Governor Walz–a military veteran–today responded after a high-ranking staffer in Minnesota’s DFL party tweeted yesterday calling the newly christened USS Minneapolis-St. Paul a “murder boat.” Walz says he’s “totally appalled by it, certainly, the disrespect shown is beyond the pale. I don’t know who the communications person is, I would certainly hope at the DFL […]
Gov Walz to have knee surgery Thursday, temporarily transfer power to Lt Gov Flanagan
Governor Tim Walz today announced he will have surgery on his left knee Thursday for a medial meniscus tear-an injury common for runners. While he is under general anesthetic, Walz will transfer the power and duties of the Office of the Governor to Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. Per state statute, the governor sent a letter […]
5 St. Paul police officers fired after not intervening in assault
St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell announced today that five officers have been released after an incident involving officers responding to an assault and not intervening. Axtell calls it “a disappointing day for our department, personally and professionally, because I care so much about this great city.” Axtell says “our job now as a police […]
Nutritious summers meals available to students in MN (AUDIO)
The Minnesota Department of Education–in partnership with the USDA–is providing meals and snacks to support more than 200 schools at almost a thousand meal sites across Minnesota this summer. State Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker says the program is important because “we know that a nutrition gap exists for some of our students and their […]
Noor sentenced to 12.5 years in prison
Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor will spend 12 and a half years in prison for the shooting death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. This morning, the judge announced the sentence for Noor’s charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter in connection to the July 2017 shooting. Noor gave a statement in court saying “I’ve thought and […]
Coalition files lawsuit to combat abortion restrictions in MN
A coalition of medical providers, health care advocates and faith-based organizations filed a lawsuit today to overturn Minnesota laws that they say restrict access to abortion. At a press conference to announce the suit, Gender Justice Executive Director Megan Peterson said “enough is enough. Everyone has a right to abortion without being manipulated, judged or […]
1-day special session could be extended
The one-day special session is already off to a rocky start. Governor Walz called a one-day special session for lawmakers to wrap up the state’s two-year $48 billion budget. And this morning, ahead of the House floor session, House Speaker Melissa Hortman said: “it is a typical courtesy of the minority to vote to suspend […]
MN Senate unanimously passes ag bill in first vote of special session
On a unanimous 66-0 vote, the Minnesota Senate today passed the first bill of the special session–a broad agriculture bill. Ahead of the vote, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said: “this is an important bill for Greater Minnesota, I think it really does give rural communities the opportunity to develop and thrive.” Gazelka says key […]
Mpls Police looking for 2 “people of interest” in Bde Maka Ska pavilion fire
The fire that destroyed a 90-year-old pavilion in Minneapolis last week is now being investigated as a crime. Minneapolis Police today released city camera footage of a man and a woman loitering near Lola on the Lake restaurant at Bde Maka Ska the night the fire broke out. Minneapolis Police Sergeant Darcy Horn says the […]
Gov Walz addresses teachers with fiery speech at State Capitol as budget negotiations continue (AUDIO)
Hundreds of educators from around Minnesota rallied in the rotunda of the State Capitol Saturday to call for significant increases to education funding in the next two years. Governor Walz and legislative leaders have been at the budget negotiating table all week, and Walz, a former teacher, had this message for the cheering crowd–and all […]