News
There is only one ICE detainee left in Sherburne County jail
In a much publicized move a few years ago, Sherburne County offered up its jail to house federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees in an effort to make extra money. The county encompassing part of St. Cloud and that supported former President Donald Trump by 37 points in 2016, had hoped to rake in $100 […]
The Minnesota GOP is broke and struggling to contain the fringe
The Minnesota Republican Party is struggling with money, messaging and MAGA.
Lawsuit continues against racial preference in MPS teacher layoff policy — and other labor news
Take a seat in the Break Room, our weekly round-up of labor news in Minnesota and beyond. A lawsuit challenging a new policy that would shield Minneapolis teachers of color from seniority-based layoffs will proceed after the Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday overturned a lower court’s decision to throw out the case. The policy […]
Growing threat of political violence looms over 2024, former members of Congress warn
Former members of Congress are deeply concerned about political violence ahead of the 2024 presidential election, former Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama and former Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia said at a joint appearance this week sponsored by the liberal Center for American Progress and the nonpartisan McCain Institute. Jones, a moderate Democrat who lost […]
Family, lawmakers mourn trans woman killed in Minneapolis
Family members and friends of Savannah Ryan Williams, a transgender woman killed in Minneapolis on Nov. 29, gathered with lawmakers at the state Capitol Thursday to remember Williams and call attention to transphobia. A 25-year-old man, Damarean Bible, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Bible told police he shot Williams in the head […]
After Clean Water Act ruling, states that want to protect affected wetlands need millions
Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court stripped federal oversight from millions of acres of wetlands long protected under the Clean Water Act. Now, erecting safeguards to ensure those waters are not polluted, drained or filled in by developers falls to the states. They’re finding that it’s not easy. “States and tribes already didn’t have enough funding to support […]
Divided over immigration, U.S. Senate blocks advancing aid for Ukraine, Israel
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate failed to move forward Wednesday with a $111 billion spending package that would have bolstered aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the Southern border amid deep disagreement about immigration policy. The 49-51 procedural vote, which needed at least 60 senators to advance the bill toward final passage, represents a significant […]
Biden meets with leaders of tribal nations, signs order easing access to federal funds
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday that would make it easier for tribal nations to access and invest federal funding on their own terms. “It’s hard work to heal the wrongs of the past and change the course and move forward,” Biden said. “But the actions we are taking today are […]
FAFSA opening delayed; application will look different this year
A new version of the federal application for student aid will open by Dec. 31, two months later than usual. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, is how prospective college students access federal financial aid programs, including grants, subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans, which can be forgiven in certain circumstances. Many […]
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy to exit Congress, along with a flock of other lawmakers
WASHINGTON — Former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Wednesday joined the growing list of Congress members heading for the U.S. Capitol exits. McCarthy’s planned departure by year’s end, following the expulsion of disgraced New York Republican Congressman George Santos, will leave the House GOP with a razor-thin majority in 2024. The California Republican’s announcement also […]
State projects $2.4 billion surplus, but potential budget deficit looms
Minnesota’s budget agency on Wednesday predicted that the Legislature next session will sit on a $2.4 billion surplus, but if current trends continue, the state government will spend more than it takes in during the two-year period beginning July 1, 2025. The rapidly emptying punch bowl came as something of a shock to a political […]
State employee group suspended over alleged comments made at meeting on Israel-Hamas war
The war in Gaza continues to roil Minnesota politics and government, most recently causing a sharp division among a group of state employees who meet regularly to discuss racial justice issues. The Equity Justice Black Caucus is one of several state government “employee resource groups” in which state workers meet to discuss ways to support […]