Month: January 2026

On January 29, 2026, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced she will run for governor of Minnesota, filing preliminary paperwork earlier and releasing a campaign video stressing steady leadership and public safety. (apnews.com) Her entry follows Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to abandon a re-election bid amid a sweeping welfare and childcare fraud probe that has drawn national attention and political fallout. (washingtonpost.com) Klobuchar, a three-term senator reelected in 2024, framed her campaign as restoring competence and opposing aggressive federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. (wsj.com) Her bid reshapes the 2026 governor’s race and raises questions about who would fill her Senate seat if she resigns. (theguardian.com)

Nasra Ahmed, 23, the Somali American woman who went viral for likening her identity to “bananas and rice,” was arrested in Minneapolis Wednesday as part of a federal sweep that took 16 people into custody, Attorney General Pam Bondi said. Authorities say the group is charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers under 18 U.S.C. §111 in connection with anti‑ICE protests that intensified after recent deadly federal enforcement incidents, including the Jan. 24 shooting of Alex Pretti and an earlier ICE‑involved killing. Bondi posted names and photos on X and warned more arrests may follow earlier this week. (foxnews.com)

Newly released video shows Alex Pretti confronting federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 13, 2026, where he appears to spit at officers, kick and shatter the taillight of a government SUV, and is wrestled to the ground. (washingtonpost.com) Eleven days later, on January 24, Border Patrol agents fatally shot the 37-year-old during a separate scuffle; officials said he resisted and was armed, while family and bystanders dispute that account. (washingtonpost.com) Homeland Security investigators are reviewing the footage as agents involved have been placed on leave and calls for accountability grow. (people.com) The footage has reignited national debate over policing practices.

Independent journalist Nick Shirley published a viral 42-minute exposé in December alleging widespread fraud at Minnesota daycare centers that appeared inactive despite receiving millions in state and federal funds, a video that garnered over 100 million views and prompted federal inquiries and a temporary HHS freeze on childcare payments. (foxnews.com) Governor Tim Walz announced on January 5, 2026, that he would not seek a third term, saying he needed to focus on addressing the crisis; on January 28 he told MS NOW he would never run for elected office again. (apnews.com) Shirley celebrated online, posting “I ENDED TIM WALZ,” drawing national attention. (yahoo.com)

Elon Musk publicly demanded that the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act require in‑person, paper voting and proof of citizenship at registration, arguing this will prevent fraud. (forbes.com) Supporters in Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, have pushed the measure as an election‑integrity priority. (vinnews.com) The SAVE Act would force citizens to present documentary proof—like passports or birth certificates—in person and could end online and mail‑based registration. (vinnews.com) Critics and voting‑rights groups warn the law would disenfranchise millions, including young, low‑income, rural, and name‑changed voters. (americanprogress.org) Proponents say it protects ballot integrity, and opponents predict legal challenges nationwide. (theguardian.com)

Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that an updated Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act will be brought to the Senate floor and amended to require photo identification as well as documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. Thune said the bill, which the House passed in April 2025, is being “fixed” to add a photo‑ID requirement and that he will schedule a vote. Advocates warn the measure could complicate mail‑in voting and voter registration; critics say it would disenfranchise many voters. Passage is uncertain because Senate Democrats can block the bill under the 60‑vote filibuster and Republicans. (democracydocket.com)

On January 27, 2026, dozens of anti‑ICE protesters occupied the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn in Tribeca, Manhattan, accusing the hotel of housing federal immigration agents after two fatal ICE-related shootings in Minneapolis. (abc7ny.com) Police ordered the crowd to disperse for 45 minutes before the NYPD Strategic Response Group began making arrests; officers used zip ties and escorted detainees to buses. (gvwire.com) Authorities reported 65–66 people arrested, most issued summonses for trespassing and disorderly conduct. (amny.com) Demonstrators chanted, removed coats to reveal “Abolish ICE” shirts, and said the action aimed to pressure hotels and spotlight protests. (amny.com) Hotel and DHS comment was limited. (abcnews.go.com)