Minneapolis Climate Change Plan Would Raise Gas, Electric Fees

"There is no time to waste when it comes to advancing our climate goals," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said.

Court Approves Reforms For Minneapolis Police Department

The state launched a human rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department following the murder of George Floyd.

Higher Taxes On The Wealthy Would Bolster Social Security, U.S. Senate Dems Argue

Chair Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, called for lawmakers to increase taxes on the country’s wealthiest individuals.

Red Lake Nation To Begin Selling Recreational Marijuana Aug. 1

The Red Lake Nation is well-positioned to launch a tribally run cannabis dispensary.

Error In New Tax Law Would Cost Minnesotans $352 Million

State officials promised they would fix the multi-million-dollar error before it impacts taxpayers.

Major Labor Union Rescinds Endorsement Of Lawmaker Over Alleged Union Busting

One of Minnesota’s largest labor unions has rescinded its endorsement of state Rep. Ruth Richardson, DFL-Mendota Heights.

Minneapolis Police Department ‘Separated' From New Officer With Checkered Past

The city of Minneapolis has “separated” with Tyler Timberlake, a police officer who repeatedly used a stun gun on a disoriented unarmed man.

Carp-Ocalypse Now

“They have no ecological value, they take food from other fish, and they destroy water quality,” Sorensen said flatly.

Minnesota Can Reduce Police Brutality With Guaranteed Basic Income

Poor people are more vulnerable to police brutality than their more affluent peers.

700,000 Minnesotans Just Got $10,000 Poorer

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned President Joe Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan in a 6-3 ruling.

Light Rail Audit: Met Council Failed To Enforce Construction Contracts, Costing Millions

The Southwest Light Rail line so far is a decade behind schedule and at least $1.5 billion over budget.

The Players Who Made The Big Plays: Minnesota Lawmakers Worth Watching

More than 60% of Minnesota lawmakers were elected for the first time in 2018 or later.

Minnesota To Receive Over $650 Million To Expand Broadband Access

The state has set a goal of universal access to high-speed internet by 2026.

Red And Blue State Divide Grows Even Wider In 2023's Top Voting And Election Laws

At least 20 bills expanding voting recently became law or are currently on governors' desks - but just as many aim to restrict access.

The Easter Eggs: The Good Stuff The Legislature Passed You May Not Have Heard About

Many "small but consequential changes" were enacted by lawmakers during the momentous 2023 legislative session.

Yes, It's A Good State Education Budget, But Districts Must Not Abandon Students With Disabilities

A Minnesota Reformer commentary addresses special education in the newly-passed budget.

3M Reaches $10.3B Settlement Over Contamination Of Water Systems

The settlement will be paid over 13 years and could reach as high as $12.5 billion.

DOJ Finds Minneapolis Police Discriminate Against Native Americans, A First In The Country

A new report found Minneapolis police discriminate against Black and Native people by disproportionately using force during stops.

Federal Public Lands Rule Would Be Yanked Under Bill Passed By U.S. House Panel

The committee vote allows the bill, written by Utah Republican John Curtis, to get a vote from the full House.

Democrats Predict Abortion Access, Reproductive Rights Will Be Key Issues In 2024

"If you’re voting for a Republican for the United States Senate, they are likely to push a national abortion ban," Sen. Gary Peters said.

Statehouses Debate Who Should Build EV Charging Networks

Experts predict an imminent surge in electric vehicles over the next decade.

How A Minneapolis Cop And DFL Lawmaker Worked Together On Juvenile Justice Reform

Changes were part of a larger public safety bill that takes a more rehabilitative approach to crime and punishment.

Support Staff At Mayo Clinic's Mankato Hospital Vote To Get Rid Of Union

Just one group of about 15 maintenance engineers remains unionized at the Mankato hospital after de-certification votes by nurses and staff.

George Floyd's Killing Capped Years Of Violence, Discrimination: DOJ

Systemic problems in the Minneapolis Police Department "made what happened to George Floyd possible," the report said.

Garland In Minneapolis Friday For 'Civil Rights Matter' Announcement

Attorney General Merrick Garland will be joined by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O'Hara and others.

Minnesota Ranked 5th In Country For Child Well-Being, According To Pandemic-Era Data

According to 2021 data, 11% of Minnesota children lived in poverty, and 23% of children had parents who lacked secure employment.

Funding For 33 Rural Broadband Projects Unveiled By USDA

"The expansion of broadband access is essential," U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said this week.

What's In The 2023 Health And Human Services Bill

Democrats said the health and human services budget addresses longstanding inequities in Minnesota health and wellness outcomes.

Public Schools Received A Historic Boost From The Legislature. Now Comes The Hard Part.

The 2023 Minnesota Legislature passed a budget and package of policies "that could be life-changing for students and educators."

U.S. House Democrats Push For Congressional Hearing On Child Labor Violations

During fiscal 2022, there were 835 companies that employed more than 3,800 children in violation of labor laws.

Study Finds Millions Paid Out From 2010 To 2020 For Police Misconduct In Minnesota

The city of Minneapolis disputes the findings of a new Hamline report.

Minnesota Democrats Take A New Approach To Crime And Prisons

New legislation could result in scores of people being released from prison sooner, the Reformer reports.

What's In Minnesota's 2023 Education Bill

Gov. Tim Walz, a former teacher, has advocated for more school funding since the beginning of his tenure.

Legislature Made Progress On Hunger, But There's More To Do

Second Harvest Heartland Director of Government Affairs Zach Rodvold pens a piece for the Reformer.

How Minnesota Will Spend $1 Billion On Housing

Lawmakers created the first dedicated funding source for housing through a new quarter-cent sales tax in the Twin Cities metro area.

New Transportation Law Hopes To Get Minnesotans Moving

Three major revenue sources are expected to generate $1.14 billion for transportation over the next two years.

A Dozen Questions For Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman

Now in her 10th term, Hortman helped pass one of the most influential state budgets in memory.

New Transportation Law Hopes To Get Minnesotans Moving

The bill lays out close to $9 billion in investment on roads, bridges and transit infrastructure.

Minnesota Is Getting Older, New Census Data Show

More than 16 percent of Minnesota residents are seniors.

They Never Supported Us: Target And Bud Light Show Hypocrisy Of ‘Corporate Pride'

"The speed in which some companies cave to anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment shows the danger in entrusting Pride events to the care of corporations."