Inside Minnesota Hospitals, Concern Is Creeping In

US News

Inside Minnesota Hospitals, Concern Is Creeping In

What’s going on: As tensions over federal immigration enforcement continue to rise in Minnesota, there’s a growing flashpoint: hospitals. Nurses and doctors in the Twin Cities told The New York Times that ICE agents are disrupting patient care and privacy, undermining public trust, and violating basic care and ethical policies. Some doctors and advocates described patients being handcuffed to their beds without proper warrants. Others worry the increased federal presence keeps patients in need of care at home. One local official said a child developed severe appendicitis after their parents delayed treatment out of fear. Residents and physicians worry things could get worse.

What it means: Minnesota lawmakers want hospitals to clearly define when immigration officers can enter medical settings and where limits apply. Hospitals say ICE agents are legally allowed in public areas and can accompany patients already in custody, but access to patient rooms and care wards requires a judicial warrant. Despite comments from nurses and doctors, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security told the Times, “We go in if there is an active danger to public safety.” Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz (D) has urged Minnesotans to document encounters with ICE when appropriate, and civil liberties groups outline the steps residents can take to act as a legal observer.

Related: Third Death Raises New Questions at El Paso ICE Facility (NBC News)

The News in 5

🗞️ European countries could be taking a page from President Donald Trump’s playbook amid his escalating threats to take over Greenland. 

🗞️ The Kremlin says the US invited President Vladimir Putin to join the Board of Peace for Gaza. One leader already gave a straight-up no.

🗞️ Prince Harry is suiting up for his latest and final battle against the UK press — and here’s when he’s taking the stand.

🗞️ One of luxury fashion’s most renowned designers has passed away. See his life in pictures.

🗞️ A new study confirmed what many experts warned: These are the people paying for Trump’s tariffs.

Business

Looks Like AI Needs a Performance Improvement Plan

What's going on: CEOs love to talk about how AI will drive improvements, using buzzwords like “iteration” and “optimization.” But the corporate food chain’s obsession with AI isn’t exactly producing results. A PwC global survey of nearly 4,500 companies found that more than half say AI has delivered “nothing” for their costs or revenue, and only about 12% said the technology has helped them make some kind of financial gain. Part of the problem, according to the study, is that companies expect employees to magically integrate AI into processes without any training or guidance. Instead, C-suite executives think everyone will just know how to use it immediately and keep up with how fast it’s evolving. Talk about building the plane while flying it.

What it means: Even if it feels like AI isn’t doing any heavy lifting at the office, don’t expect your boss to fire it anytime soon. It’s still the shiny new toy that many think will revolutionize work. If you want to impress your boss, consider your team’s current workflow and where AI fits in. Instead of doubling down on what AI can do — remember what it can’t. Middle managers are often irreplaceable to senior and junior-level staff. If you’re a manager, consider all your responsibilities: You can tweak timelines, think on your feet, untangle workflows, advocate for your direct reports’ needs, and shape your company’s workplace culture. AI can’t do that.

Related: Microsoft’s Plan To Keep Data Centers from Affecting Your Electricity Bill (CNN)

Lifestyle

Please RSVP to My Admin Party

What's going on: If your to-do list is rotting in your notes app, then it might be time to jump on the latest TikTok and IG trend. Yes, you’re cordially invited to host an “admin party.” Tired adults are swapping their weekly dinner parties for a night devoted to unwanted chores. Guests tackle everything from rolling over their 401(k)s and canceling unnecessary subscriptions to cleaning up phone storage, planning meals, and updating their resumes. People who’ve hosted or attended an admin party say it’s helped keep them accountable and makes doing otherwise mundane tasks (kind of) fun. You might learn an adulting trick or two from your friends. It’s giving college study group energy — without the hangover.

What it means: It’s no surprise people are looking for ways to take back their time, pairing productivity with accountability in a low-stakes social setting. Partiful (aka Gen Z’s version of Facebook events) suggests you pick a weeknight evening and invite a small group over. Keep the snacks simple — there’s no need to bring out your inner Martha Stewart — and ask everyone to show up with a small list of stuff they want to accomplish. One person recommended using a timer to keep people on task: 30 minutes for heads-down time and 10 minutes to chat. But at the end of the day, you can make the event whatever you want it to be. Guess we’ll add “plan admin night” to our to-do list.

Related: Speaking of To-Dos, Tax Season Starts in Less Than a Week (CBS)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ High School Musical turns 20 today. Sharpay would not approve of this timeline. 

🗓️ Today marks one year since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. He’s already broken one of his own records. 

🗓️ It’s National Cheese Lover’s Day. Our condolences to the lactose intolerant. 

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Freeze Week

Greetings from the dead of winter, when it’s cold, snowy, and getting dressed feels like an actual chore. Our favorite way to stay motivated? Getting cuter clothes (that still keep us warm). Welcome to Freeze Week. Here are…

• Our Favorite Winter Coats at All Price Points

• Chic Office Outfits That’ll Keep you Warm 

• Our Favorite Winter Boots to Keep Your Feet Dry and Warm

Know It All

According to a CNN poll, what percentage of Americans were satisfied with the Epstein files release?