Author

Michelle Griffith

Michelle Griffith

Michelle Griffith covers Minnesota politics and policy for the Reformer, with a focus on marginalized communities. Most recently she was a reporter with The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead in North Dakota where she covered state and local government and Indigenous issues.

Brad Finstad to be sworn into U.S. House on Friday

By: - August 11, 2022

Republican Brad Finstad will be sworn into the U.S. House on Friday after winning a special election in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District.

Walz: Jensen’s COVID-19 stance is ‘killing people’

By: - August 10, 2022

Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday said in an MPR interview that his Republican opponent Scott Jensen's COVID-19 stance is 'killing people.'

Inmates file suit after state orders them back to prison from COVID-19 release

By: - August 9, 2022

Two inmates within the Minnesota correctional system filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the state’s Department of Corrections, seeking to stop the agency from ordering 18 inmates back into prison.  During the pandemic, the DOC released 158 inmates because of their susceptibility to COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions, through a conditional medical release program, which […]

Minnesota primaries are tomorrow. Here’s what you need to know.

By: and - August 8, 2022

Minnesotans who haven’t voted in the primary election have a final chance Tuesday, with a number of high-profile races including a DFL primary challenge for U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar from former Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels; a DFL primary challenge for U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum from progressive activist Amane Badhasso; a winnowing of the […]

Minnesota released some inmates who were susceptible to COVID-19. Now, 18 have to return.

By: - August 8, 2022

Eighteen Minnesota inmates who were released because of their health conditions now have to return to prison.

Traverse County Attorney attempts to intervene in Minnesota abortion rights ruling

By: - August 5, 2022

A county attorney in west-central Minnesota filed a motion Thursday to appeal a ruling that strengthened Minnesota abortion rights. Traverse County Attorney Matthew Franzese — through the law firm the Thomas More Society — said the motion to intervene comes after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced last week that he will not appeal a […]

COVID, crime dominate first gubernatorial forum at Farmfest

By: - August 3, 2022

MORGAN, MINN. — Gov. Tim Walz and his Republican opponent Scott Jensen shared a stage for the first time Wednesday at Farmfest, where they debated COVID-19, school spending and the government’s role in the lives of Minnesotans.  In an audience full of farmers and ag industry workers, crowds loudly cheered for Jensen when he criticized […]

Becker School Board delays vote on policy banning ‘inherently divisive concepts’

By: - August 1, 2022

The controversy comes amid a wave of school boards and states passing similar policies and laws aimed at discussions of race and sexual orientation.

Ellison declines to appeal state abortion rights ruling, cementing expanded access in Minnesota

By: - July 28, 2022

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said on Thursday that he will not appeal a judge’s ruling that expanded abortion access in the state, effectively strengthening rights for people to receive the procedure in Minnesota with fewer restrictions. A district court judge earlier this month struck down laws related to parental notification, hospitalization, mandated physician care […]

Democrats report more campaign funds than Republicans, according to filings

By: - July 26, 2022

A few notable names who donated to Democrats include a $10,000 donation from “Al Franken for Senate” and a $750 donation from former Minnesota Public Radio host Garrison Keillor.

Appellate court sides with unions in dispute over refund of fees

By: - July 25, 2022

By winning the case, the unions  prevented a wave of nonunion workers seeking refunds for pre-Janus fair share fees, which could have put a strain on public sector union finances.