💬 CEOs finally talk ICE, but say little

Big business says something, kinda, finally

Minnesota corporations broke their silence on ICE’s crackdown on Sunday, calling for an “immediate de-escalation.” What the statement didn’t mention: ICE, Alex Pretti, or Renee Good. Business journalist Kara Swisher joins today’s show to discuss the corporate response, which she calls “weak.” Swisher talks about how business leaders constantly call her to say they disagree with Trump in private, but won’t in public. “I hang up on them,” Swisher said. [Star Tribune / 🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

• Why now? CNN reports business leaders privately warned the Trump administration about the economic impact of the ICE raids. Anonymous sources say the companies feared conservative backlash if they spoke out. However, Alex Pretti’s killing seems to be a turning point. [CNN]
• Switcheroo: The federal government is swapping Customs and Border Patrol leader Greg Bovino for White House border czar Tom Homan. But how much better is he, really? Homan echoed DHS talking points that Pretti was “intent on massacring law enforcement.” Homan has also been accused of accepting a $50,000 bribe from undercover FBI agents posing as businessmen in 2024. He has denied the allegation.
• Frey press circuit: Swisher also interviewed Mayor Jacob Frey on her show last Thursday. [On with Kara Swisher]

“Perfect storm”: To offset a $50 million budget shortfall, Hennepin Healthcare is cutting 100 jobs and five medical programs. “The county health system is actually in real jeopardy this time,” co-interim administrator Dr. Kevin Croston told MPR. Hennepin Healthcare runs the largest safety-net hospital in the state. [MPR]

Irritated judge: The chief federal judge of Minnesota is ordering ICE director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday. Judge Patrick J. Schiltz wants Lyons to explain why he should not be held in contempt for disregarding immigration-related court orders. However, Judge Schiltz said he would cancel the hearing if ICE released an immigrant whom he said had been wrongly detained. [New York Times]

Cop cars: St. Paul police announced they will temporarily only use marked cars to conduct traffic stops, since federal agents using unmarked vehicles have set the city on edge. Personally, I didn’t know they used unmarked vehicles for traffic stops in the first place. [Pioneer Press]

Music for the moment: Local musicians are releasing music addressing ICE’s actions and in remembrance of the victims. Among them are jeremy messersmith, Lamaar, Durry, and Cloud Cult. [The Current]

Canceled meetings: The Minneapolis City Council has canceled regular committee meetings for the next few weeks, as council members prioritize responding to the immigration crackdown. The Council’s Feb. 5 meeting, which includes all council members, will still take place. [Bring Me The News]

Today’s resource: We’ll be highlighting a community resource or fundraiser each day in the newsletter. Stand with Minnesota manages a directory of places you can donate, from rent relief to pet support. [Stand with Minnesota]

Wednesday, Jan 28

• ❄️ The Great Northern Festival Opening Day | Saint Anthony Main
• 🎸 Music Under Glass featuring Katy Tessman and Sweet Lou | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
• 📖 Mary Lucia | Duck Duck Coffee
• ♒ Improv Zodiac! | Bryant Lake Bowl
• 🎤 Stand-Up Comedy Battle | Gambit Brewing
• 💬 Eddie Gossling | Acme Comedy

Thursday, Jan 29

• 🖼️ Love Language: Behind the Beadwork 🆓| Walker Art Center
• ☕ Hot Chocolate for Grown Ups | Norway House
• 🎉 Blackbird Revolt 9th Anniversary 🆓 | Blackbird Revolt
• 🌹 Pitch-A-Friend (Artist Night!) | Brühaven Craft Company
• 🤠 The Bronze Buckaroo Film & Songster Show | The Cedar Cultural Center
• 🔊 Twin Cities Loudspeaker Orchestra | The Southern Theater
• 😂 Twin Town Live: A Comedy Cabaret | Bryant Lake Bowl

• Recreation Program Lead City-Wide at Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board | $91k - $108k per year
• River Historian at Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory | $150 per hour (PT Temporary)
• Chief General Counsel at MN Office of Cannabis Management | $104k - $149k per year
• Senior Producer, Weekends at MPR News | $83k - $100k per year
• Program Manager at Avenues For Youth | $62k - $72k per year