St. Paul’s police chief said Monday that claims of police officers starting at an “instantly escalated” response to protesters at a federal immigration operation last month are not true.

Officers who wore gas masks and were armed with batons weren’t “our second, third or fourth step of being there,” Axel Henry said.

The St. Paul City Council last week unanimously approved a resolution, in which they said they’ll work with the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training “to conduct a thorough investigation into SPPD’s use of force during the Nov. 25, 2025 incident,” which Henry said he welcomes.

Henry said he’s already initiated internal affairs investigations. The department’s review of body camera footage is ongoing. They’ve gone through 60 to 70 percent of what Henry estimates to be a couple hundred hours of videos.

Criticism of police comes from all sides: There are people who say St. Paul police shouldn’t have been present in Payne-Phalen at all and some people who ask “why aren’t you being more aggressive” in immigrant enforcement, Henry said.

St. Paul adopted an ordinance in 2004 “that establishes a clear line of separation between the actions of local law enforcement and those of federal immigration authorities.” The council plans to review the ordinance, and act “to strengthen it, if and where necessary,” Council Member Molly Coleman said at last week’s meeting.

After an ICE raid at Bro-Tex Inc. in St. Paul on Nov. 18 and the federal operation in Payne-Phalen one week later, Henry met with federal law enforcement leaders, other local law enforcement and community groups who’ve been organizing protests.

“We need to be solution driven,” Henry said. “Part of my strategy has been to try to talk to all of the groups to figure out how we can round off some of these sharp edges so (federal officers) are less likely to need to be bailed out of anything … and people who want to protest and monitor it can do so in a way that won’t create a situation that’s unsafe for themselves or anybody else.”

What happened in the 600 block of Rose Avenue on Nov. 25 was unusual, Henry said. Last year, St. Paul police responded to or handled 210 marches, protests or big demonstrations and there have been 185 this year.

“We’re all talking about the one of Rose because that one didn’t go the way we wanted it to,” Henry said.

Other cities and suburbs are “feeling the same pinch and pressure,” he added. “… We’re kind of like the rope in the tug of war between the folks that don’t like this approach and the federal agents that are doing it.”

‘At a boiling point’

On the morning of Nov. 25, federal deportation officers were conducting an operation in the 600 block of East Rose Avenue to arrest an undocumented person who’d previously been removed from the U.S. and who had re-entered unlawfully, according to a probable cause statement signed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officer and filed with a criminal complaint in federal court. It started about 7:45 a.m.

ICE arrested that man, but the incident continued until around 12:25 p.m. when they arrested another man.

The second man is charged in federal court with assaulting and impeding a federal officer, by allegedly striking the officer’s vehicle with his own, and improper entry to the U.S. He has entered a plea of not guilty.

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St. Paul police were called to the scene to take an accident report regarding the man who allegedly struck the federal officer’s car. While the officer was writing the report, a crowd of people observing and protesting was growing, Henry said.

The officer called a supervisor, reporting essentially that people were “coming here, already at a boiling point,” Henry said. The supervisor arrived and saw people were in the street. Henry went there and made a decision to bring in two officers, each in squad cars at opposite ends of the block on Rose Avenue to keep vehicles off the street because he said he wanted to be sure no one was struck.

Federal officials were holding the address for a warrant, and had surrounded it, because the suspect had run back into the home. “They weren’t asking us for help with that,” Henry said. “But they told us, ‘We’re going to be here for a bit because we’re drafting a warrant.”

Call for help

Henry has heard estimates that the crowd grew to 250 to 300 people

“It finally got to the point where … people tried to push in on the federal agents and their crime scene, and they were calling for help, saying that people were arming themselves with sticks and rocks,” Henry said.

The group was comprised of people who were hostile and people who were not, Henry said.

“I think that mixture was more heavily weighted toward not hostile, but it only takes a small percentage” to cause problems, he added.

Police leadership on the scene were directing officers and making decisions in conjunction with department leaders. They decided to bring in Mobile Field Force officers, who are trained to respond to protests, and SWAT officers who had just finished an unrelated detail.

But St. Paul City Council Vice President HwaJeong Kim, who came to the neighborhood as the situation unfolded, said at last week’s council meeting that “there are times where their posturing is the escalation.”

Force escalated

St. Paul officers’ “uses of force happened when we were trying to leave,” Henry said. Federal agents departed after the man surrendered to them, St. Paul officers were backing away on foot and some people blocked police vehicles from leaving by standing in front of or behind them, Henry said.

Some instances have drawn outrage, such as video of a woman with a cane who was standing still in front of a vehicle when a St. Paul officer blasted her in the face with a chemical irritant “at point-blank range,” Mayor Melvin Carter has said. The video showed that another officer then shoved her.

Protestors run from tear gas canisters fired by St. Paul Police officers after a demonstration against a federal law enforcement action on the 600 block of Rose Avenue in St. Paul turned violent on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

In another situation, a St. Paul police vehicle was driving away on Payne Avenue and people walked after it. An officer or officers exited and began spraying a chemical irritant. Someone threw an object at the vehicle’s back window, breaking it. Police launched 40-mm projectiles and chemical munitions — spent canisters marked Triple-Chaser OC were visible on Payne Avenue afterward.

Henry said those cases and everything that happened is being reviewed by the department through body camera footage. The department is also investigating who thew objects at the police vehicle.

Badge numbers

Some people in the crowd asked officers for their badge numbers. Mobile Field Force personnel are supposed to have their badge numbers on their helmets.

While St. Paul police officers are required to hand out their business card — which has their name and badge number — when they respond to a call or are asked, officers acting as a Mobile Field Force are exempted under department policy, which says they are trained “not to individually interact with the public” during such a detail.

Another issue that arose: The department called officers in to work and some grabbed a jacket that didn’t have their name on it.

“We should be looking people up and down and making sure they’re in configuration,” Henry said. “Not because anybody was trying to conceal their identity, but because we don’t want to give any air to the argument that that’s what we would do.”

Public hearing Wednesday

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What: The St. Paul City Council is hosting a public hearing “on federal immigration operations and St. Paul Police Department conduct.” People can speak for up to 2 minutes. Council Member Nelsie Yang said she’s sponsoring the hearing “because of the overwhelming number of people who have been asking us to share with us their grievances especially,” which will help them shape policy and make budget decisions.

When: City Council meeting starts at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. There are several matters on the agenda before this public hearing and it’s not known what time it will be up.

Where: St. Paul City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd., council chambers on third floor.

Which laxatives are best?

The well-being of your digestive system can have a direct impact on your overall health. When a poor diet, new medication or lack of exercise leads to constipation, it can create uncomfortable symptoms. At some point in their life, most people will need the help of a laxative when their digestive system cannot relieve itself.

Laxatives are not long-term solutions for constipation, but they are an excellent short-term remedy to soften hard stools that quickly prompt relief. There are many laxative choices in the market, but for gentle relief without negative side effects, the top choice is MiraLAX Laxative Powder.

What to know before you buy a laxative

What is the likely cause of your constipation?

Constipation has many causes. Knowing what is likely causing your constipation can help you choose the best laxative. Common causes of constipation are a low-fiber diet, a lack of exercise during the day and some medications and supplements. Some illnesses and chronic conditions also cause constipation and will warrant a consultation with your health care professional to make sure the laxative side effects are not detrimental to your condition.

What else have you tried to relieve your constipation?

If your constipation is a recent occurrence, you may want to try natural remedies, such as increasing your fiber and water intake. Walking and exercising also stimulate your body to keep the digestive system actively pushing waste through it. If these steps do not work, then a laxative may be a viable option.

What type of laxative should you use?

There are several types of laxatives available. Stool softeners and osmotics work with the body’s water to increase the moisture content in the stool, which softens stool and makes bowel movements easier. Increasing your water consumption while taking these types of laxatives is important to prevent dehydration.

Stimulants are taken orally and jump-start the digestive system by stimulating the bowel muscles. These laxatives often work quickly, but they can cause uncomfortable side effects, like gas and cramping.

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fiber supplements, typically are mixed in a large glass of water or juice. This type of laxative prompts the intestinal muscles to contract, normalizing your digestive system. Be sure to drink a lot of fluids before starting fiber supplements. Although they are usually safe, if you have not been drinking enough liquid, your constipation could actually worsen.

Suppositories are inserted directly into the rectum and cause the bowel muscles to contract while softening the stool at the same time. They work the fastest of all laxative types. Suppositories should be used on a limited basis and according to your health care professional’s advice, since they can cause laxative dependency if used too often.

What to look for in a quality laxative

Fewest active ingredients

Look for laxatives with fewer active ingredients to reduce the potential for uncomfortable side effects. Some laxatives use natural plant-based sources, while others incorporate synthetic chemicals. Also, be aware that some laxatives include lactose, which could be problematic for someone who is lactose-intolerant.

Delivery method

The three main forms of laxatives are pills, powder and suppositories. Capsules are excellent for traveling. Powders are the best way to stay hydrated, since they are mixed with liquid. Suppositories work faster than other forms.

Side effects

Read the label and instructions to be aware of any potential side effects. Common side effects of laxatives include diarrhea, bloating, gas, cramping, nausea and dehydration. Talk to your health care professional about how your current medications may interact with laxatives.

How much you can expect to spend on a laxative

Most laxatives can be purchased over the counter for under $10. Children’s laxatives cost a bit more but are still less than $20.

Laxative FAQ

How is constipation defined?

A. Constipation is typically considered less than three bowel movements in a week. Each person has different bowel regularity, so you should base the definition on what is normal for you. If the normal pattern has changed, you could be constipated.

Can children use laxatives?

A. Laxatives are generally not recommended for children. If your child is experiencing constipation, talk to their health care professional first before trying a laxative.

What if the laxative doesn’t work?

A. If you have been constipated for a while and a laxative is unsuccessful, talk to your health care professional before taking more laxatives. They can help you determine if another condition may be causing your constipation.

What’s the best laxative to buy?

Top laxative

MiraLAX Laxative Powder

What you need to know: A gentle laxative that works with your body’s water to naturally unblock your system.

What you’ll love: There are no harsh side effects, such as bloating, gas or cramping. Free of gluten and preservatives, the powder is tasteless and can be mixed into any liquid. Dosing is done with a premeasured bottle cap.

What you should consider: This laxative costs a bit more than other over the counter products and can take up to 24 hours to work.

Top laxative for the money

Dulcolax

What you need to know: A trusted laxative that provides quick results in 6 to 12 hours.

What you’ll love: Using the time-tested ingredient bisacodyl, this product stimulates the bowel muscles for a fast effect. Coated tablets are easy to swallow. This is the laxative of choice when other methods have been unsuccessful.

What you should consider: Cramping and strong bowel movements are potential side effects.

Worth checking out

Prunelax

What you need to know: An all-natural laxative that works in 8 to 12 hours and doesn’t cause negative side effects.

What you’ll love: Made from Senna leaves and dried plums, this laxative does not absorb into your bloodstream, so there is no risk of dependence. It can be used for up to seven days. Bedtime dosing generally leads to morning relief.

What you should consider: The manufacturer does not recommend using the product for children under 15 years old.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which kids’ karaoke machine is best?

Many kids who love singing get excited every chance they get to belt out lyrics to their favorite tunes. If you’d like to support their musical interests, invest in a kids’ karaoke machine.

There are now several kids’ karaoke machines available, including a few models for toddlers with preloaded songs and interactive games. If you’re looking for a Bluetooth model for easy audio streaming, Singing Machine Karaoke Machine is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a kids’ karaoke machine

Types of kids’ karaoke machines

Karaoke machines for kids: These are designed to be fun and easy to use through pared-down or simplified versions of adult machines. There are three main models on the market:

Deluxe karaoke machines: These are all-in-one machines that have powerful speakers and several features, which may include audio controls, voice effects and Bluetooth capabilities. Many of them have more than one jack to support multiple microphones.
Microphone stand karaoke machines: They have smaller speakers, but they still project plenty of sounds. They often have onboard screens for lyrics as well as built-in stands to hold devices or water bottles.
Microphone karaoke machines: These are usually wireless Bluetooth models that stream music through companion apps. Although the speakers are obviously limited in these models, they still offer an enjoyable singing experience with decent sound.

Corded vs. cordless karaoke machines

Cordless karaoke machines are convenient options because they allow singers to move around while they perform. Although they’re more portable, they often require batteries or constant recharging — and when they run out of power, karaoke sessions get cut short.

Corded karaoke machines, on the other hand, have unlimited power because they’re connected via AC or USB power cords. Some models, however, have an unusually short microphone or power cords, which may be fairly limiting in certain situations. Cords may be prone to damage from wear and tear, as well.

What to look for in a quality kids’ karaoke machine

Audio format support

Karaoke machines may support one or more audio formats. Older models have CD players that read regular CDs as well as CD+G discs, which have both audio and graphics like scrolling lyrics. Newer karaoke machines have Bluetooth capabilities and can stream music from popular apps. A few karaoke machines also play MP3s.

Audio adjustments

Besides volume controls, kids’ karaoke machines may have other audio adjustment settings for balance, treble, bass or echo. A few models even have effects like echo, chipmunk or reverb. Some karaoke machines may offer speed controls for incoming audio as well, giving kids the option to slow down or speed up songs.

Built-in screen

Certain kids’ karaoke machines have built-in screens that display scrolling lyrics. Depending on the machine’s design, the screen may have interactive games or moving images to accompany the music. While built-in screens are popular alternatives to hard-wiring the machine to TVs, they may not be the ideal option for everyone. The screens on karaoke machines tend to be small and have low resolutions, which could make lyrics hard to read.

Built-in recorder

A few karaoke machines for kids have built-in recorders so kids can replay their performances. Most models only record up to five minutes of audio, though expensive machines with more memory may record up to an hour. Although the recording quality isn’t the best, it’s a fun feature that both kids and adults can enjoy using.

How much you can expect to spend on a kids’ karaoke machine

Basic karaoke machines with a limited number of preprogrammed songs cost $20-$40. All-in-one kids’ karaoke machines cost between $50-$100, and any machines over $100 will have premium features like high-quality speakers and built-in screens.

Kids’ karaoke machine FAQ

Are karaoke machines portable?

A. To some extent, yes. Even deluxe karaoke machines have handles or wheels to move around more easily. If they don’t, they’re easily transported inside spinner luggage. Microphone stand karaoke machines can usually be broken down into small pieces that fit into a backpack.

Should I get a karaoke machine with LED lights?

A. Because karaoke is largely a performance, LED lights are an easy way to make singers feel like they’re on stage. The flashing lights add a touch of theatrical excitement to the show, especially when karaoke singers are belting out tunes at night or in darkened rooms.

What’s the best kids’ karaoke machine to buy?

Top kids’ karaoke machine

Singing Machine Karaoke Machine

What you need to know: This deluxe Bluetooth karaoke machine has kid-friendly controls and powerful speakers, making it ideal for parties.

What you’ll love: The machine streams kids’ favorite tunes from compatible devices and also plays CDs. It’s equipped with 54 colorful LEDs to put on a disco light show during performances. It also comes with TV cables so kids can sing along to scrolling lyrics displayed on the TV screen.

What you should consider: There are some reports that the machine lacks reliable Bluetooth connectivity.

Top karaoke machine for the money

Move2Play Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone for Kids

What you need to know: The Bluetooth karaoke microphone is an affordable introductory model with a simple, straightforward design.

What you’ll love: The microphone is preloaded with 30 iconic songs and lets kids stream from popular music apps, like Spotify or YouTube. It comes with four-voice effects, including a chipmunk. On average, the rechargeable battery lasts through eight hours of singing.

What you should consider: The microphone isn’t very durable and may break if you drop it, according to some customers.

Worth checking out

VTech Kidi Star Karaoke Machine Deluxe

What you need to know: It’s a pared-down version of a full-fledged karaoke machine, so it’s fairly approachable for younger kids.

What you’ll love: Besides eight built-in songs, the system connects to MP3 players for sing-alongs. The machine has six musical games to boost memory and rhythm skills. It is well-made and designed with durable plastic components as well as a mic stand that is easy for kids to adjust.

What you should consider: It lacks the Bluetooth streaming capabilities seen in comparable models.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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The first time Brad TeGantvoort and Jana Armstead got engaged was at the State Capitol.

Jana Armstead, right, holds up her engagement ring from Brad TeGantvoort, left, near the Quadriga on a roof of the Minnesota Capitol on Aug. 21, 2017. TeGantvoort chose the day of the Great American Solar Eclipse to propose– again — an the two soon after got stuck on the terrace, locked out until the next tour arrived. (Courtesy of Jana Armstead)

It was August 2017, the day of the total solar eclipse, and the pair were on a rooftop tour of the “Progress of the State” quadriga statues. They lingered a few minutes after the tour for TeGantvoort to propose — but when they went to rejoin the tour inside, they found the door had locked.

“We’re pushing the security button, and they’re like, ‘Hello, can we help you?’ and we said, ‘Uh, we’re kind of stuck,” Armstead said, laughing. “But we were just living the dream, being stuck up there together, and then we went and had a celebratory dinner.”

What TeGantvoort didn’t know, though, is that Armstead had also been planning a proposal of her own.

Brad TeGantvoort, right, and Jana Armstead stand in front of the Winter Carnival Ice Palace in 2018, holding up a medallion Armstead created to propose to TeGantvoort. The proposal, which also included a flash mob, was covered by the Pioneer Press as the couple had met in 2002 while participating in the paper’s annual medallion treasure hunt. (Courtesy of Jana Armstead)

During the Pioneer Press’ annual medallion treasure hunt in January 2018 and during a lunar eclipse, Armstead sent TeGantvoort on a mock scavenger hunt that ended at the massive ice palace built for that year’s Winter Carnival. When TeGantvoort came out of the palace, as documented by the Pioneer Press at the time, he encountered a flash mob of people in Vikings jerseys.

On the backs of the jerseys were the words “Will You Marry Me2,” a nod not only to the second proposal but also to the couple’s origin story nearly two decades earlier.

In the 1990s, alongside the Pioneer Press’ annual treasure hunt, the paper hosted an early online forum for hunters called the Water Cooler. Die-hard medallion hunters, a.k.a. the Cooler Crew, adopted virtual screen names. TeGantvoort chose “Cluemaster,” which was frequently shortened to “Cluey.” Armstead went by “Me2.”

They got to know each other on those online forums and met in person for the first time at the “Rehash Bash,” a post-hunt celebration, in 2002. Later, the duo began hunting together with a couple other friends and, eventually, Armstead and TeGantvoort began dating.

Brad “Cluey” TeGantvoort, 60, died unexpectedly at home in Inver Grove Heights on Dec. 8, 2025.

To help support expenses, family friends are hosting a silent auction Saturday, Dec. 20, at Carbone’s in Cottage Grove, with items including a replica of the forthcoming medallion for the 2026 hunt. (The design of the medallion remains a secret and the auction winner will receive it after the 2026 hunt has concluded.)

“When you saw him, you saw his smile, you saw his scruffy face, you saw his kindness,” Armstead said.

He and Armstead were planning to marry on August 8, 2026 — at the State Capitol.

“For a long time, I’ve been working in my head on a wedding speech for when they finally got married,” said longtime friend and Treasure Hunt teammate Jason Michaelson. “And it’s like, damn it, now it’s turning into a funeral speech.”

‘It’s his home’

Brad TeGantvoort, left, smiles with fiancee Jana Armstead during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. March 17 was also TeGantvoort’s birthday. (Courtesy of Melissa Weeks)

TeGantvoort, who was born March 17, 1965 — on St. Patrick’s Day, and he was proud of it — started hunting for the Pioneer Press medallion in about 1980.

“The man just lived for it. He never missed a hunt,” Michaelson said.

For many years, TeGantvoort worked in skyscraper facility management, and it was not unusual to see him noodling over clues or even hunting in the snow overnight while still wearing the suit he’d worn to work that day, Michaelson said.

Each winter, he’d load up his trunk with champagne and fireworks in case he found the medallion, though he never did. And all throughout the hunt, in whichever park you ran into him, you could count on him offering you a shot of peppermint schnapps and taking too many photos.

In Treasure Hunt spaces, “if Brad wasn’t there, you’d notice,” said friend Melissa Weeks, who met TeGantvoort and Armstead in the early 2000s through the Cooler Crew. “And if he was there, it was like, of course he’s there. It’s his home.”

More than anything, friends said, TeGantvoort wanted everyone to not only enjoy the hunt as much as he did but to genuinely feel included in the treasure-hunting community. When Jerome Krieger found the medallion in 2017 as a solo hunter, it was TeGantvoort in particular who helped Krieger feel welcomed into the Cooler Crew’s traditions, he recalled.

“He was refueled by energy from other people, and just the camaraderie,” Weeks said. “He embraced it more than anybody. I think he just loved bringing people together. I was new once; he welcomed me, and then he would always bring the new people in and introduce them to us.”

You could also probably count on TeGantvoort playing a prank or two. He’d hide “Cluey Coasters,” good for a free beer, for medallion hunters to find. He’d crack jokes. Near the end of the 2018 hunt, as hunters descended on Harriet Island, TeGantvoort got ahold of the phone number of a payphone in the park and kept dialing it, crank-calling unsuspecting treasure hunters as Armstead, Michaelson and hunting teammate Alex Valen watched from the parking lot, laughing.

“Every year, there’s only going to be one winner, but the greatest treasures that 99.9% of us have ever found are the lifelong friendships from people that we’ve met over the years that just don’t go away,” Michaelson said. “Those are the huge treasures. And some of us found romantic relationships out of it.”

One of the last text messages Armstead received from TeGantvoort sums up his personality, she said. TeGantvoort, who had mobility issues in recent years, was watching TV at home, and Armstead texted to let him know her errands were taking longer than expected.

“I’ll wait for you, my everything…,” he wrote, with two heart emojis.

“We had such an entwined love story; anything that was him was me, and anything that was me was him,” Armstead said. “He could have been sitting there for hours, and I’d walk in the door and he wouldn’t be mad. He’d be like, “You’ve done everything you have to do, and I’m just so glad you’re here.” And that’s the kind of guy he really was.”

Brad TeGantvoort is survived by his fiancee Jana Armstead, his daughter Alicia TeGantvoort, his father Larry TeGantvoort and his siblings, cousins and other extended family. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 19 at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th Street S. Cottage Grove), with visitation from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The silent auction will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20 at Carbone’s (7155 Jorgensen Ln. S.; Cottage Grove), and attendees are invited to wear Vikings or rock music-related t-shirts.

“We are committed this year; we have to be the ones to find the medallion in his memory,” Michaelson said. “But like I said, the greatest treasure any of us found was all those friendships, and this is a big one lost. This is a big one lost.”