Republican candidate for Governor Jeff Johnson today announced Donna Bergstrom as his running mate for Lieutenant Governor. Bergstrom says she and Johnson “share a vision and that the proper role of government is to serve and not bully. Our freedoms as Americans and Minnesotans are non-negotiable. Also, in the bigger picture, I couldn’t agree more […]
Mother’s Day exclusive: Comedy legend Louie Anderson on his mom; new book dedicated to her
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Minnesota’s own Louie Anderson–who plays a mother on the popular show “Baskets”–chats with MNN’s Scott Peterson about his new book “HEY MOM, STORIES FOR MY MOTHER, BUT YOU CAN READ THEM TOO”.
Woman who struck and killed Officer William Mathews pleads guilty; sentenced to 8+ years
The 54-year old woman charged in the death of a Wayzata police officer last fall pleaded guilty this morning in court. Beth Freeman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison. Officials have said Freeman was on drugs and texting when her vehicle struck William Mathews in September last year. Mathews was clearing debris […]
Hands-free bill moves forward in House, remains stalled in Senate; advocates urge action (audio)
A bill limiting use of cell phones to hands-free while driving may get a vote on the House floor this session, but Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says the measure has lost steam in the Senate. Vijay Dixit testified in front of House lawmakers today about his 19-year-old daughter, who was killed by a distracted […]
Gov Dayton vetoes wild rice-sulfate standard bill, Rep. Lueck responds (AUDIO)
Governor Dayton today announced he’s vetoed a wild rice-water quality bill that would have removed a decades-old rule limiting sulfate in water. Dayton calls the bill “an extreme overreach” and says it eliminates important protections for wild rice. And he says it would ensure “ongoing litigation that will prolong…current regulatory uncertainties.” Dayton says there should […]
Bill increasing penalties on traffic blocking protests passes in House
A bill passed by the House Tuesday that aims to increase the penalties on protesters convicted of blocking traffic and public transit now heads to the Senate. Democratic Representative Rena Moran of St. Paul says there appears to be a racial component to the bill. She says to those supporting the bill “spending time in […]
Wild rice-water quality bill headed to Gov Dayton; he’s said he’ll veto
A wild rice-water quality bill is headed to Governor Dayton’s desk–but he’s vowed to veto the bill. Democratic Senator Erik Simonson of Duluth says that’s a concern because “we’ve got about two weeks left in session, if the governor vetoes this bill, we don’t necessarily have the time left to start this process over and […]
Gov Dayton renews push for emergency school funding, GOP pushes back
Governor Dayton says he will continue to push his $138 million school funding proposal “as hard as he can.” The governor was joined by educators and school administrators from around the state to renew his request for the funding. Dayton says “this is an emergency situation, this is one-time funding that provides a tourniquet and […]
Candidate for Governor Stephens picks Rep. Backer as running mate; touts record in Greater MN
Woodbury Mayor and Republican candidate for governor Mary Giuliani Stephens today announced Browns Valley State Representative Jeff Backer as her running mate for Lieutenant Governor. Backer says his work for people in rural Minnesota is an asset and adds “one of the reasons I think myself and several other Reps changed the House in 2014 […]
Gov Dayton proposed nearly $138 million in one-time, emergency funding to address school budget shortfalls
Governor Dayton is proposing $138 million in one-time emergency funding to help schools statewide cover budget shortfalls. As for the timing of the governor’s announcement–with less than a month remaining in the session–Dayton says “it would be terribly wrong for the legislature and myself to spend the session’s final three weeks discussing tax cuts as […]