Mark Dayton

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Chief Judge Cleary to retire from Minnesota Appeals Court

October 15, 2019 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Court of Appeals Chief Judge Edward Cleary has announced that he will retire next spring.

The 66-year-old Cleary was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2011, and has served as chief judge since 2013.

Our View: Timing is right for mandatory civics education

Staff WriterMarch 5, 2019 GMT

We’ve all heard the reports: When it comes to basic knowledge of civics, today’s high school and college students barely know a vote from a veto.

Well, maybe it’s not really that bad, but the lack of knowledge about our government and how it works is dire enough that Minnesota legislators are again attempting to pass a bill that would require high school juniors and seniors to take a for-credit civics class.

House Republican seeks quick Walz decision on Line 3 appeal

February 6, 2019 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A House Republican says he hopes a decision by the Minnesota Court of Appeals prompts Gov...

Walz: Decision on proceeding with Line 3 lawsuit will be his

By STEVE KARNOWSKIJanuary 11, 2019 GMT

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz said Friday that he and his new administration will be "actively engaged" on contentious natural resources issues, including Enbridge Energy's plan to replace its aging Line 3 oil pipeline across northern Minnesota...

Gov.-elect Walz picks Harrington as new public safety chief

By STEVE KARNOWSKIJanuary 4, 2019 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov.-elect Tim Walz on Friday named Metro Transit Police Chief John Harrington, a former St...

Gov.-elect Tim Walz names first 5 commissioners

By STEVE KARNOWSKIDecember 18, 2018 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov.-elect Tim Walz named a former speaker of the Minnesota House as his transportation commissioner Tuesday and kept the budget chief who serves the outgoing Gov...

Dayton’s proudest accomplishments came late in his career

By STEVE KARNOWSKIDecember 17, 2018 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton says his proudest accomplishments in his 40 years of politics came late in his career: restoring state government to financial health and funding all-day kindergarten...

Minnesota lawbreakers beg your pardon this holiday season

By Jennifer BrooksDecember 16, 2018 GMT

It was pardon day in Minnesota. Four hours of high drama and heartbreak and small mercies for people who are trying hard to be better than they used to be.

In a hearing room at the State Capitol on Thursday, a father of five took a seat before a stone-faced panel made up of Minnesota Gov.

Minnesota governor in Mayo, suffers post-surgery lung damage

November 16, 2018 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's governor says he suffered lung damage while recovering from back surgery, keeping him at the Mayo Clinic for more than a month...

Herb Sam, Ojibwe leader and healer with broad influence in Minnesota, dies at 76

By Jackie CrosbySeptember 26, 2018 GMT

Years after he moved back to the reservation, Herb Sam still showed up at the Pow Wow Grounds coffee shop in Minneapolis on Friday mornings to lend an ear to a troubled soul.

He had his spot, said Robert Rice, owner of the gathering spot on Franklin Avenue.

Fate of Route 5 bus upgrade uncertain with lack of funding

By Janet MooreJuly 5, 2018 GMT

The air conditioning on the Route 5 bus one recent, rainy morning seemed negligible at best. The windows steamed up, creating a kind of communal cocoon for sodden passengers on their way to work, school, home, doctors appointments or perhaps no place in particular.

National Eagle Center has big plans for state funding

Spencer SuckowJune 14, 2018 GMT

The nearly $1.5 billion bonding bill signed by Gov. Mark Dayton on May 30 included a significant funding for a Southeast Minnesota landmark.

The National Eagle Center in Wabasha, known as one of the world’s most comprehensive resources on bald and golden eagles, received $8 million as part of the bill’s commitment to funding public works projects in Minnesota.

Our View: Pension reform shows what compromise looks like

Staff WriterJune 8, 2018 GMT

If you’re a glass-half-full optimist and looking for any reasons for hope of bipartisan compromise at the State Capitol, you can stop now.

Early next year, we’ll have a new governor, many new legislators and perhaps new House and Senate leadership.

Minnesota religious leaders oppose new Enbridge oil pipeline

By Mike HughlettJune 4, 2018 GMT

More than 500 religious leaders have signed a petition against Enbridge’s proposed new oil pipeline across northern Minnesota, with several planning to deliver a letter Monday afternoon to Gov. Mark Dayton and state utility regulators.

Bonding bill’s benefits for Minnesota outweigh its flaws

By Editorial BoardMay 31, 2018 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton gave Minnesota a much-needed infrastructure boost and the 2018 legislative session a measure of redemption Wednesday when he signed into law a $1.46 billion bonding bill the only one of the years three major bills to pass his muster.

Super Bowl LII adds up to $370M for Minnesota, report says

By Rochelle OlsonMay 29, 2018 GMT

The super cold Super Bowl LII brought big bucks, hotel bookings and lots of attention to the Twin Cities, according to an economic impact report by event planners released Tuesday by Gov. Mark Dayton.

Push to reform Minnesota’s flawed system for protecting seniors falls short at Capitol

By Chris SerresMay 22, 2018 GMT

In a blow to Gov. Mark Dayton and families of elder abuse victims, the 2018 Legislature adjourned without adopting a series of broad-based reforms to Minnesotas flawed system for protecting vulnerable seniors from maltreatment.

Gov. Dayton vetoes tax bill days before Legislature to adjourn

By J. Patrick Coolican and judy keenMay 17, 2018 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday morning vetoed a tax measure that includes income rate cuts, taking down one of the major bills of the legislative session and setting up a standoff with Republican lawmakers with only a few days to finish their work.

For Minnesota businesses, much riding on state tax code rewrite

By J. Patrick Coolican and Kristen Leigh PainterMay 14, 2018 GMT

Minnesota businesses with hundreds of millions of dollars at stake, and the prospect of a nasty tax filing season next year, are watching anxiously as state lawmakers and Gov. Mark Dayton figure out what to do with the states tax system.

So Creepy

Dave WilliamsMay 12, 2018 GMT

A mummified monkey that was found in the air ducts of a former department store in downtown Minneapolis last month is going on display.

The Star Tribune reports that the Science Museum of Minnesota plans to display the monkey in its St.

Minnesota House GOP debuts $825 million public works bill

By Jessie Van BerkelMay 3, 2018 GMT

Republicans in the Minnesota House proposed a $825 million public works bonding bill Wednesday that focuses on clean water infrastructure, improving roads and fixing up state buildings.

The public works package from the House’s GOP majority is dramatically smaller than the $1.5 billion proposal DFL Gov.

Cynthia Bauerly: Dayton’s tax proposal puts families, small businesses first

Cynthia BauerlyApril 22, 2018 GMT

State and federal income tax filing season has come to close, but a debate about Minnesota’s tax code is just starting at the Legislature, and it could impact your family’s budget next year and beyond.

The Pawlenty advantage: In governor’s race, he’s known

By LORI STURDEVANTApril 14, 2018 GMT

Heres a tiny Minnesota political quiz: Quickly dont think long or hard name a candidate for governor of Minnesota in 2018.

If you said Tim Pawlenty, youve helped me make todays point.

Hard-fought contests for governor are in progress in both parties, with three DFLers and four Republicans in the serious-contender echelons.

Taxes top state lawmakers’ agendas in second half of the legislative session

By Jessie Van BerkelApril 7, 2018 GMT

Heated debates over school safety and a Medicaid work requirement await Minnesota lawmakers as they return to St. Paul this week for the second half of the legislative session, where they also must zero in on basics like taxes and infrastructures.

Gov. Mark Dayton making his final State of the State, has much to do and not much time to do it

By Jessie Van Berkel and J. Patrick CoolicanMarch 14, 2018 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton will make his final State of the State address in the Capitol House chambers Wednesday, capping off a tenure in which he shepherded the state out of chronic budget deficits and focused on issues like education, equity and water quality.

National Eagle Center fans rally at Capitol for expansion money

By Emily AllenMarch 8, 2018 GMT

For Emily Durand, the National Eagle Center, perched on the Mississippi River in Wabasha, Minn., is a local and national treasure.

On Wednesday, Durand, 39, a principal project manager at Health Partners in Wabasha who also serves on the centers board, hopped onto a bus with her 8-year old daughter to take that message to the State Capitol in St.

Gov. Mark Dayton wants $1.5B for Minnesota infrastructure projects

By Jessie Van BerkelJanuary 16, 2018 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday proposed a $1.5 billion public works bonding bill, a list of some 218 building and construction projects around Minnesota that he says would boost the states economy and create nearly 23,000 jobs.

Mining supporters sue Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton over Twin Metals land access

By Josephine MarcottyJanuary 10, 2018 GMT

A pro-mining group in Ely said Tuesday it has refiled a lawsuit against Gov. Mark Dayton over access to state lands for copper-nickel exploration.

The group, Up North Jobs, argued that Daytons 2016 decision to halt exploration on state-owned lands near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness violated state law and deprived the area of economic development and jobs.

The Latest: Former VPs at swearing-in of 2 Senate Democrats

January 3, 2018 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the swearing in of two new Senate Democrats (all times local):

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Smith to join Senate, dive into campaign

December 31, 2017 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is vowing to "hit the ground running" as she joins the U...

Smith leaves as head of DMC board

Randy PetersenDecember 29, 2017 GMT

Since being formed in 2013, the Destination Medical Center Corp. Board has only known one chairwoman.

Today, that chairwoman sent a letter to the board announcing she is stepping down.

"I am proud of the work that we accomplished together and am confident that under your leadership DMC can continue to move ahead," Lt.

Minnesota AG’s office says GOP Senate leader can’t do 2 jobs

December 22, 2017 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Republican state Senate President Michelle Fischbach cannot legally keep her Senate seat when she becomes lieutenant governor, the Minnesota attorney general's office said Thursday...

Latest: Minnesota governor defends agency in police shooting

December 21, 2017 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Latest on the investigation into a Minneapolis police officer's fatal shooting of an Australian woman (all times local):...

Sen. Al Franken sets date for resignation: Jan. 2

By Jennifer BrooksDecember 20, 2017 GMT

U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., plans to resign from Congress on Jan. 2, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, who Gov. Mark Dayton appointed to replace Franken, will be sworn in the next day.

Tough work ahead for Tina Smith – on the Hill and at home

By J. Patrick Coolican and Jennifer BrooksDecember 16, 2017 GMT

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith’s political connections and savvy quickly united Minnesota’s ideologically and geographically diverse DFL Party behind her as Al Franken’s replacement in the U.S. Senate. Those same attributes will become a main emphasis of attack by Republicans next year.

Gov. Mark Dayton defends BCA after Mike Freeman’s comments on probe of Justine Damond’s death

By Brandon StahlDecember 16, 2017 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton on Friday offered a strident defense of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s probes of officer-involved shootings across the state after Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman was caught on video saying investigators “haven’t done their job” investigating the death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond.

Dayton, Fischbach pledge to work together in governor’s office

By Erin GoldenDecember 16, 2017 GMT

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and his incoming lieutenant governor, GOP Sen. Michelle Fischbach, met for the first time Friday to discuss their unlikely partnership, agreeing they could find common ground on some issues — but not on the still-open question of whether Fischbach must give up her seat in the state Senate.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith named to fill Franken seat

By KYLE POTTERDecember 13, 2017 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Lt. Gov. Tina Smith on Wednesday to fill fellow Democrat Al Franken's Senate seat until a special election in November, setting up his longtime and trusted adviser for a potentially bruising 2018 special election...

2 Democrats: Minnesota governor’s top choice mulling ’18 run

By KYLE POTTERDecember 8, 2017 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton's top pick to fill Sen. Al Franken's Senate seat, Lt...

The Latest: Dayton pressured on Franken appointment

December 8, 2017 GMT

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Latest on the fallout from Minnesota Sen. Al Franken's plans to resign following allegations of sexual harassment (all times local):...

Gov. Mark Dayton won’t talk U.S. Senate pick

By Erin GoldenDecember 8, 2017 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton said Friday morning that he will name a new U.S. senator “in a couple days” but declined to talk about who it might be.

Democratic Sen. Al Franken’s upcoming resignation leaves Minnesota’s governor with a big job: picking a replacement.

Gov. Dayton calls for new elder-abuse work group

By Chris SerresDecember 1, 2017 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton has called for a work group led by officials from Minnesota AARP to improve state oversight of Minnesotas senior care facilities, his second response to a Star Tribune series chronicling breakdowns in the states handling of elder abuse allegations.

Headed into final year, Gov. Mark Dayton ready to move on from long fight over House, Senate budgets

By Erin GoldenNovember 26, 2017 GMT

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton, heading into his final year in office, says he is ready to make a major concession to Republican leaders in the Legislature in order to win approval of several major initiatives on his wish list.

Special elections, governor’s race, Franken’s big problem

By J. Patrick CoolicanNovember 25, 2017 GMT

With the sudden resignations of state Sen. Dan Schoen and Rep. Tony Cornish, two special elections are now coming up, with Gov. Mark Dayton indicating he will call them before the Legislature convenes Feb.

Gov. Dayton issues new environmental targets for state agencies

By Erin GoldenNovember 22, 2017 GMT

Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday directed state agencies to begin working toward new sustainability goals, including reducing waste, dropping carbon emissions and cutting water and energy consumption.

The governors executive order sets targets for Minnesotas state government to achieve by 2027.

Amid public safety crisis,” Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe holds rally to protest impasse with county

By Kelly SmithNovember 21, 2017 GMT

Dozens of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and supporters rallied with state and local leaders at the Capitol on Monday over the monthslong policing dispute between Mille Lacs County and the tribe.

Gov. Mark Dayton, other officials apologize for Minnesota licensing problems

By Erin GoldenNovember 16, 2017 GMT

Four months into the problem-plagued rollout of Minnesotas new vehicle licensing system, Gov. Mark Dayton apologized Wednesday for its failures while the states top technology official conceded that the $97 million program should have undergone more testing before its release.

Minnesota Supreme Court upholds Gov. Mark Dayton’s veto of House, Senate budget

By Erin GoldenNovember 16, 2017 GMT

The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld Gov. Mark Dayton’s veto of the budget of the state House and Senate.

The high court ruled Thursday that Dayton’s line-item veto “complied with the plain language ...

For Dayton, policy and politics aligned on controversial PolyMet project

By J. Patrick CoolicanOctober 29, 2017 GMT

Since Gov. Mark Dayton came out in favor of a controversial proposal by PolyMet to mine copper, nickel and other precious metals in northeastern Minnesota, he and his allies have said that his support is guided by sound environmental and economic policy — not politics.

Minnesota mosque explosion ‘deeper and scarier’ than threats

By JEFF BAENENAugust 7, 2017 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in suburban Minneapolis, like other U.S. mosques, occasionally receives threatening calls and emails. Its leaders say they're more frightened now after an explosive shattered windows and damaged a room as worshippers prepared for morning prayers...