Xp Lee won the 34B (Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Coon Rapids) special election on Sept. 16 to fill the seat of late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, with 60.82% of the vote. Gov. Tim Walz announced he is running for a third term in 2026. Minnesota has again earned a AAA credit rating from all three major credit agencies (Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch) for the fourth consecutive year. The post Ewald at the Capitol: Special Election Results, Walz Running for 3rd Term appeared first on Ewa...| Ewald Consulting
Catch up on some of the other business that took place at the Minnesota Capitol.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
The budget deal comes with a compromise on immigrant health care, prompting outcry from DFL lawmakers and potentially derailing final votes.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Minnesotans 21 and younger will need a permit to operate a boat starting July 1, 2025.| InForum
Referencing cases of government fraud in Minnesota, lawmakers are looking to tackle fiscal responsibility and accountability in the upcoming session| InForum
Minnesota DFL leaders release a negotiation offer for a special session, while Republican leaders say the legislative process is being ignored| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Walz could call a special session whenever he wants, but the current makeup of the Legislature would make it difficult for an assault weapons ban to make it to a floor vote.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
The suspect is identified as Vance Boelter, 57.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
The suspect is identified as Vance Boelter, 57.| Cloquet Pine Journal
At a Sunday evening press conference, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said the search for Boelter remains a “very active investigation”| InForum
The suspect is identified as Vance Boelter, 57.| InForum
Fraud has been top of mind since feeding our future surfaced, but the push renewed this week in several efforts from lawmakers, Gov. Tim Walz.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement officials will hold a public safety briefing to provide updates on the targeted shootings of state legislators Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman.| InForum
Sen. John A. Hoffman and his wife were also shot by an individual impersonating a police officer on Saturday morning. Suspect identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter| InForum
With a tied House and partisan divides, Minnesota lawmakers passed a $67 billion state budget and a $700 million bonding package in what Gov. Tim Walz is calling a historic feat.| InForum
As Gov. Tim Walz plans to call a special session on gun violence, early Senate proposals preview a tough climb for new gun control.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Gov. Tim Walz met with legislative leaders this week to discuss a potential special session on gun violence, following the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Rep. Zack Stephenson will lead the House DFL Caucus. Senate DFLers are forming a Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability. The post Ewald at the Capitol: Special Session, New Leader Selected, New Senate Subcommittee appeared first on Ewald Consulting.| Ewald Consulting
Voters are choosing between Democratic nominee XP Lee and Republican Ruth Bittner in a district that has recently favored DFL candidates.| Brainerd Dispatch
Ahead of a special session, senators preview potential legislation in response to the Annunciation Church shooting| Brainerd Dispatch
A look at some of what got done in the regular session, what didn’t and what’s still up in the air as the Legislature poises for a special session| InForum
The Legislature also passed a repeal for MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented adults, new data center provisions and modifications to the state’s safe and sick time law.| InForum
As Democrats continue to boycott, the Minnesota high court heard arguments Thursday over whether House Republicans have a quorum with 67 members, or if 68 members are needed to hold sessions| InForum
Democrats followed through on their promise to no-show on the first day of Minnesota's legislative session, they said, to “protect the will of the voters.”| InForum
Lawmakers debate nursing homes, costs to counties and Medicaid cuts in debates over the Human Services budgets, which propose up to $300 million in cuts.| InForum
Projections presented Thursday, March 6 are down from November’s budget forecast, which showed an anticipated $5 billion deficit for 2028-29| InForum
Minnesota Senate Democrats, joint House and Gov. Tim Walz all target health budget, while House rules out education cuts. Walz tax changes would reduce sales tax rate but expand taxable services.| InForum
“We just need a little bit more time”: Leaders say a special session is likely for next week as a June 1 deadline for layoff notices to state employees quickly approaches.| Alexandria Echo Press
House Republicans are calling for a repeal of mandated summer unemployment benefits for hourly school workers| Park Rapids Enterprise
The committee will meet regularly and discuss the impacts of the budget bill passed by Congress, as well as “decisions made by Donald Trump.”| Pine & Lakes Echo Journal
Walz and legislative leaders met Tuesday to discuss a special session on guns, as timing and votes for legislation like an assault weapons ban remain in the air.| Pine & Lakes Echo Journal
Stephenson is filling the role previously held by Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, three months after her assassination.| Pine & Lakes Echo Journal
AARP Minnesota advocates at the state, federal, and local levels to improve consumer protections and enforce laws. If you've been targeted by scams or fraud, you are not alone.| Minnesota
State House results show Northern Minnesota leans red, but precinct-level data reveal a mix of red, blue and purple, offering a fuller picture of the region's politics.| KAXE
Minnesota has several special election campaigns underway and several high-profile legislators launching campaigns for higher office. The Advisory Committee on Capitol Security is discussing potential safety upgrades at the Minnesota Capitol. The post Ewald at the Capitol: Election Updates, Capitol Security, Board of Regents appeared first on Ewald Consulting.| Ewald Consulting
Republicans condemn the politicization of the tragedy while legislative proposals stream in quickly from Democrats.| Bemidji Pioneer
Republicans condemn the politicization of the tragedy while legislative proposals stream in quickly from Democrats.| Cloquet Pine Journal
With policy negotiations ongoing and fewer than half of all budget bills passing through the Legislature, there is still work ahead for lawmakers, who were scheduled to complete the session Monday| Cloquet Pine Journal
DFL Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Republican Michael Holmstrom beat out party competitors for the seats left open by former Sens. Nicole Mitchell and Bruce Anderson.| Cloquet Pine Journal
The budget deal comes with a compromise on immigrant health care, prompting outcry from DFL lawmakers and potentially derailing final votes.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Trump admin and states jointly file to dismiss suit as long as the remaining of the $7 billion in frozen funds are released in full by Oct. 3.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Mitchell testified for nearly 5 hours on the fourth day of the burglary trial.| Cloquet Pine Journal
The jury heard the final witnesses and closing arguments before going into the deliberation room Friday afternoon.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Ian Oundo, a former staffer with the state Democratic Party in Minnesota has launched his bid for Minnesota Senate District 35 which includes Coon Rapids and Anoka.| Mshale
Former Brooklyn Park City Council member Xp Lee has won the Democratic primary to fill the seat formerly held by the late Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.| Mshale
Vying for the DFL nod in Senate District 47 are Rep. Ethan Cha, DFL-Woodbury, and Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, DFL-Woodbury| West Central Tribune
Looking at politics as not all that different from a classroom, teacher Chris Swanson said he hopes to bring an even-handed approach to politics in St. Paul.| Cloquet Pine Journal
The "Blueberry Muffin Gang from Carlton" wrote letters, drew pictures and visited the Capitol with homemade goodies to share.| Cloquet Pine Journal
A look at some of the people and data behind the program state officials want to shutter amid fraud probe by the FBI.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Detroit Lakes is asking the Legislature to provide half of the $3.3 million projected cost of improvements to the historic Washington Park grandstand and ballpark, built in 1948.| Detroit Lakes Tribune
As other states like Texas look to redraw congressional maps, a look at how that effort might play out in Minnesota — and why partisan gains might be difficult.| St. Cloud Live
The death penalty was authorized for the suspect in the death of Chris Maland, who was gunned down during a Vermont traffic stop in January.| St. Cloud Live
The bid from Frazier follows Mary Moriarty’s announcement that she won’t seek re-election in 2026.| St. Cloud Live
Gov. Tim Walz issued a new writ for a vacant Minnesota House seat that could mark the end of the House Democrats’ boycott| Bemidji Pioneer
As Minnesota House continues negotiations and Democrats boycott, Republican party announces effort to boot Democrats.| Bemidji Pioneer
The death penalty was authorized for the suspect in the death of Chris Maland, who was gunned down during a Vermont traffic stop in January.| Bemidji Pioneer
Minnesota is on track to have 6 special elections in 2025. Seven new Minnesota laws go into effect on August 1, 2025. Minnesota's budget has challenges coming later this year. The post Ewald at the Capitol: Special Elections, New Laws, Budget Challenges appeared first on Ewald Consulting.| Ewald Consulting
Sen. Carla Nelson, a Senate Taxes Committee member when the sales tax extension was approved, said it's important residents understand that funds cannot be shifted to the other projects.| Rochester Post Bulletin
The announcement from Sen. Ron Latz follows a split decision that guns without serial numbers are legal in the state.| Rochester Post Bulletin
Justin Eichorn’s defense argued Wednesday that his status as a former state senator is leading him to be unfairly prosecuted, and asks for federal charges to be dropped.| Rochester Post Bulletin
Preliminary and detention hearing for Boelter pushed to July 3 after he told the judge Friday that he’s ‘not suicidal’ but hasn’t slept in two weeks.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Starting Tuesday, July 1, a series of changes in Minnesota law will take effect, including provisions allowing motorcycle lanes to split and filter and protections for child influencers.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Minnesota State Rep. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley was forced to evacuate her home Saturday following the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.| Mshale
Sen. John A. Hoffman and his wife were also shot by an individual impersonating a police officer on Saturday morning. Suspect identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter| Cloquet Pine Journal
At a Sunday evening press conference, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said the search for Boelter remains a “very active investigation”| Cloquet Pine Journal
The alleged threats of gun violence targeting the Capitol come after two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Speculation surges online after deadly attacks on lawmakers, prompting bipartisan defense of Gov. Tim Walz and pleas for decency.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Sen. John Hoffman remains in critical but stable condition, while his wife Yvette, is in stable condition.| Cloquet Pine Journal
Sen. John Hoffman remains in critical but stable condition, while his wife Yvette, is in stable condition.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Sen. John A. Hoffman and his wife were also shot by an individual impersonating a police officer on Saturday morning. Suspect identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Deer hunters in southern Minnesota can start grabbing their rifles, leaving the shotgun in the gun cabinet, during the next firearms deer season.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Sen. John A. Hoffman and his wife were also shot by an individual impersonating a police officer on Saturday morning. Suspect identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter| Sioux Falls Live
The suspect is identified as Vance Boelter, 57.| Sioux Falls Live
Over 100 people gathered Wednesday to raise awareness and celebrate the creation of the Minnesota Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls, the first of its kind in the U.S.| Cloquet Pine Journal
With a tied House and partisan divides, Minnesota lawmakers passed a $67 billion state budget and a $700 million bonding package in what Gov. Tim Walz is calling a historic feat.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
The Legislature also passed a repeal for MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented adults, new data center provisions and modifications to the state’s safe and sick time law.| Wadena Pioneer Journal
The Legislature also passed a repeal for MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented adults, new data center provisions and modifications to the state’s safe and sick time law.| Perham Focus
With a tied House and partisan divides, Minnesota lawmakers passed a $67 billion state budget and a $700 million bonding package in what Gov. Tim Walz is calling a historic feat.| Park Rapids Enterprise
Funding is under question for the Northern Lights Express and metro-centred projects like the NorthStar Commuter Rail and the Blue Line Light Rail extension| Park Rapids Enterprise
The Legislature also passed a repeal for MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented adults, new data center provisions and modifications to the state’s safe and sick time law.| Park Rapids Enterprise
County sheriffs and attorneys ask lawmakers to fund mental health facilities as jails have a backlog of mentally ill individuals due to the state’s pause on the 48-hour rule.| Perham Focus
“We just need a little bit more time”: Leaders say a special session is likely for next week as a June 1 deadline for layoff notices to state employees quickly approaches.| Cloquet Pine Journal
The issue of MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented adults spills over into the upcoming special session as lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz failed to pass the Health budget.| Cloquet Pine Journal
A look at some of what got done in the regular session, what didn’t and what’s still up in the air as the Legislature poises for a special session| Cloquet Pine Journal
From the commentary, "The legislature should move to repair the damage that has been done to the Open Meeting Law. It can repeal or sunset the change that was just made ..."| West Central Tribune
Advocates ask for ‘a deal that means dignity’ after the state budget deal proposes repealing MinnesotaCare for undocumented adults| St. Cloud Live
The request from correctional staff and unions comes in response to a budget deal from Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders who propose closing the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater| St. Cloud Live
The budget deal comes with a compromise on immigrant health care, prompting outcry from DFL lawmakers and potentially derailing final votes.| St. Cloud Live
The DFL lost its trifecta, and the House of Representatives is evenly split for the first time since 1979. State Sen. Erin Murphy is hopeful of getting things done despite the challenges.| Bemidji Pioneer
With sanctuary counties and growing tensions over immigration policies, how will a Legislature in chaos approach the session with immigrants in mind?| Alexandria Echo Press
The third-term senator looks to fill Rep. Angie Craig’s seat, following her announcement to run for U.S. Senate.| Rochester Post Bulletin
The bill targets relief for small businesses and farmers and drew pushback from Democrats.| Rochester Post Bulletin
Legislation prompted by fatal Park Tavern crash aims to close loopholes for repeat drunk drivers through expanded use of ignition interlocks| Rochester Post Bulletin
Catch up on some of the other business that took place this week inside the Minnesota Capitol| Wadena Pioneer Journal
How the third-term Minnesota Senator, who resigned Thursday after being charged withr soliciting a minor for sex work, entered the Legislature — and what he did while there| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Catch up on some of the other business that took place this week inside the Minnesota Capitol| Cloquet Pine Journal
Thursday morning's resignation announcement comes minutes before his caucus had reportedly planned to expel him| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Leaders with the Minnesota DFL and GOP, as well as the Minnesota House and Senate, called for Eichorn to resign following the report of his Monday, March 17 arrest in Bloomington| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Projections presented Thursday, March 6 are down from November’s budget forecast, which showed an anticipated $5 billion deficit for 2028-29| Wadena Pioneer Journal
Republicans said Minnesota Paid Leave Law is one-size-fits-all and asked for a delay to the program, which is set to launch in 2026| Perham Focus
DFLer David Gottfried won Tuesday’s special election for Roseville House seat 40B, restoring a full Minnesota House. Gottfried was running against Republican candidate Paul Wikstrom.| Perham Focus
