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Articles by Dana Ferguson
Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota political trailblazer, will be state’s first female governor
After a career breaking barriers in Minnesota politics, Minnesota U.S. Sen Amy Klobuchar broke another on Tuesday night, becoming the state’s first woman elected governor. With nearly 80 percent of precincts reporting, Klobuchar held 55 percent of the vote. Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News U.S. Sen.
What Minnesota laws go into effect Aug. 1?
Another round of new Minnesota laws goes into effect Aug. 1, including the viral “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” legislation, a virtual currency kiosk ban and the establishment of a statewide grant program aimed at reducing crime by investigating nonfatal shootings.
As paid leave program hits half-year mark, 75,000 have already tapped into it
Dana Ferguson and Kyra Miles, Minnesota Public Radio News
After forgoing some past raises, Gov. Tim Walz to accept wage hike for final 6 months
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that he’ll accept a council-approved pay raise after bypassing recommended salary bumps during his seven years in office. It will bring his pay to more than $16,600 per month for the remainder of his tenure. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz answers questions during a news conference on Jan. 6 in Minneapolis. Kerem Yücel/MPR News file Minnesota Gov.
Prediction market ban, other bills edge toward votes at Capitol
Little by little, agreements are coming together in the final week of the Minnesota Legislature’s session, including one to take on the fast-spreading use of prediction markets. Lawmakers are racing to complete their work by Sunday night because Minnesota’s Constitution doesn’t allow them to approve legislation on the final day, which is Monday.
Minnesota Senate approves firearm restrictions, school safety funding; fate is murkier in House
Minnesota’s Senate narrowly approved new restrictions assault-style weapons and high capacity magazines Monday, a response to tragic shootings in schools and other settings. The proposal remains stuck in the tied House. There were tears and tense exchanges ahead of the 34-33 party-line vote, with all DFLers in favor and all Republicans opposed. The measure contains other school safety initiatives and comes months after a fatal shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis.
‘Never going to happen’: Walz says he won’t opt Minnesota into federal tax change
Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that he has no plan to opt the state into a federal policy creating a new $1,700 tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. He offered a sharp rebuke to Republican lawmakers who threatened to hold up other education policies until Walz moves to change the tax code to enable scholarships that could help pay private-school tuition or other add-on costs like tutoring. “Well, then they can go home today.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify und...
Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will testify under oath Wednesday morning before a U.S. House oversight committee examining fraud in Minnesota. The GOP-led committee called the Minnesota Democrats to testify about fraud reported in state programs and what they’ve done to address the problem. Minnesota fraud investigations and prosecutions have been occurring for years and state lawmakers have already taken some steps to cut off payments to suspect providers.
Legislature generally agrees Minnesota needs a new fraud watchdog, but...
Consensus is emerging in the Minnesota Legislature that a new fraud-fighting office needs to be established in state government. The debate, however, is bogging down over the duties, makeup and budget for the proposed Office of the Inspector General. The matter turned into a political football last week as Republicans and Democrats split over the authority of the proposed watchdog over state government.
Legislature dives into fraud, immigration, eviction issues as short se...
After an opening day of somber ceremony, the Minnesota Legislature saw a jolt of action Wednesday as lawmakers used 19 committee hearings to start tackling the workload, and hundreds of Minnesotans filling the Capitol to raise top concerns. Front and center were two issues that will define the legislative session: Fraud and immigration. Lawmakers have three months to weigh policy changes, do budget touch ups and consider a package of publicly financed construction projects.
Minnesota Legislature returns with tears, roses, remembrances of Hortm...
Single roses appeared Tuesday on the desk of every Minnesota House member, some of whom wore green in honor of their slain colleague and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Before long, they all piled high in front of a photographic portrait of her just inside the House chamber.
Here are four big issues facing lawmakers
Editor’s note: Swift, Stevens and most of Pope County are represented by District 12A Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, in the Minnesota House. District 12 state Sen. Torrey Westrom represents the area in the Minnesota Senate. Minnesota’s House has a 37 to 37 tie between members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the Republican Party. In the Senate, the DFL has a narrow majority of 34 members to the Republicans’ 33.
Minnesota Democrats blame state Republicans for helping bring on the federal surge
Republicans in the state legislature invited Nick Shirley to the state where he made misleading videos about immigrant fraud and that helped push Minnesota into the ICE surge.
Here are 5 big issues facing lawmakers as they return for the 2026 leg...
After a traumatic eight months for Minnesota, state lawmakers will return for the 2026 legislative session on Tuesday with a focus on recovery. The absence of legislative fixture Rep. Melissa Hortman will be deeply felt. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated over the summer. Authorities say Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were targeted by the same gunman. Months later, two children were fatally shot during a church service in Minneapolis at Annunciation Catholic School.
Immigration, fraud motivate voters in strongly attended Minnesota prec...
In a state drawing nonstop national attention, voters jumped Tuesday at the chance to sound off on the immigration and fraud themes that have kept Minnesota in the headlines. Precinct caucuses attended by tens of thousands of voters across Minnesota offered that venting venue as well as a chance to anoint the top contenders in an open race for governor. U.S. Sen.
For some campaigns more than others, there’s a lot riding on Minnesota...
Tens of thousands of Minnesota voters will meet with their neighbors Tuesday night to pick their preferred candidates for governor and discuss what they view as top priorities for the state’s major political parties. At precinct caucuses around the state, voters will cast straw poll ballots. Those could narrow the field of candidates running for governor.
Minnesota precinct caucuses offer first venue for voters in chock-full...
Scrambled races for the U.S. Senate and Minnesota governor and an ongoing immigration operation lend to more unpredictability in Tuesday’s precinct caucuses that serve as the starting line for voters and a possible winnowing point for candidates. In the last month alone: Gov. Tim Walz abandoned his campaign for a third term and left the DFL nomination open; U.S. Sen.
Scott Jensen names sheriff’s deputy as his running mate
4 hours ago Against the backdrop of the shocking U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, renowned historian and Substack superstar Heather Cox Richardson is back with Nicolle on “The Best People” bringing her unique capacity to explain our current state of play through a historically tinted lens.
Minneapolis ICE shooting becomes a flashpoint in Senate race as Dems t...
The body language on the U.S. House floor this week spoke volumes as Democratic Rep. Angie Craig and Republican Rep. Tom Emmer engaged in a heated argument just hours after an immigration agent killed a motorist and American citizen back home in Minnesota. Colleagues had to separate them. For Craig, it was about standing up to a top-ranking Republican about ICE tactics, lax congressional pushback and a tragedy that left 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good dead in Minneapolis.
Reshuffled Minnesota governor’s race after Walz exit will pose challen...
Minnesota Republicans had a tailor-made campaign message against an incumbent governor they saw as ripe for defeat: Tim Walz had failed to tackle fraud or take accountability for it. Minnesota Democrats had, for all of the Walz liabilities, a well-funded incumbent and a smooth path to a November race they hoped to make into a referendum on President Donald Trump. Here comes the reset — or at least recalibration — for both parties.
From gridlock to grief, 2025 brought unrelenting developments in Minne...
The year 2025 delivered a series of unprecedented events in Minnesota politics, including acts of political violence that took the life of a prominent Capitol figure and kept a rhetorical revolving door spinning in the Legislature. Power-sharing agreements and power struggles defined a legislative session that saw both chambers tied at some point. After court cases and special elections, the Legislature finally got settled.
Minnesota leaders condemn ICE for ‘chaos’ in immigration actions as op...
Minnesota elected officials joined several faith leaders Tuesday in raising concerns about federal immigration actions, criticizing a lack of communication and transparency from federal officials. Dozens joined at Shiloh Temple in Minneapolis to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities targeted in the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement special operation that began on Dec. 1. They condemned what they described as “chaos” federal ICE agents were sowing across Minnesota.
Former Minnesota GOP chair David Hann joins U.S. Senate race
Former Minnesota Republican Party Chair David Hann got into the U.S. Senate race Thursday, adding himself to a field that could get even more crowded in the new year. Hann, a former Minnesota state Senate leader, is running for the seat that Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith will leave at the end of 2026. “We need to have representation in Washington that is going to work with the administration and not just be obstructionist.
Onset of Minnesota paid family and medical leave program viewed as new...
Alison and Luke Skansgaard looked on as their son, Anders, tinkered with video game parts in their living room beside their glowing Christmas tree on a recent evening. Their friendly dog, Hudson, lay just beside them. Anders will soon have a new playmate — a sibling due in February. The nine-year-old is eager to teach his sibling how to play hockey and do math. In the shorter-term, he’s eager to have more time at home with his parents as they take leave to bond with their new baby.
State economic forecast will show whether efforts to slim Minnesota bu...
After slimming the size of Minnesota’s budget this spring, state lawmakers learn Thursday if they have erased red ink into the future or have a projected deficit yet to fix. A state economic forecast will provide both short- and long-term looks at Minnesota’s finances, driven by decisions made here and by national economic conditions they have less control over.
‘Nobody likes them’: Spending cuts included in House, Senate budget blueprints - Albert Lea Tribune
‘Nobody likes them’: Spending cuts included in House, Senate budget blueprints Published 5:39 am Tuesday, April 1, 2025 The American flag waves in the wind atop the Capitol building in St. Paul on Feb. 26. Tim Evans for MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News Facing a hazy economic outlook, Minnesota legislative leaders are turning to budget cuts to stave off potential shortfalls down the road.
DFLers at Minnesota Capitol rip Musk’s ideas while the GOP wants a closer look - Albert Lea Tribune
DFLers at Minnesota Capitol rip Musk’s ideas while the GOP wants a closer look Published 6:25 am Friday, March 28, 2025 The American flag waves in the wind atop the Capitol building in St. Paul on Feb. 26. Tim Evans for MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News This legislative session, the name of a government outsider-turned-dominant figure has increasingly come up inside Minnesota’s Capitol: Elon Musk.
What we know about Minnesota's government employee return to office plan - Albert Lea Tribune
What we know about Minnesota’s government employee return to office plan Published 12:09 pm Wednesday, March 26, 2025 A sign on Cedar Street details where some of the buildings on the Minnesota Capitol complex are located in St. Paul. Gov. Tim Walz ordered state employees to return to in-person work 50 percent of their time starting June 1.Clay Masters/MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Special election set for April 26 to fill Eichorn’s seat - Albert Lea Tribune
Special election set for April 26 to fill Eichorn’s seat Published 6:13 pm Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News The special election to fill an open Senate seat in northern Minnesota will happen on April 29. Gov. Tim Walz scheduled the election after the former senator was arrested and resigned last week.
After ‘incredibly unusual’ start, Minnesota lawmakers just want to get back to normal - Albert Lea Tribune
After ‘incredibly unusual’ start, Minnesota lawmakers just want to get back to normal Published 8:37 am Monday, March 24, 2025 The American flag waves in the wind atop the Capitol building in St. Paul on Feb. 26. Tim Evans for MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News In a Minnesota legislative session full of drama, lawmakers are craving something normal. Can’t we just fight over ideas and the budget?
Walz proposes more cuts, seeks one-time aid for avian influenza and police training in revised budget - Albert Lea Tribune
Walz proposes more cuts, seeks one-time aid for avian influenza and police training in revised budget Published 4:35 pm Friday, March 21, 2025 Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz leaves the room after speaking during the state budget forecast presentation at the Minnesota Department of Revenue in St. Paul on March 6. Stephen Maturen/MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters, Minnesota Public Radio News Gov.
Minnesota House starts second half of session in a tie - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota House starts second half of session in a tie Published 5:26 am Monday, March 17, 2025 Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul on March 12. Brian Bakst/MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News The Minnesota House returns to its full complement — and a tie — Monday with a newly elected DFL member getting sworn in to fill a seat that’s been vacant since the legislative session began in January. It comes at the session’s midpoint.
Retired Minnesota flag could receive ‘historic’ designation under new bill - Albert Lea Tribune
Published 2:47 pm Thursday, March 13, 2025 By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News Minnesota’s former state flag would get a new designation and highlighted position under a bill working its way through the Capitol. The proposal would designate the former design that centered Minnesota’s retired state seal at the center of a blue sheet as the state’s historic flag.
Drive to delay paid family and medical leave program stalls in Minnesota House for now - Albert Lea Tribune
Drive to delay paid family and medical leave program stalls in Minnesota House for now Published 6:16 pm Monday, March 10, 2025 The Minnesota State Capitol is pictured on the first day of the 2025 legislative session on Jan. 14. Ben Hovland/MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News Republicans in the Minnesota House postponed a vote Monday on a bill to delay the launch of Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program by one year.
Minnesota’s budget situation worsens in the near and long term with possible deficit growing - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota’s budget situation worsens in the near and long term with possible deficit growing Published 10:02 am Thursday, March 6, 2025 Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz discusses the state’s proposed annual budget plan at the Minnesota Department of Revenue in St. Paul, on Jan. 16. Tim Evans for MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Minnesota farmers fret about ‘chaos and uncertainty’ following latest Trump tariffs - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota farmers fret about ‘chaos and uncertainty’ following latest Trump tariffs Published 4:44 pm Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Gov. Tim Walz (center right) speaks about the latest round of tariffs Tuesday at a farm in Cannon Falls. Mary Lundell, center, speaks about the impact that her family farm could face as a result of tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico. Her husband Danny Lundell, left, and his cousin Stan Lundell, right, echoed her concerns.
Minnesota House DFL, GOP say they have agreement to end stalemate - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota House DFL, GOP say they have agreement to end stalemate Published 7:55 pm Wednesday, February 5, 2025 The Minnesota State flag flies at half-staff in honor of the death of Jimmy Carter atop the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on Jan. 27. Tim Evans for MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
‘We will see President Trump in court’: Minnesota to challenge order pausing federal funding - Albert Lea Tribune
‘We will see President Trump in court’: Minnesota to challenge order pausing federal funding Published 3:40 pm Tuesday, January 28, 2025 By Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters, Minnesota Public Radio News Minnesota intends to join a legal fight against a new move by President Donald Trump to suspend federal money for an unspecified but potentially long list of programs. They are working to blunt a decision by Trump to press pause on a range of federal grants and loans, pending a review.
Walz set to unveil budget Thursday amid Capitol power struggle - Albert Lea Tribune
Walz set to unveil budget Thursday amid Capitol power struggle Published 5:46 am Thursday, January 16, 2025 Gov. Tim Walz answers questions from the press during a presentation about the latest state budget forecast at the Minnesota Department of Revenue in St. Paul on Dec. 4. Ben Hovland | MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News Minnesota Gov.
Bumpier takeoff on tap for Minnesota Legislature’s session opening amid early oaths, election disputes - Albert Lea Tribune
Bumpier takeoff on tap for Minnesota Legislature’s session opening amid early oaths, election disputes Published 5:04 am Monday, January 13, 2025 Minnesota’s fractious Legislature moved toward a bumpy session start in the House and a more even-keeled beginning in the Senate, with a pair of Sunday night developments. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate reached what they say is a power-sharing arrangement to deal with a short-term 33-33 tie.
Minnesota lawmakers prepare to take office — minus the actual office space for some - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota lawmakers prepare to take office — minus the actual office space for some Published 5:52 am Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Construction on a renovation to the State Office Building continued on Monday. The building is being expanded and updated with improvements to ventilation and accessibility.Dana Ferguson/MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Minnesota session agendas start to emerge as power fight drags on, acrimony picks up - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota session agendas start to emerge as power fight drags on, acrimony picks up Published 5:48 am Tuesday, January 7, 2025 House Republican Leader Lisa Demuth talks with members of the press at the Minnesota Capitol on Monday.Clay Masters | MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Minnesota cannabis license lottery challenge moves to state appeals court - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota cannabis license lottery challenge moves to state appeals court Published 3:32 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Marijuana plants grow at a lab in Cottage Grove June 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News A case challenging how the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management handled social equity license applications moves next to the state Court of Appeals.
Judge halts cannabis license lottery that is precursor to Minnesota marijuana retail launch - Albert Lea Tribune
Judge halts cannabis license lottery that is precursor to Minnesota marijuana retail launch Published 8:32 am Tuesday, November 26, 2024 A variety of cannabis products are displayed during the grand opening for the general public of the Sweetest Grass Dispensary by Leech Lake Cannabis Company of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe on June 6 in Walker. Erica Dischino for MPR News file Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Minnesota House leaders agree to even split on committee control - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota House leaders agree to even split on committee control Published 1:29 pm Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Minnesota House Speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and Minority Leader Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, pose for a photo inside the Kling Public Media Center in St. Paul on Oct. 25. Ben Hovland/MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Expecting a tie in the Minnesota House, party leaders look to share power - Albert Lea Tribune
Expecting a tie in the Minnesota House, party leaders look to share power Published 11:21 am Thursday, November 7, 2024 The Minnesota House at the start of the 2024 session at the State Capitol on Feb. 12. Ben Hovland/MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Walz joins spouse Gwen, son Gus in voting early in Minnesota - Albert Lea Tribune
Walz joins spouse Gwen, son Gus in voting early in Minnesota Published 6:52 am Thursday, October 24, 2024 Gov. Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz voted early in St. Paul on Wednesday morning, with their son Gus. Dana Ferguson | MPR News Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, encouraged Minnesotans to vote early as he, his spouse and son cast their votes Wednesday morning.
Minnesota Republicans seek a reset after two years of DFL trifecta in St. Paul - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota Republicans seek a reset after two years of DFL trifecta in St. Paul Published 6:16 am Monday, October 7, 2024 On a sunny Tuesday morning, Republican state Senate candidate Kathleen Fowke walked door-to-door in a neighborhood along the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The tree-lined roads by the water were quiet but when she knocked on a door she got a reminder that this is hotly contested territory.
Minnesota Poll: Walz approval rating holds steady amid VP run, has narrow edge in favorability - Albert Lea Tribune
Minnesota Poll: Walz approval rating holds steady amid VP run, has narrow edge in favorability Published 4:08 pm Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz watch during the Democratic National Convention Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News Gov.
With Tim Walz on the Democratic ticket, Minnesota Republicans also hop on national wave - Albert Lea Tribune
With Tim Walz on the Democratic ticket, Minnesota Republicans also hop on national wave Published 5:05 pm Thursday, September 19, 2024 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dana Ferguson, Minnesota Public Radio News Gov. Tim Walz’s national star has risen since Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris tapped him as a running mate last month — and that’s put more Minnesota Republicans on the national stage, too, as they seize opportunities to call him out.
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