GOV. TIM WALZ

Minnesota budget surplus grows slightly to $2.4B. But officials warn of potential trouble ahead

ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota’s budget picture remains stable in the near term, with a slightly higher than expected surplus heading into the 2024 legislative session. But there are clouds on the horizon, officials announced Wednesday. An updated forecast from Minnesota Management and Budget projects a surplus of $2.4 billion in the two-year budget period that runs through June of 2025. That is up $808 million…

Walz Hosts 21st annual Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener in Lanesboro, Minnesota

FILLMORE CO., Minn. (KVRR) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gets the deer hunting season going in the state with the 21st annual Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener. He traveled to Lanesboro on Saturday, in far southeastern Minnesota, and was hosted by Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. Walz was joined on the hunt by Jim Vagts, a former Board of Animal Health…

President Biden Brings His Rural America Investment Message to Southern Minnesota

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (KVRR/AP) — President Joe Biden is in Minnesota. He stopped by a family farm in Northfield, just south of the Twin Cities, to announce over $5 billion to support rural communities. It will go toward better adapting agriculture to climate change, as well as expanding high-speed internet access and improving infrastructure. The funding comes from infrastructure and inflation…

Minnesota’s would-be head of cannabis regulation quits amid reports she sold illegal products

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The recently appointed director of Minnesota’s new marijuana regulatory agency Erin Dupree has resigned amid reports that she sold illegal cannabis products in the state. Dupree ran a business that sold products exceeding state limits on THC potency, owed money to former associates and accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in tax liens, Minnesota Public Radio…

Police groups begin petition drive asking Gov. Walz to call special session

ANOKA, Minn. – Leading law enforcement organizations have launched a petition drive as they continue pushing Gov. Tim Walz to call a special session to fix what they call an unclear new state law on when school-based officers can use certain restraint holds on students. House Speaker Melissa Hortman, in a letter to city officials in the Anoka-Hennepin School District…

Gov. Walz names Natalie Hudson as new Chief Justice

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) — Gov. Tim Walz promotes Natalie Hudson to become the next chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, making her the first person of color to lead the court. Hudson has been an associate justice since 2015. She will lead the high court when current Chief Justice Lorie Gildea retires in October. The Plummer, Minnesota native…

Minnesota Aims To Boosts Outdoor Recreation Industry Through Tourism and Jobs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) — Four state agencies in Minnesota are combining forces to expand the state’s ten billion dollar outdoor recreation industry. Gov. Tim Walz says “From the North Shore to the Winona bluffs, tourism is central to telling the story of who we are as a state”. Walz says the partnership will highlight Minnesota’s world-class natural resources and…