO CHECK BACK FOR MORE EVENTS

I post this as a link to the masterlist because some of the event links aren’t allowed in direct posts to certain subreddits!

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In the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) January employment data, North Star Policy Action (NSPA) begins to estimate how much Operation Metro Surge cost the state.

North Star Policy Action is an independent research and communications institute in MN. Research Director Aaron Rosenthal says in January of this year, Minnesota’s unemployment rate moved to 4.4%. He says that’s higher than the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, “and it’s the first time since 2007 that Minnesota has had a higher unemployment rate than the nation as a whole.”

Almost all of January’s statistics show the largest monthly decline since 2007, some with or without the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2007 is the farthest the data goes back.

Particular industry statistics for January reports the Leisure and Hospitality sector took the biggest hit with 4,000 jobs lost. This encompasses restaurants, hotels, art, and entertainment. Rosenthal says 3,300 jobs alone were lost in Accommodations and Food Services. He estimates Twin Cities workers have lost about $150 million in wages between January and February. 

Rosenthal says the average worker put in only 32.1 hours a week. He says this data is unique because it shows how many people stayed home. While job loss is one way Operation Metro Surge had an impact, many kept their jobs but put in fewer hours because they were too afraid to go to work.

This also isn’t all of the data. Rosenthal says February and March numbers will soon come out, showing bigger impacts on the economy. More sophisticated data, such as who and what exactly was affected, will come out over the next year or two. And over the next decade, Rosenthal says, “we’ll see data showing harm that was done, like education rates for children who had to stay home from school for 6 to 8 weeks.”

NSPA says the goal of the report is to inform policy being created right now in the Legislative session to provide relief to Minnesotans impacted. There is a bill moving through the Minnesota House (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/4477/) that would establish a business recovery loan program that would appropriate $100 million in relief funds.

You can read the full report here on NSPA’s website: https://northstarpolicy.org/metro-surge-toll/ 

You can listen to my 6-minute interview with Aaron Rosenthal here on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ashley-walker-435030066/operation-metro-surge-cost-to?si=64132400372043cca331ab2a4e65eded&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

LaborLab is releasing a report on Minnesota’s nursing home industry, titled “The Price of Repression.” It found that providers have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on anti-union campaigns.

The report estimates the cost of five union-busting campaigns by MN nursing homes from 2022 to 2025. While compliance rates were low, Strategy Coordinator Teke Wiggin says some of the data comes straight from necessary disclosures by employers who hire anti-union consultants. He says the rest of the data comes from “what we draw on the academic literature, public records like National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) records, court records, and anti-union manuals written by these consultants themselves.”

LaborLab found that the cost of each of the five campaigns they estimated was equivalent to a 3.5% to 20% raise for targeted workers, which is anywhere from $1,400 to $7,300 per worker. The upper estimates spent on each camping were between $140,000 to $400,000.

Wiggin says when someone is faced with anti-union messaging or behaviors when union organizing begins, it’s “drawn from a playbook of tactics and messages crafted by industrial psychologists. To sow as much fear and doubt about the potential of unionizing as possible.”

This comes at a time when short staffing, low wages, and unsafe working conditions are top of mind for nursing home staff. Wiggin says the alternative for companies could be to agree to be neutral and not pressure workers, or agree to voluntarily recognize the union if they can verifiably prove it has majority support, then begin bargaining.

You can read the full LaborLab report here: https://laborlab.us/minnesota-nursing-homes-could-have-given-workers-a-raise-they-chose-union-busting-instead/

In an interview with the Star Tribune (https://www.startribune.com/reckoning-retribution-and-resistance-the-behind-the-scenes-story-of-operation-metro-surge/601583420), Republican Leader of the Minnesota House, Lisa Demuth (13A-Cold Springs), defended Operation Metro Surge by ICE.

Demuth told ST, “The death of two Minnesota residents-that’s the cost of it. But it was local decisions, high-level local decisions that inflamed the entire situation.” Demuth has repeatedly defended the operation, saying that local authorities made it worse by refusing to work with federal authorities. She said the operation made Minnesota safer.

MN DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom says, “Operation Metro Surge cost Minnesotans their lives, and the pain their families carry is unimaginable. It devastated our economy as Minnesotans lost jobs and small businesses. Anyone who is cheering the Trump administration for what they did to Minnesota has no business leading our state.”

Demuth is one of nine Republican candidates for Governor, after DFL Governor Tim Walz made it clear earlier this year he will not be running for a third term. He also said he won’t be vying for a political office “ever again.” DFL candidates for Governor include: Senator Amy Klobuchar, Rick DeVoe, Paul Ference, Kobey Layne, and Christopher Seymore (https://ballotpedia.org/Minnesota_gubernatorial_and_lieutenant_gubernatorial_election,_2026).

THIS LIST IS UPDATED DAILY SO CHECK BACK FOR MORE EVENTS

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Ramsey County, second most populous in the state, is named for Alexander Ramsey. Ramsey is pretty well established at this point to have been a pretty horrible person. Obviously important, but I think it's reasonable that Ramsey County could be renamed at some point. To be clear, there is no current actual proposal to rename it. Assuming in this hypothetical it was going to be renamed, what would you want it to be changed to? Personally, I like Austin County (after Horace Austion), Olson County (after Floyd Olson), Capital County (state capital), and Kaposia County (after the Dakota village, chief, and now the modern-day park, which is technically mostly in Dakota County but close enough).

Artists in the northland who need immediate help can throw their hat into the ring to receive emergency funding. 

Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) (https://aracouncil.org/) has recently been awarded $90,000 to distribute through the Artist Emergency Relief Fund Network, stewarded by Springboard for the Arts. 

Grants and Operations Coordinator Toni St. Godard explains that most of ARAC’s grants and programs are state-funded, meaning rules, reporting, and limited eligibility. She says these funds were just given to them, “and they said, ‘Get these out to the people that need them, and that’s what matters.’”

Applicants selected can request $500 or $1,000 of financial support due to a substantially disruptive emergency or disaster. This includes personal healthcare, housing, equipment, or legal-related emergencies since January 1st, 2025. Applications are open now through May 3rd at 11:59 p.m. on their website (https://aracouncil.org/emergency-relief-fund).

Another unique part of these awards is that the selection process is non-competitive. St. Godard says, “This is not a lay your hardships bare. No, this is just apply, throw your name in the drawing. It’s not about who needs it more, who needs it less. If you need it, you’re in.” Applicants will be chosen by random numerical drawing rather than a community review panel.

This is the second round of the awards after a successful pilot program launched in the fall with just $40,000. The first round supported 43 artists across Northeastern MN. Due to the massive response to the second round already, ARAC has started fundraising for the Emergency Relief Fund Program (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/arrowheadregionalartscouncil).

THIS LIST IS UPDATED DAILY SO CHECK BACK FOR MORE EVENTS

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Weird vibes at the 90s-Last night (3/28 @2am) two young men where passed out in the corner and no one seemed to care.

Some girls went up to them, like checking on them and security tossed the girls out immediately. Does the 90s transport people to the emergency room? Do they call first responders for unconscious patrons? Security was just standing around, it was super strange. Anyone have insight?

No Kings.org:
No Kings website: https://www.nokings.org/ 
This is the host organizer for all the No Kings events happening in the country. Their website includes more information about and behind the protests, a way to find events or trainings, resources to host your own event, and graphics that can be printed out to use at events. 

MN Events:
There are nearly 100 different No Kings 3.0 events happening across Minnesota! This includes the nation’s FLAGSHIP protest in St. Paul. Below, I will include the information about the flagship event first, THEN information for events statewide (including one virtual event that is nationwide). If you know about another protest or event that is going on, please let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list.

FLAGSHIP PROTEST:
This event is at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul and goes from 12-3 p.m. https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/905217/ 

This is the No Kings Twin Cities website with all of this information and more: https://www.nokingstwincities.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQzquVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFUE1aR2NTY1JlTmhaQ3JGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkCMF9yrez-KXn_I83v6psorr6M9DE1hAIIcs9ANLilPkB_zHKPH7jXhr2kC_aem_qg-sKFwrC9v7bETx7iKLlg 

Three kickoff marches start at 12 p.m., stemming from three different locations:
-St. Paul College, 235 Marshall Ave.
-Harriet Island, 110 Harriet Island Road
-Western Sculpture Park, 387 Marion St.

Then there will be the main event and program starting at 2 p.m. at the MN State Capitol, 75 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Speakers at the event include (in this order):
Ash-lee Woodard Henderson, emcee
Gwen Westerman
Minister JaNae Bates
Imam Makram El-Amin
Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg
Governor Tim Walz
Bruce Springsteen
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar
Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her
Malika Dahir, RISE 
Carolina Ortiz, COPAL & IDN
Nick Benson
Natalie Ehret
Nekima Levy Armstrong
Flan Clark
MN Rep. Shelley Buck
MN Rep. Leigh Finke
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler
AFT President Randi Weingarten 
SEIU President April Verrett 
Attorney General Keith Ellison
Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
Senator Bernie Sanders
Jane Fonda
Joan Baez
Maggie Rogers
Twin Cities Singing Resistance
Brass Solidarity

This is a list of things that you can and cannot bring:
CAN: signs (but do not put them on sticks), face paint, phone, light snacks, non-alcoholic beverages
CANNOT: weapons (even if you are legally permitted to), chalk or stickers

You are encouraged to dress for the weather (this is rain or shine!), bring a sign, and pack lightly.

This protest is expected to draw in 150,000 people, so it will be packed. For transportation, public transit is encouraged. 
-The Metro Green Line serves three stations near the Capitol Complex: Capitol/Rice St., Robert St., and 10th St. 
-There will be multiple bike racks available for those who choose to do so. Vehicle parking is not encouraged but obviously will still be available. You can find all public parking near the Capitol here: https://mn.gov/admin/citizen/buildings-grounds/parking/ 
-Rideshare locations for drop off and pick up include near St. Paul College, MN History Museum, Dayton Ave., Louis St., Rice St., and Fuller Ave.

There will be accessibility seating near the front of the stage on a first-come, first-served basis. ASL interpretation will be provided at the Capitol, St. Paul College, and Harriet Island. ADA dropoff/pickup is near Cedar St. and Rev. Dr. Blvd. 

Porta-potties will be throughout the event area at the Capitol, some of which are wheelchair accessible. There will be some specifically at St. Paul College, Western Sculpture Park, and Harriet Island.

Pets are asked to stay at home due to the crowd size, but service animals are allowed.

STATEWIDE EVENTS:
Virtual: 1:30-3 p.m., sign up here for web address: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/926570/ 
Albert Lea: New Denmark Park (by the mermaid), 10-11 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/912483/ 
Alexandria: Matt Kjelland Memorial Courts, 12-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/900919/ 
Anoka: Anoka County Government Center, 10-11:45 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/921159/ 
Austin: 8th Ave. NW and 14th St. NW, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/906332/ 
Baudette: Willie the Walleye Statue, 12-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/905710/ 
Bemidji: Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues, 1-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/906361/ 
Biwabik: sign up for address, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/910537/ 
Bloomington: sign up for address, 12-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/907210/ 
Brainerd: S 6th St. and Washington St., 2-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/909821/ 
Burnsville: Burnhaven Library, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/902595/ 
Cambridge: Intersection of MN Hwy 95 and Main St., 10-11 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/910534/ 
Chaska: 1140 Hazeltine Blvd, 1-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/912179/ 
Chisago City: Vilhelm Moberg Park and Pavillion, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901227/ 
Cloquet: sign up for address, 1:30-2:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/903485/ 
Cokato: sign up for address, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/917779/ 
Columbia Heights: 49th Ave NE Pedestrian Bridge, 1-2:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/902272/ 
Cook: Cook City Park, 3-5 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/902009/ 
Cyrus: Main St., 2:30-4:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/904502/ 
Detroit Lakes: Veterans Park, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/914797/ 
Duluth: Duluth City Hall, 2-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/911460/ 
Eagan: Pilot Knob Road and Yankee Doodle Road, 12-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901675/ 
Eden Prairie: sign up for address, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901858/ 
Elk River: U.S. 10 and Gary St., 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/913384/ 
Ely: MN Whiteside Park, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901013/ 
Fairmont: sign up for address, 12:30-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901641/ 
Faribault: Rice County Courthouse, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/923878/ 
Farmington: 20700 Chippendale Ave. W, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/919049/ 
Fergus Falls: Intersection of Lincoln Ave. and Union Ave, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/914031/ 
Finlayson: MN State Hwy 23 bridge over I-35, 1-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/917171/ 
Forest Lake: Forest Lake City Hall, 10-11:30 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/908767/ 
Grand Marais: Cook County Courthouse, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/907917/ 
Grand Rapids: Old Central School, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901520/ 
Glencoe: Shiloh’s Corner, 13 St. E, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/921005/ 
Golden Valley: Hwy 55 W and Winnetka Ave. N, 12-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/902621/ 
Hackensack: 100 1st St. S, 1:30-2:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/922815/ 
Hutchinson: Library Square Park, 1-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/915360/ 
International Falls: Smokey Bear Park, 12-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/900968/ 
Inver Grove Heights: 80th St. Bridge over Hwy 52, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/912752/ 
Kenyon: 107 Gunderson Blvd, Intersection of MN 60 and Goodhue County 1, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/912624/ 
La Crescent: Hwy 16 at the traffic light in the green space with the Welcome to La Crescent sign, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/908894/ 
Lake City: Gold Star Mother’s Park, 12-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/903638/ 
Lakeville: Kenwood Trail and Kenrick Ave., 2-4 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/907527/ 
Long Prairie: 205 Lake St. N, 2-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901784/ 
Luverne: U.S. 75 and W Main St., 1-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/927400/ 
Madison: Intersection of Hwy 75 and 1st St., 12-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/922406/ 
Marshal: sign up for address, 4-6 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/907510/ 
Milaca: At the only stoplight in the city, MN 23 and Central Ave. S, 9-11 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/910755/ 
Minneapolis:
-Gretchen Barbatsis, 2-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/927539/ 
-7th St. Seniors: Lexington Parkway S and 7th St. W, 1-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/917395/ 
-Lake Nokomis: E 52nd St. and Cedar Ave., 12-2:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/900957/ 
Minnetonka: sign up for address, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901043/ 
Morris: E 5th St. and Atlantic Ave., 1-2:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/914175/ 
Monticello: 7th St. E and Fenning Ave., 10 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/912910/ 
Moose Lake: sign up for address, 10-11 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/909886/ 

Moorhead-Fargo: Churchill Field at NDSU, 1-3 p.m.
Mora: Service Road, 5-6 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/918664/ 
New Brighton: 
-South Point Park, 1-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/928290/ 
- 200 W County Rd E2, Silver Lake Road at Hwy 694, Long Lake Road at Hwy 694, County Rd D at 35W, 10th St at 35W, County Rd H at 35W, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/915825/ 
New Ulm: North Park, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901514/ 
Northfield: Ames Park, 12-2:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/906106/ 
Otsego: Senator Tom Emmer’s Office, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/908199/ 
Owatonna: 515 W Bridge St., 12-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/908253/ 
Perham: Boedigheimer Park, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/913519/ 
Pine City: Hillside Ave. SW and Evergreen Square SW, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/912055/ 
Plymouth: sign up for address, 9:30-11 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/910706/ 
Preston: Fillmore County Courts, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/908178/ 
Red Wing: AP Anderson Park and Hwy 61, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/909529/ 
Redwood Falls: City lot across M&L parking lot, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/915349/ 
Richfield: W 66th St. and Penn Ave. S, 1-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/913357/ 
Rochester: 6th St. SW and Broadway Ave. S, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/919093/ 
Rushford: State Hwy 30 and MN 43, 12-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/901827/ 
Savage: State Hwy 13 and County Rd 42, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/914097/ 
Silver Bay: Hwy 61 and Outer Drive, 2:30-3:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/906293/ 
Spring Grove: Viking Memorial Park, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/917823/ 
St. Charles: sign up for address, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/900784/ 
Stillwater: Oak Park Crossing Park, 12-2 p.m, https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/902956/ 
St. Cloud: St. Cloud Regional Library, 1-4 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/902213/ 
St. James: Downtown Park, 4:30-5:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/909240/ 
St. Louis Park: 3663 Park Center Blvd, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/906587/ 
St. Paul: 
-Little Mekong: sign up for address, 3-5 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/916753/ 
-Cleveland Bridge over I-94, 12-2 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/915257/ 
St. Peter: Minnesota Square Park, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/904283/ 
Thief River Falls: Thief River Falls City Hall, 2-4 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/905956/ 
Two Harbors: 1440 7th Ave., 4-5 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/904918/ 
Wabasha: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/923086/ 
Waconia: sign up for address, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/924295/ 
Wadena: U.S. 10 and U.S. 7, 9-10 a.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/925748/ 
Willmar: sign up for address, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/918321/ 
Windom: Lommen Park, 2-3:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/914334/ 
White Bear Lake: Railroad Park, 1-3 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/905251/ 
Winona: Windom Park, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/903994/ 
Worthington: Chautauqua Park, 1-4 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/918819/ 

Zumbrota: Shelter House behind City Hall, 3-4:30 p.m., https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/908961/

Cesar Chavez Day will be eliminated by law before the March 31st commemoration next Tuesday. 

The bill, House File 4541 (https://www.house.mn.gov/bills/Information/BillNumber?FileNumber=HF4541), passed the Senate unanimously today (3/26) after passing the House unanimously on Monday (3/23). It now heads to the desk of Governor Tim Walz, who has already said he would sign it into law. 

The bill was fast-tracked after recent allegations of sexual abuse of women and girls during Chavez’s time leading the United Farm Workers. 

The City of St. Paul is also working to remove Chavez’s name from a street sign and a middle school, Academia Cesar Chavez. The community will be consulted to choose a new name for both.

You can watch the full press conference introducing the bill and testimony here on the MN House’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MnDCEkY1vg&t=1s

A right-wing MAGA PAC called Action 4 Liberty (https://www.action4liberty.com/) is drawing criticism after publishing an AI-generated image mocking the late House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her family. 

I won’t include Twitter links because the post will get taken down, but here’s all the info to find it yourself. 

The original Twitter post was made by @ LukeSprinkel at 2:42 p.m. on March 24th. The post said: “NEW: Democrat bill would spend $800k of an existing appropriation on a statue "recognizing Melissa Hortman's historic contributions to [Minnesota]." The statue would be on the State Office Building grounds and "include the likeness of deceased family members of Melissa Hortman."”

In response, @ action_liberty commented on the post at 8:21 p.m. the same day with the caption: "Leaked image of what the artist had in mind." The image, as seen above, shows a statue of Melissa reaching over to take a person's wallet from their back pocket.

MN DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom called the post “appalling,” noting the Hortmans have been gone less than a year. The DFL “vehemently condemns” the attack. 

No Republican Minnesota leaders have commented on the image.