Dana Ferguson
Stories
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Democratic Gov. Tim Walz drops out of the race for Minnesota governor
Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has decided to step out of the 2026 race for governor. He's clashed with Trump and been dogged by reports of fraud in state-run social services programs.
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Trump Administration heightens fraud charges against Minnesota, pauses day care funds
The Trump administration says its stopping federal funds to Minnesota because of fraud. The day cares and the state are fighting back.
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Rideshare union rights, social media limits and other state laws taking effect Jan. 1
Every new year, public media reporters across the country bring us some of the new state laws taking effect where they are. Here are six in 2026.
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States up security for lawmakers after high-profile assassinations
Whether it's letting campaign funds be spent on security, stepping up safety at capitols or paying for home security, states are augmenting ways to protect lawmakers after high-profile assassinations.
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Energy Department canceling over $7 billion in funding for clean energy projects
Sixteen states that voted for Kamala Harris last year could see their clean energy projects defunded. Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, says it's politically motivated.
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Lasers provide some bird flu protection for turkey producers in Minnesota
Migrating birds can be a pleasant seasonal sight, but they're a bird flu threat to turkey farmers. In Minnesota, some are using lasers to scare them away.
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Two months after shootings, Minnesota politicians pledge to cool the rhetoric
After two state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in Minnesota, other politicians in the state have signed a pledge to seek out common ground and cool their rhetoric.
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Minnesota is set to include warning labels on social media sites.
This time next year, anyone logging onto social media in Minnesota will see a warning that the sites can harm their mental health. Social media companies want to block enforcement of the new law. A law in New York may not be too far behind.
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Mental health warnings on social media? Minnesota will require them next year
Supporters say the pop-up messages could encourage Minnesotans, especially kids, to think twice about how much time they spend on sites. Social media companies argue that the law is heavy-handed.
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These Democratic governors are trying to curb health care for unauthorized immigrants
After expanding state Medicaid programs to cover people in the country without legal status, Democrats are considering changes that would reduce immigrant access.
