Local
October 30, 2019
Jodi Harpstead, center, Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner (DHS), appeared in October before a Senate committee about the agency maki

Lawmakers grill new DHS chief on breakdowns in oversight

Jodi Harpstead pledged to fix gaps in oversight that led to tens of millions of dollars in overpayments.
Local
October 30, 2019
Davin Sokup

Minnesota carpenter would be the state's first openly transgender legislator

Southern Minnesota district could be a key battleground for control of the state Senate.
Politics
October 30, 2019
US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar holds a Medicare for All town hall with Rep. Pramila Jayapal and a number of other state lawmakers.

Minnesota Armenians upset Rep. Omar didn't support measure recognizing genocide

Omar was one of three members who voted "present" as the House voted overwhelmingly to approve the measure in a clear rebuke to Turkey.
East Metro
October 29, 2019
Jamokia Curry worked at Water Gremlin for two years and left this August. His daughter Ja'Naea, pictured, has tested high for lead. They are photograp

Battle brews over the state-ordered shutdown of Water Gremlin plant

While some employees demonstrated with their children at the Capitol to reopen the plant, others who had worked there have spoken out about fears of illness and health risks.
Politics
October 29, 2019
Legislative Auditor James Nobles addressed members of the Legislative Audit Commission on the results of its investigation into Medicaid overpayments

'Troubling dysfunction' at Minn. agency led to overpayments, report says

Legislative auditor said the $29 million in overpayments to two Indian bands for opioid treatment was "inexcusable" and called for deep reforms at DHS.
South Metro
October 29, 2019
Minnesota Correctional Facility - Shakopee warden Kathy Halvorson, from left, led Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville), Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and

Minnesota lawmakers urge changes for moms behind bars

Officials want imprisoned moms to have more time with kids.
Politics
October 29, 2019
Former vice president Joe Biden, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, greets attendees at the Polk County Steak Fry in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sept. 2

Biden in danger of humiliating loss in Iowa, top Democrats warn

That's according to nearly a dozen senior Democrats in the state, who cited a poorly organized operation that has failed to engage with voters and party leaders.
Politics
October 28, 2019
Candidate Nelsie Yang answered a question during the St. Paul City Council Sixth Ward candidate forum on Oct. 23.

St. Paul race for East Side seat draws diverse candidate slate

The candidates are split on what has become the most contentious issue of the election: whether to jettison the city's year-old program for trash collection.
Politics
October 28, 2019
Yasiel Santiago-Castillo, a senior at Henry Sibley High School, held a vaping device disguised as a hoodie drawstring. On his left is Rep. Laurie Halv

Legislators vow to crack down on teen vaping in 2020 session

Both parties plan measures to get nicotine products out of the hands of teenagers.
Business
October 28, 2019
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on whether to overturn a 2018 Trump administration rule that let states extend short-term, stopgap healt

Money saver or bad deal? Debate over short-term insurance policies heads to Senate

Debate over expanding these health policies heads to U.S. Senate this week.
Politics
October 27, 2019
Trump: ISIS leader killed in U.S. raid in Syria

Trump: ISIS leader killed in U.S. raid in Syria

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a military operation in Syria which targeted the ISIS group leader.
Politics
October 27, 2019
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar speaks at a town hall in Minneapolis in August 2019.

Impatient for change, progressives line up to challenge DFL incumbents

A bevy of progressives are challenging longtime Democratic incumbents in the Legislature in next year's elections, potentially sending more women, millennials and people of color to the State Capitol.
Politics
October 26, 2019
President Donald Trump addressed his supporters at a rally in Target Center in Minneapolis. ] President Donald Trump addressed his supporters at a ral

Some takeaways from the Star Tribune Minnesota Poll

Politics
October 26, 2019
In this Oct. 17, 2019, photo, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., smiles during a campaign stop at a coffee shop in Concord

Sen. Amy Klobuchar tries to build on post-debate upturn

Minnesota senator rides post-debate momentum, but hurdles lie ahead.
Politics
October 26, 2019

A vote for Venmo? One Minnesota lawmaker gives fundraising via payment app a try

Local
October 25, 2019

What four Minnesota Poll takeaways could mean for 2020 elections

Here are some observations about what the findings could mean for the 2020 elections in Minnesota.
Local
October 25, 2019
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., in Washington, Monday, June 24, 2019.

Sen. Bernie Sanders to return to Minnesota for Nov. 3 rally at the U

The Democratic presidential hopeful will appear Nov. 3 at Northrop auditorium.
Politics
October 25, 2019
In August, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) held a town hall in Minneapolis on Medicare for All.

Rep. Ilhan Omar tries to build record amid frequent stirs

The frequent presidential target says she prioritizes her district's concerns.
Politics
October 25, 2019
DHS compliance officer Faye Bernstein protested against mistreatment of whistleblowers outside of a rally for President Trump in Minneapolis.

DHS worker alleges ongoing retaliation for raising alarms over state opioid contracts

The legislative auditor expresses concern and is monitoring the situation.
Books
October 25, 2019
In promoting book, Clintons urge Minnesotans to make a difference in 2020 vote

In promoting book, Clintons urge Minnesotans to make a difference in 2020 vote

Hillary and Chelsea Clinton made a stop in Minneapolis to promote their just-released "The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience."

Minnesota Politics

Latest politics news from the Twin Cities, Minnesota and Washington, D.C., including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota Legislature, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.