A federal judge has ruled that religious colleges requiring faith statements cannot be excluded from Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options program, deeming the state law unconstitutional. The ruling, a win for two Christian colleges, overturned a 2023 law that sought to protect LGBTQ+ students by banning faith statement requirements. The judge cited First Amendment protections for religious organizations, asserting that the state cannot disqualify private schools from funding solely due to their religious affiliation. This decision also struck down a related nondiscrimination requirement.
Read More
A fisherman using sonar on the Mississippi River in Minnesota discovered a submerged car, leading to the potential resolution of a nearly 60-year-old missing person case. Upon recovery of the 1960s-era Buick, investigators found human remains inside and identified the vehicle as belonging to Roy Benn, who vanished in 1967. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office believes the remains are those of Benn, based on the car’s VIN and other evidence. The case has been handed over to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, which has notified Benn’s family.
Read More
An 18-year-old Minnesota woman filed a discrimination charge against a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant after a server allegedly followed her into the women’s restroom and demanded she prove her gender. According to the Minnesota gender-equality organization Gender Justice, the server’s actions were based on assumptions made about the woman’s appearance, violating Minnesota’s Human Rights Act. The incident reflects a broader climate of suspicion towards those who don’t conform to traditional gender expectations, particularly in light of legislation targeting transgender people and their access to public spaces. Gender Justice argues that the restaurant failed to train its staff and ensure its anti-discrimination policies were followed, making the business liable for the harm caused.
Read More
St. Paul, Minnesota, has been targeted in a “deliberate, coordinated, digital attack” resulting in the deployment of the National Guard, including its cyber protection component, after the city’s response capacity was exceeded. The city responded by shutting down its information systems, causing disruptions to city services, while emergency services remained operational. The city has hired cybersecurity firms and is working with the FBI to investigate the nature of the attack, which may be ransomware, and determine what data was accessed or stolen. City employees are advised to take measures to secure their digital information.
Read More
Vance Boelter was indicted on federal charges for the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for seriously injuring Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The indictment includes six charges, some of which carry the possibility of the death penalty, as announced by Acting US Attorney Joseph Thompson. Boelter is also accused of shooting at the Hoffmans’ daughter. Authorities recovered the firearms used in the incident, and the attacks were reportedly highly planned, with Boelter gathering information and supplies for months.
Read More
Following a politically-motivated attack in June, Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman has been moved to a rehabilitation facility to continue his recovery. The senator and his wife, Yvette, were shot in the attack, which authorities believe targeted Democrats and those connected to the abortion rights movement. Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in the spree as well. Hoffman was shot nine times, and his wife was shot eight times. Vance Boelter, the alleged shooter, was arrested and is facing multiple federal and state charges.
Read More
Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman has been released from the intensive care unit and is now in a rehabilitation facility following a June shooting. Hoffman was shot nine times after the suspect, who claimed to be a police officer, opened fire. His wife, Yvette Hoffman, who was also injured in the attack, has already been released. The suspect, Vance Boelter, is charged with stalking and murdering another state representative, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, as well as stalking and shooting the Hoffmans.
Read More
Following the tragic assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert, at the hands of Vance Boelter, who had a hit list targeting Democrats and reproductive healthcare providers, a memorial was held at the Minnesota State Capitol. While former President Joe Biden attended the memorial to pay his respects, former President Donald Trump did not appear, despite condemning the attacks. Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to attend the funeral. Hortman’s death has been mourned by thousands of people, making history as the first woman to lie in state in Minnesota.
Read More
Minnesota mourned the loss of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was laid to rest alongside her husband after a politically motivated assassination. The attack, which also targeted Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, was carried out by a man impersonating a law enforcement officer. The assailant, Vance Boelter, was apprehended after a large manhunt, and a hit list of other politicians was found in his possession. The funeral was attended by prominent political figures and served as a moment of unity as the nation grapples with increased political violence.
Read More
The Minnesota State Capitol rotunda held a unique memorial service on June 27th for the late State Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark Hortman, and their family dog, Gilbert, who were all killed at their home on June 14th. This event marked the first instance of a woman and an animal being honored in this way at the Minnesota Capitol. Mourners, including many who brought their own dogs, came to pay their respects, reflecting the family’s love for dogs and their community involvement. The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection to the shooting of the Hortmans and Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker