It was a quiet weekend at the Minnesota State Capitol with a large security presence and only a handful of demonstrators showing up Saturday and Sunday — despite more ominous protests elsewhere around the country. State Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington has pledged, “We will keep the peace in the days that lead up to […]

Governor Tim Walz is talking about changes to a Minnesota law that allows open-carry at the State Capitol complex. Walz says Michigan, with a Republican House and Senate, changed its rules. “This is not something that inhibits your ability to purchase, own, shoot or do whatever you want to do, but in the middle of […]

Governor Tim Walz has put lawmakers on notice that when he rolls out his proposed state budget later this month, he’ll ask the legislature for money to beef up security at the State Capitol. “I’m not telling anyone… anything they don’t already know: There’s going to be some big events come up this year in […]

State public safety officials say there is currently “no credible local immediate threat” against Minnesota State Capitol, but say they’re prepared in case there’s trouble at this weekend’s planned events. Commissioner John Harrington says law enforcement will make sure peaceful protesters’ voices can be heard: “But I want there not to be any mistake, that […]

Governor Tim Walz and public safety officials update Minnesotans later today (noon) on security at the Minnesota Capitol after last week’s violence in Washington D-C and continued threats to state capitols before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Thursday at the Korean War Memorial in Duluth, the governor indicated he knows the feeling when an […]

State officials say they don’t have data yet on how many Minnesota health care workers are refusing to be vaccinated against COVID. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says what she’s hearing from health systems is, “For those that aren’t taking it, it’s not a refusal to ever take it. It’s a desire to take it later, […]

Waseca Police Officer Arik Matson was at the State Capitol today, just over a year after he was shot in the head by a suspect, as lawmakers introduce a bill requiring a minimum 30-year-prison sentence for attempted first-degree murder of an officer, judge, prosecutor or corrections officer. Matson told an assembled group of lawmakers and […]

Housing assistance… broadband expansion… more testing and vaccination in long-term care facilities… more help for students who are distance-learning — among top priorities Minnesota House Democrats have for the 2021 legislative session. Senate Republicans contend the only solution is to get *all* Minnesota students back in the classroom right away. Democratic Representative Jim Davnie responds, […]

Governor Tim Walz says he’ll call out the Minnesota National Guard amid potential threats against the State Capitol prior to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, to protect the public safety: “To make sure that both our Capitol [and] our citizens [are safe] and the peaceful transfer of power is done.” The governor wouldn’t talk […]