Recent content from Emma Nelson
Minn. abortion battle turns to November and the ballot box
Groups on both sides of the issue have been preparing to take their case to Minnesota voters. Abortion could now be a defining theme of the 2022 campaign.
Current and former Minnesotans remember life before Roe v. Wade
Less than 50 years ago, abortion was illegal in most states. Some Minnesotans remember it well.
Minnesota becomes island for legal abortion access in Upper Midwest
Minnesota is flanked by states that immediately outlawed abortion when the Dobbs ruling came down, either through so-called "trigger bans" or by reverting to legislation pre-dating Roe.
With Roe overturned, Minnesota abortion opponents win a long-fought battle
Activism over decades elevated the issue to a fundamental tenet of the Republican Party.
Park and recreation projects in Minnesota cities get federal boost
Sites in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester will split $8.7 million in grants.
More COVID-19 'test-to-treat' sites coming to Minnesota
The White House will send clinical personnel to Minnesota to staff existing state-run testing locations, transforming them into "test-to-treat" sites where eligible patients can get a prescription for the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
Minnesota leaders' response to Texas school shooting shows political divide over guns
It's unlikely that grief will translate into policy changes.
Klobuchar highlights Minnesota ties to Finland, Sweden as they seek to join NATO
The two countries are seeking to join NATO in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Attorney General Keith Ellison easily wins DFL endorsement for second term
Delegates also endorsed Secretary of State Steve Simon, who is seeking a third term.
Minnesota DFLers endorse Walz, Flanagan for second term
The first day of the party's state convention focused on incumbents' track records and the possibility that Roe v. Wade could be overturned.
Minnesota DFLers work to build momentum in tough election year
With a slate of incumbents on the ballot, party activists are aiming to ramp up enthusiasm at this weekend's convention.
Minnesota's divided Capitol strikes end-of-session deal
Gov. Tim Walz said he and top legislative leaders have agreed to the "broad framework" of a deal to spend a historic budget surplus to cut taxes, spend money on classrooms and public safety.
State error means wealthy Minnesotans owe more taxes
The state collected about $38M too little in 2019 and 2020 from some of its wealthiest taxpayers.
Minnesota House votes to legalize sports betting, but obstacles remain
The measure is unlikely to move forward this session as key differences remain in proposals from the House and Senate.
Who's getting Minnesota's new 'hero pay,' and how will it work?
What you need to know about the Minnesota Legislature's agreement on coronavirus pandemic hero pay bonus checks for front-line workers. Who qualifies?
Dust off the growler: This could be the year Minnesota liquor laws change
Legislators say they're optimistic a measure allowing larger breweries to sell beer to-go could pass this session.
Leaked abortion opinion prompts outrage, hesitation
While procedure is constitutionally protected in Minnesota, the draft signaled that opponents may soon win a long-sought victory.
Mondale remembered: 'One of the finest men I've ever known'
The late Minnesotan climbed to the pinnacle of U.S. politics as an influential senator and vice president.
Minnesota could become an island for legal abortions
If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark abortion case, states like Minnesota could become islands for women seeking the procedure.
Family, friends and officials honor Mondale at U memorial
The event Sunday at Northrop Auditorium includes speeches from President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Gov. Walz signs pandemic pay, unemployment insurance deal
Bonus checks would amount to roughly $750 a person if all 667,000 eligible workers who qualified apply. Also, the House passed the Democrats' $200 million public safety and judiciary bill focused on addressing the root causes of crime.
Michelle Benson bows out of Minnesota governor's race
The Ham Lake Republican will not seek re-election to the state Senate.
GOP legislators pass 'tough on crime' public safety package
Senate DFLers pushed back on the Republican proposals, which focus on boosting law enforcement and strengthening criminal penalties.
Rep. Fischbach pushes bill to ease supply-chain woes
The SHIP IT Act would lift some restrictions for truck drivers transporting goods to and from ports.
Minnesota could expand support for immigrant workers, business owners
The proposed Office for New Americans would be housed in the state's employment and economic development department.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar pushes furniture safety standards
Federal legislation would require companies to test clothing storage products for safety and stability.
Walz leads GOP challengers in fundraising heading into midterm election
Republican donors are split among more than a half-dozen candidates for the nomination.
Minn. House Democrats pitch $1B boost in annual education spending; GOP offers far less
The Senate Republican proposal calls for about $30 million in spending on literacy.
Some Minnesota legislators want to rethink state flag
But some lawmakers contend that redesign shouldn't be a priority.
After Mpls. teachers strike reveals divisions, 'all eyes are on the district'
Appointing new leadership, rebuilding trust are among the tasks the district faces.
Klobuchar, Craig among bipartisan group pushing for U.S. energy independence
The Home Front Energy Independence Act focuses on expanding availability of E15.
Some Minneapolis educators of color say teachers' union sidelined them during negotiations
Others say they're proud of the tentative contract's wins.
GOP legislators propose paid family leave through private insurance
The measure is an answer to Democrats' proposal for up to 12 weeks of paid leave through a state-run program.
U.S. House passes CROWN Act barring bias based on hair
Rep. Ilhan Omar co-led the legislation, which passed the House largely along party lines.
Longtime Iron Range legislator Tom Bakk announces retirement
His retirement opens up an outstate seat at a time when DFLers are struggling to retain rural power.
For rape victims and police, 'a new beginning' with law named for former U student
The Abby Honold Act, signed by President Joe Biden, aims to improve law enforcement training on investigating sexual assault cases.
Do you remember life before Roe v. Wade? We want to hear your story
The Supreme Court is expected to rule this summer in a case that could determine the future of abortion access in the United States.
Minnesota Senate joins House in approving Southwest light-rail audit
Gov. Walz also supports a look at the project's costs, delays.
Citing possible voter fraud, GOP targets program for those at high safety risk
Safe at Home allows victims of intimate partner violence and others to shield their addresses from aggressors.
Former Viking Matt Birk joins Scott Jensen's gubernatorial ticket
Jensen is the first in a large GOP field of gubernatorial hopefuls to announce a running mate.
Minnesota tribes signal support for sports betting push
Yet bipartisan bills legalizing sports betting have a long road through the Legislature.
Klobuchar expects bipartisan backing for Biden's Supreme Court confirmation
The Minnesota senator and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee met with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Thursday.
Minnesota House committee hears bill that would ease sentencing for abuse victims
The Survivors' Justice Act would encourage judges to depart from sentencing guidelines for some offenders.
Minnesota House passes bill banning hair discrimination
It's unclear how the CROWN Act will fare in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Race to succeed late First District Rep. Jim Hagedorn begins
The filing period begins Tuesday for the special election to fill the remainder of the Republican's current term.
Klobuchar, McCollum reflect on international security conference focused on Ukraine
The two members of Minnesota's congressional delegation attended the Munich Security Conference alongside other world leaders earlier this month.
Minnesota DFL police recruiting bill encounters setback
The House majority leader's bill doesn't yet have buy-in from the Public Safety Committee chair.
DFLers unveil plan to recruit officers with 'strong moral character'
A new program would provide free tuition, bonuses and other incentives to attract high school and college graduates to law enforcement.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith calls for federal action on electrification rebates
The Minnesota Democrat co-chairs the congressional Electrification Caucus.
First District Rep. Jim Hagedorn dies at 59 after cancer battle
Hagedorn, a Republican, was serving in his second term at the time of his death. His wife, Jennifer Carnahan, announced the news in a Facebook post on Friday morning.
Push to curtail no-knock warrants clears Minnesota House committee
A hearing coincided with the funeral for Amir Locke, killed during a no-knock raid.
Minnesota legislators renew bipartisan sports betting push
A Senate proposal would allow in-person betting at tribal casinos and racetracks.
Senate Republicans introduce 'Minn. Parents Bill of Rights'
The package includes bills that would require districts and teachers to provide a wide range of information to parents.
Minnesota state senator injured in Morrison County snowmobile crash
Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, whose injuries included broken ribs and fractured vertebrae, said he will participate in legislative sessions remotely.
Report: Alcohol, drugs not a factor in Minnesota senators' snowmobile crash
An incident report says Sens. John Jasinski and Mark Johnson were traveling 10 mph when they crashed.
Minnesota attorney general sues hedge fund-owned landlord over maintenance problems
HavenBrook Homes allegedly failed to maintain properties and violated the statewide eviction moratorium.
Abortion fight takes on fresh urgency at Minnesota Capitol
With the U.S. Supreme Court weighing a rollback of abortion rights, both sides of the debate say this session — and midterm elections — are crucial.
First Lady Jill Biden touts federal child care spending during Minneapolis stop
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra joined the first lady in a visit to the University of Minnesota campus.
Scott Jensen leads Minn. GOP straw poll in governor's race
Kicking off election season, DFL activists focused on party platform on caucus night, while GOP caucusgoers voted for their preferred candidates for governor.
Legislators kick off session with big surplus, long list of priorities
DFL Gov. Tim Walz and both parties in the divided Legislature have outlined lengthy — and at times dueling — lists of priorities in recent weeks.
Hennepin County medical examiner seeks help identifying pregnant woman
The woman died at 3513 Hennepin Av. in Minneapolis, a release said.
Minnesota intimate partner homicides rose 40% in 2020
At least 30 Minnesotans were killed in domestic violence-related homicides last year. The intensifying violence followed national and global trends during the pandemic.
Abortion rights backers say Minn. shouldn't take its protections for granted
More than 100 people attended a rally at the State Capitol.
Minnesota is bracing for an increase in abortion demand
The U.S. Supreme Court decision on Texas' 6-week ban means more patients will travel to Minnesota for care.
In Minnesota and nationwide, COVID has complicated abortion access
Even as life returns to normal, financial and logistical hurdles remain.
Body recovered after apparent drowning in pond at Minneapolis' Loring Park
Crews responded Sunday evening after reports of a male struggling to swim in the pond at Loring Park.
South metro group pushes for electric school buses
Forum invites the community to join efforts for low-emission vehicles in districts' fleets.
Brooklyn Park hires consultant to study policing
It is the latest in a series of steps toward police changes that the City Council started taking after George Floyd's killing.
St. Paul explores powering Como Zoo with geothermal energy
Como plan part of St. Paul's effort to bring city buildings to carbon neutrality by 2030
St. Paul Mayor Carter launches commission to rethink public safety
The panel will study how city staff could respond to low-priority 911 calls.
St. Paul will pay for public art along Wheelock Pkwy.
As many as six projects are eligible for $20K to $50K.
St. Paul considers redirecting lowest priority 911 calls
City Council likely to back commission that will reimagine public safety.
Why does St. Paul leave alley snowplowing to its residents?
In St. Paul, many residents have to band together to hire plow drivers during the winter.
St. Paul wants state to help pay for North End Community Center
High school youth will partner with city officials to lobby for funding.
St. Paul to open day shelter in W. 7th neighborhood
A St. Paul fire station in the West 7th neighborhood is slated to become a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness.Fire Station 51, at 296…
