5/2/2025 -- Trump Targets Minneapolis Again

🍺 Did you know there are towns in the Twin Cities metro with laws that allow you to open carry alcohol?

Government

Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening Federal Funding for Minneapolis and Other Sanctuary Cities

The Summary: President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing federal officials to identify sanctuary cities-including Minneapolis-and threatening to suspend or terminate federal grants and contracts for those not cooperating with his administration’s immigration enforcement.

Minneapolis Pushes Back: Mayor Jacob Frey strongly opposed the order, stating that local law enforcement cannot be required to enforce federal immigration policy under state law and that the city’s ordinance prohibits police from asking about immigration status unless related to another crime. Frey emphasized that Minneapolis will not change its stance, arguing that police resources should focus on violent crime rather than immigration enforcement.

Financial and Legal Stakes: More than $54 million in annual federal funding for Minneapolis is at risk, with past allocations supporting affordable housing, opioid response, and crime prevention. A federal judge recently blocked a similar order, siding with Minneapolis and other sanctuary jurisdictions, and Mayor Frey says the city will continue to challenge the administration in court.

Crime

Arrest Made in South Minneapolis Mass Shooting That Resulted In Four Deaths

The Summary: Minneapolis police arrested 34-year-old James Ortley in connection to a mass shooting in Midtown Phillips that left four dead and one injured. Ortley faces multiple second-degree murder charges and a federal firearms warrant, but police believe others were involved.

Ongoing Violence and Investigation: The shootings, which targeted Native American victims, are part of a spree resulting in five deaths and four injuries across several neighborhoods within 24 hours. Authorities are investigating possible connections between incidents and urge anyone with information to come forward.

Community Response and Impact: A prayer and drum ceremony was held to honor the victims and highlight the systemic violence affecting Native American communities. Leaders warn the violence is linked to gang activity and deep social issues.

What Else We’re Reading…

St. Louis Park Woman Sues Neighbors and City Over Driveway Basketball Hoop Location

A neighborhood dispute over the placement of a basketball hoop as been escalated to the courts. A St. Louis Park woman, Julia Ramos, is suing her neighbors, the Moeding family, and the city over the placement of an in-ground driveway basketball hoop, arguing it is too close to her property and creates safety hazards, especially as she prepares for a construction project on her home.

Sports 🏀

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves won their first round playoff series against the LA Lakers. Rudy Gobert had a career game in the close out game of the series, scoring 27 points and securing 24 rebounds

🏒 The Minnesota Wild had their season come to an abrupt end after losing to the Las Vegas Knights in game 6 of their first round playoff match-up.

🏒 The Minnesota Frost defeated Ottawa on Wednesday to keep their playoff hopes alive. They sit just one point behind Ottawa who holds the fourth and final playoff spot.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ A Rochester, MN mom has gone viral online for using a racial slur at a playground (Bring Me The News)

❯ A Maple Grove family’s disability suit has landed in the Supreme Court and carries signficiant ramifications (CCX)

❯ The Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance barring discrimination based on body weight and height (Star Tribune)

❯ The Smurfit WestRock recycling center is closing in St. Paul, laying off about 189 workers in the process (Fox9)

The Final Word: Quick Thinking ✔

Thanks to some quick thinking from a St. Thomas Academy student, a man who was found unconscious on the Midtown Greenway is healthy once again after the student delivered a life-saving dose of Narcan.

-Patrick