Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis schools lay off 400 people, St. Paul cutting budget to curb shortfalls
The Minneapolis school district says it’s laying off 400 full-time employees, including approximately 116 teachers, as it deals with a $75 million shortfall.
In a statement on Friday, Minneapolis Public Schools said most reductions made were from “central office or departments,” and that it’s still going through data from the 2025-2026 budget, which was approved on Tuesday.
The district cited increasing costs in utilities, salaries, benefits and transportation, and a decline in state funding as reasons for the deficit.
Minneapolis voters passed a $20 million technology levy in the November 2024 election to address the shortfall. The impact on Minneapolis homeowners is around $2 per month for someone with a $100,000 house.
The approved budget did not “completely” eliminate any student programs, and prioritized low class sizes, according to the district.
WCCO has reached out to the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, the union representing teachers in the district, for comment.
St. Paul Schools facing $51.5 million shortfall; considering referendum
St. Paul Public Schools, which also approved its budget on Tuesday, said it’s facing a $51.5 million deficit.
The district says it plans to use $35.5 million in reserve funds and a combination of “budget cuts and new revenue” to cover the other $15.6 million.
A spokesperson with the district on Friday night said that more than 143 positions have been cut, including 77 from the teachers’ bargaining group. That includes counselors, social workers, nurses or any licensed positions that are part of the teachers’ union.
Superintendent Dr. Stacie Stanley said in a written statement that using money from the reserve fund is a one-year solution, and that the district is considering a referendum for St. Paul residents to vote on in November.
Minneapolis, MN
Red Sox at Twins lineups: Crochet Day in Minneapolis
After a ruff start, the Sox are still a sad 6-9 but are only two games out of first place. Tonight, we ball behind Garrett Crochet to help close that gap in a wide-open AL East (and AL in general). Game’s at 7:40 p.m. and the Sox will face Bailey Ober, who’s had a tuff start to the season himself. Here are the lineups:
Given the venue, I’d like to add: Fuck ICE. Or maybe I’ll just let the Boss do it:
Minneapolis, MN
FBI Investigating Confrontation at Anti-ICE Protest in Minnesota – Minneapolis Today
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The FBI is investigating a physical confrontation that occurred during an anti-ICE protest at the Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota over the weekend. Several protesters were arrested, with three facing assault charges and one charged with obstruction. A video posted on social media showed a protester, Savannah Hernandez, being knocked down during the incident.
Why it matters
The Whipple Federal Building has been a site of ongoing protests against ICE operations in Minnesota, and this latest incident highlights the tensions and potential for violence at these demonstrations. The FBI’s involvement suggests the incident is being taken seriously as a potential violation of civil rights or other federal laws.
The details
The confrontation occurred during a protest called ‘Bye Bye Bondi,’ referring to former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Whipple Building has been the headquarters for ICE operations in the area, and protests have continued at the site since federal officials increased their presence in Minnesota in December. Savannah Hernandez, a contributor for Turning Point USA, posted a video showing her being knocked down by protesters, some of whom were chanting that they were ‘ANTIFA.’
- The incident occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2026 during an anti-ICE protest.
- Four people were arrested at the end of the demonstration.
The players
Savannah Hernandez
A contributor for Turning Point USA who was filming the protest and was knocked down by protesters.
Pam Bondi
The former U.S. Attorney General whose firing was referenced in the name of the protest, ‘Bye Bye Bondi.’
Hennepin County authorities
Local law enforcement who arrested four people at the end of the protest, with three facing assault charges and one charged with obstruction.
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What they’re saying
“OK, so I have all this on camera, it’s fine, and because we’re Minneapolis, you can’t press charges against any of these people either. Anyways, so yeah, there we go, there we go guys, there we go. Minneapolis incredible, what am I going to do?”
— Savannah Hernandez, Turning Point USA contributor
“This is now the second time I have been mobbed and assaulted for filming a protest on U.S. streets. Today these Minneapolis protesters were chanting that they were ‘ANTIFA’ and proved it, by mobbing and beating me for reporting on a public protest.”
— Savannah Hernandez, Turning Point USA contributor
What’s next
The FBI investigation is ongoing, and authorities will determine if any federal charges will be filed related to the incident.
The takeaway
This confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions and potential for violence at protests against ICE operations in Minnesota. The FBI’s involvement suggests the incident is being taken seriously, and it raises questions about the ability of journalists to safely cover such demonstrations in the future.
Minneapolis, MN
A Viral Vigilante Roams Streets of Minneapolis
Minneapolis’ most talked-about crime fighter doesn’t wear a badge—he wears a skull mask and answers to “NoMark.” The Star Tribune reports the anonymous twentysomething has drawn more than 500,000 followers by patrolling neighborhoods like Dinkytown in all-black gear, posting GoPro-style videos of breaking up fights and recovering stolen bikes. He’s part of a subculture known as “Reals”—everyday people who adopt superhero personas to fight crime in real life—though his version leans heavily on social media. The videos tap into lingering unease after pandemic-era crime spikes and slower police response times, even as overall crime has eased. While some early clips were staged, NoMark says he now focuses on real incidents. “It was a joke,” he said. “And 1776063127 I’m actually trying to do something.”
His origin story isn’t hard to follow: After a nearby shooting and what he considered to be a slow police response, he figured he could help by patrolling at night. His interventions are modest—escorting intoxicated people, mediating disputes, or stepping into fights before they escalate—but visible. He’s also chased viral moments, including tracking down a supposed “Minnesota Pisser” prankster (later revealed to be staged). Similar “real-life superhero” efforts have popped up elsewhere, including in Seattle, where KING 5 reports a nurse known as “Red Ranger” patrols downtown with a group focused less on crime-fighting than care, handing out food, checking on unhoused people, and occasionally de-escalating conflicts.
But NoMark is one part performer and another part vigilante. He’s also a lightning rod. One video commenter said: “I can’t tell if this is great performance art or if I am actually watching someone fall into a Batman-based psychosis.” Critics say the appeal of figures like him reflects lingering safety fears even as crime declines—and warn that civilian intervention can introduce new risks, especially in unpredictable situations. But NoMark says he carries only a crowbar and pocketknife and uses modest social media income mostly to cover gas. His tangible wins may be small, but fans say the bigger impact is cultural—nudging people to step in rather than stand by. One man who says NoMark helped him with a property dispute said, “People can take a hint from him about the way they’re living their life.”
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