Dana Ferguson

@bydanaferguson.bsky.social

Politics correspondent for MPR News. dferguson@mpr.org

It has been almost a year since State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, had their peace of mind shattered when they faced political violence at their doorstep. Now, the Hoffmans say they hope to remain in public life, despite the risks to lawmakers and their families.

A year since violent attack, John Hoffman won’t let ‘evil’ win as he settles in for longer haul

State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, faced political violence at their doorstep last year. A year after an assassination attempt, they say they hope to remain in public life, despite the risk...

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The Minnesota Legislature concluded a tense session by authorizing construction projects, a financial rescue for safety-net hospital HCMC, new safeguards against fraud and price breaks for car and home owners. There was a flurry of activity right up to the end.

Minnesota lawmakers OK license tab cut, HCMC fix, construction project package in final flurry

Minnesota lawmakers used every minute afforded to them as the Legislature’s session came to a close. Several bills moved through in the final hours.

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As Minnesota lawmakers head into deadline week, proposals without a price tag reach a funnel. Bills without backing in both chambers could begin to fall away. That means proposals to limit firearms, weed out fraud or place restrictions on federal immigration agents in the state could be set aside.

Minnesota Legislature’s deadlines could filter high-interest bills this week

The Minnesota Legislature faces Friday deadlines to move bills without a price tag. Those that don’t make it will likely get funneled out for the year.

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A newly proposed MN bill suggests a series of changes to the state criminal code, teacher licensing requirements, MDE investigations, mandatory reporter training and school field trip requirements, all aimed at preventing grooming and child abuse in schools. www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...

Minnesota lawmakers weigh bill aimed at preventing grooming, abuse in schools

The proposed legislation would make grooming a felony, forbid school employees or volunteers from being alone with students during field trips and expand the state licensing board’s ability to suspend...

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Colin Hortman’s eight-month journey through grief brought cherished memories flooding back since his parents Melissa and Mark Hortman were killed in their home in June. He says he hopes their deaths remain a clarion call for toned-down political rhetoric.

After his parents’ killing, Colin Hortman is working through grief, searching for ways to honor them

As the Minnesota Legislature prepares to honor Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, their son Colin shares in an MPR News interview how he’s coping with grief and hoping their deaths remain a c...

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