Sandman champions the ‘disenfranchised’ with 3rd-party District 8 bid

Ray "Skip" Sandman, the Independence Party of Minnesota candidate for District 8, was not shy with his criticism for his opponents in both the DFL and GOP. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch As is often the case, U.S. representatives have to think more in the short term than other positions in national government on account of their two-year terms-an election cycle leading to constant campaigning and fundraising and a focus on pertinent, immediate legislation.

Minnesota House approves school safety funding package

A school safety funding package that would give Minnesota schools more money for building safety improvements, hiring counselors and school resource officers, and other expenses won the approval of state lawmakers Thursday. The school safety budget plans approved by the Republican-majority House largely mirrors a $21 million proposal offered by DFL Gov. Mark Dayton earlier this year.

Audit finds Minnesota preschool programs – complex and fragmented’

Minnesota does a lot to prepare children for elementary school, but its often tough for families to find the right program, leaving some children without the head start they need to succeed. Those are the findings of an analysis of Minnesota's early learning programs released Thursday by the state Legislative Auditor, a government watchdog.

Soil and Water Stewardship Week is April 29-May 6

St. PAUL-In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesotans have a great love for their lakes, rivers, streams and the great outdoors. For over 70 years, Minnesota's soil and water conservation districts have been hard at work protecting the state's critical soil and water resources by working with landowners on programs and practices that support conservation, healthy working lands and clean water.

Judge asked to reject pipeline protester’s evidence request

The government is asking a federal judge to reject a request for evidence to be returned to a New York City woman who suffered a serious arm injury in an explosion while protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota. Prosecutors contend authorities properly obtained the shrapnel and clothing from Sophia Wilansky while she was hospitalized in Minnesota following her November 2016 injury.

Sun Country now says it will reimburse some costs for stranded Mexico fliers

Sun Country Airlines now says it plans to reimburse passengers left stranded in Mexico after the carrier canceled its last flights of the season following a late-season blizzard in Minnesota. Instead of extending its schedule or sending charters to bring home about 250 passengers from the Mexican resort cities of Cabo San Lucas and Mazatln, Sun Country opted instead to refund fliers' fares and then told them they were on their own to find a new way home.

Former Minnesota FBI agent cites racism in explaining leak

A black former Minnesota FBI counterterrorism agent pleaded guilty Tuesday to leaking classified documents to a reporter, saying in a statement that he knew it was illegal but felt he had to act against a culture in the bureau that often treats minority communities with suspicion and disrespect. Terry J. Albury, 39, appeared in federal court in St. Paul on one count of unauthorized disclosure of national defense information and one count of unauthorized retention of national defense information.

Minnesota’s two largest export markets push for NAFTA renewal

Minnesota's two largest export markets are touting the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which may be headed for a renewal in Washington as early as next month. Canadian Consul General Paul Connors and Mexican Consul Gerardo Guerrero, who spoke Tuesday at a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce breakfast, have been on the road pitching the value of NAFTA to Minnesota factories, farmers and workers.

VP Pence visit aims to fire up Minnesota Republicans

Gallery: Vice President Mike Pence shook hands with one of the guests who had been waiting to greet him at the Minnesota National Guard - 934th Airlift Wing Tuesday afternoon. Gallery: Vice President Mike Pence waved to the crowd of guests waiting to greet him at the Minnesota National Guard - 934th Airlift Wing Tuesday afternoon.

Man who tried to wed laptop pushes anti-porn bill across US

William Strampel, a high-ranking Michigan State University official, h... A Michigan State University official who oversaw Larry Nassar is facing criminal charges amid an investigation into the handling of complaints against the former sports doctor. A Michigan State University official who oversaw Larry Nassar is facing criminal charges amid an investigation into the handling of complaints against the former sports doctor.

‘Eggs & Issues’ legislative forum over, easy

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Matt Kilian , Rep. John Poston, Sen. Paul Gazelka, Rep. Josh Heintzeman, Rep. Dale Lueck and Sen. Carrie Ruud wait to be introduced at the annual Eggs & Issues Minnesota Legislative Forum featuring Brainerd lakes area legislators at a panel discussion at Madden's on Gull Lake on Friday, March 23. Frank Lee / Brainerd Dispatch In lieu of a magic crystal ball, Brainerd lakes area businesses hoped to get a glimpse into the future by asking area legislators to be prognosticators at an event at Madden's on Gull Lake.

Pawlenty Files With Campaign Finance Board: ‘Final Announcement Soon’

Tim Pawlenty said in a statement that he filed a campaign committee Monday with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, and will make a final announcement on his candidacy "soon." Speculation swirled for weeks about Pawlenty's possible entry into the already crowded race, and with Monday's filing, it seems more likely than ever.