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Insight News • August 24, 2026 - August 30, 2026 • Page 1
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August 24, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Vol. 53 No. 34 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com
Governor Walz visits Midtown Global Market small businesses, addresses Operation Metro Surge impacts From left to right, Governor Tim Walz, and Manny Gonzalez (Owner of Manny's Tortas)
From left to right, w, Manny Gonzalez, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilik, and Governor Walz
Courtesy: Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
Courtesy: Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
State officials highlight recovery efforts and local economic support following federal surge By Al McFarlane, Editor-in-Chief, Insight News Gov. Tim Walz met with small business owners and community leaders at Midtown Global Market Wednesday to discuss the continuing impact of Operation Metro Surge on Twin Cities businesses. Walz visited market vendors and participated in the fifth and final “Choose Minnesota” roundtable hosted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Participants includ-
ed DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek; Sean Sherman, owner of Indígena by Owamni; Breanna Evans, owner of Wrecktangle; Manuel Gonzalez, owner of Manny’s Tortas; and author, comedian and radio host Sheletta Brundidge. “Operation Metro Surge’s impact on small businesses, workers, and local business districts is still being felt,” Walz said. “The federal surge in Minnesota and the continued uncertainty it creates for many community members and businesses has led to lasting financial and emotional challenges. That is why we remain committed to supporting local businesses, encouraging Min-
“Operation Metro Surge’s impact on small businesses, workers, and local business districts is still being felt” — Gov. Tim Walz nesotans to shop local, and continuing conversations through
the Council on Recording the Truth of Operation Metro Surge
and Operation PARRIS to uplift impacted business owners and communities.” Varilek said DEED continues to hear from individuals, families and businesses about the effects of the federal actions. He encouraged Minnesotans to continue supporting local businesses whenever possible. Following Operation Metro Surge, Walz declared February Shop Local Month. In partnership with DEED, the administration launched the “Shop Local, Stand Together” campaign to encourage Minnesotans to support businesses that experienced reduced foot traffic during the federal presence in
Minnesota. Walz also proposed a $10 million relief package for small businesses affected by the operation. The proposal would have provided one-time forgivable loans ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. The governor also established the Governor’s Council to Document the Impacts to document harms and impacts associated with Operation Metro Surge and provide recommendations intended to prevent future occurrences. The Walz-Flanagan administration says its initiatives have helped support more than 35,000 new businesses and nearly 30 percent wage growth statewide.