The Minnesota Legislature kicks off the 2025 session Tuesday in a procedural thicket before it can even tackle the main priorities for the year, including a new state budget. Before lawmakers gavel in at noon, here are five questions — some of which have answers.
Colleges around the country have been taking heat for being too politically correct and stifling robust political debate. At the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the faculty is trying to tackle that problem.
NEWS ROUNDUP
🗳️ Meet the 9 candidates running in a special election to decide control of the Minnesota Senate. The recent death of Sen. Kari Dziedzic left a 33-33 tie in the Minnesota Senate. A special primary election for her seat set for Tuesday features seven DFLers and two Republicans.
🏛️ Minnesota DHS commissioner steps down. The head of Minnesota’s largest state agency is stepping down. Department of Human Services commissioner Jodi Harpstead announced Monday afternoon she’s leaving her role on Feb. 3.
⚖️ After second trial, jury awards $3.25 million to family of man killed by St. Paul police. Kim Handy Jones, the mother of Cordale Handy, opted for a second trial in her civil suit after a judge sharply reduced the initial verdict. A new jury awarded Handy Jones $3.25 million.
🏈 Rams overwhelm Vikings 27-9 in wild-card playoff game moved because of LA wildfires. The Los Angeles Rams beat the Minnesota Vikings to win 27-9 Monday night in an NFC wild-card game — sacking Sam Darnold a NFL playoff record-tying nine times.
🩺 Home care workers reach tentative contract agreement with state. The agreement includes wage increases for some workers and pathways to a retirement program. Union members hope changes bring more people to the industry, as it struggles to recruit and retain workers.
🎻 New tools, old ways help Duluth violin builder create an ancient sound. From a modest workshop in Duluth, Dan Larson and nine of his Gamut Music employees build stringed instruments and craft gut strings from the intestines of sheep and cattle, creating a sound that reaches back to the 16th century.
📝 From Sahan Journal: St. Paul encampment residents unsure where to relocate in face of impending eviction. St. Paul plans to evict a homeless encampment near the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary that is home to many Hmong residents. Yellow vacate notices say residents have to leave by Jan. 16.
📜 Trump is planning 100 executive orders starting Day 1 on border, deportations and other priorities. Trump told Republican senators about the onslaught ahead during a private meeting on Capitol Hill. Many of the actions are expected to launch on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, when he takes office.
Celebrate 20 years of music with The Current on Friday, Jan. 24, at First Avenue! Don’t miss Frank Black of the Pixies perform his solo album “Teenager of the Year” in its entirety with local Minnesota artists she’s green and DJ Jake Rudh opening the night.
