Minnesota
‘Attempted coup’: Chaos reigns in half-empty Minnesota House
Chaos reigns in half-empty Minnesota House
Chaos reigned over the House on the first day of the Minnesota legislative session – with Democrats not showing up in an effort to prevent a quorum, and Republicans assuming power and pushing forward. FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard has the latest developments.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota appears to be in a constitutional crisis on day one of the legislative session.
Constitutional crisis
What we know:
The war over control of the House saw its first air strikes on Tuesday, with Democrats staying away and Republicans seizing control.
A half empty House greeted Secretary of State Steve Simon as he launched the 2025 session.
But after a roll call, Simon said there weren’t enough members to do any business.
“There being 67 members present, there is no quorum as required by the Constitution of the state of Minnesota,” the Secretary of State said. “The House may not conduct any further business and the House of Representatives is adjourned.”
“The House is not adjourned,” interjected Rep. Harry Niska, (R-Ramsey). “You do not have authority over the House of Representatives.”
MN House Republicans override Simon, declare a quorum [RAW]
After Secretary of State Steve Simon sent the House into recess after saying there wasn’t a quorum presence, the 67 Republicans present moved to remove Simon and instate Paul Anderson to take the roster. Anderson then declared there was a quorum, and Republicans voted Simon’s adjournment out of order. Republicans proceeded with business, with no Democrats in the chamber. Democrats had made good on their promise not to show up on the first day of the Minnesota Legislature.
‘Attempted coup’
Dig deeper:
As Simon walked away, Republicans took over and ran the day’s session as if nothing had happened.
They cast a unanimous vote for Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) as Speaker of the House, which would make her the state’s first person of color in the role.
The DFL caucus watched it happen from 30 miles away.
“What we saw today was an attempted coup,” said Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis).
DFL leaders explain absence from MN House
Saying they are protecting the “will of the voters,” leaders with Minnesota’s Democratic party explain why they were absent from the House of Representatives on Tuesday during the start of Minnesota’s legislative session.
Dozens of members made Shakopee headquarters for the day.
They called the Republican session a sham, but they recognize people across the state may have strong feelings when they see video of their empty seats.
“I would imagine that Minnesotans are irritated with both of us,” said Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park). “I would imagine that they’re irritated with us for not being there. And I would imagine they’re irritated with Republicans for wanting to throw out a duly elected member, especially on the day that the courts ruled that he clearly won.”
Room for agreement?
Big picture view:
Democrats have offered to give Republicans majority control until they’re no longer a majority, likely in February, instead of for a full two years.
Republicans say every offer they’ve heard is unreasonable.
“What we are offering is to come in,” said Rep. Demuth. “I am the Speaker of the House, and we look forward to working with them over the next two years in a reasonable way.”
What’s next:
Republicans say they intend to come every day and go about House business.
Democrats started their day in Shakopee with a judge ruling in favor of Rep. Brad Tabke.
Despite the ruling, Republicans are still threatening to vote not to seat Rep. Tabke.
Democrats will now go to the Supreme Court to stop Republicans from blocking Rep. Tabke and from ruling the House while they’re not around.
They’re hoping a ruling could come within a couple of weeks.
Minnesota
Over 840,000 Minnesotans Assist Aging Loved Ones, Shaping Their Daily Lives
UNDATED (WJON News) — A new report says hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are caring for a loved one.
The AARP says its report indicates 840,000 Minnesotans are caregivers for adults, providing care for older parents, spouses, neighbors, and other loved ones.
They spend about 480 million hours of care each year, work that would be valued at $11.1 billion per year if it were paid in the marketplace, based on a value of about $23 per hour.
AARP says family caregivers are averaging about 27 hours each week.
More than half, 57 percent, are providing high-intensity care, meaning they spend more hours helping with daily tasks like bathing and dressing, as well as complex medical and nursing tasks like wound care and administering injections.
AARP says these numbers are why it advocated to help secure Paid Family Leave and Medical Leave in Minnesota, giving family caregivers the ability to be there for their loved ones without sacrificing their jobs.
AARP also helps families navigate caregiving challenges by connecting them to resources.
Thanks For The Memories In MN Adam, SKOL Vikings
With the Minnesota Vikings waiving Detroit Lakes-native, former Minnesota State Mankato Maverick, Adam Thielen today, it’s only natural to go back and revisit his time with the hometown team. Here are some pictures of Adam in purple from his two stints with the Vikings, and his stats during his time with the Vikings.
Gallery Credit: Getty Images
Minnesota
Politics Friday: Mike Lindell ‘all in’ for Minnesota’s governor’s race with Trump backing or not
Minnesota
‘No King’s’ Flagship Protest Features Star-Studded Lineup Of Performers
Millions of people around the country will take to the streets this Saturday in the latest round of “No Kings” protests that aim to denounce President Donald Trump’s subversion of the rule of law and attacks on democracy.
“Masked secret police terrorizing our communities. An illegal, catastrophic war putting us in danger and driving up our costs. Attacks on our freedom of speech, our civil rights, our freedom to vote. Costs pushing families to the brink. Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant. But this is America, and power belongs to the people – not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies,” the NoKings website states.
The flagship event in St. Paul is expected to draw over 80,000 people to the Minnesota capital, including Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda, legendary folk singer Joan Baez, rock icon Bruce Springsteen, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
It is one of 3,000 events planned nationwide, according to organizers.
“Our goal is to continue to build a peaceful and nonviolent movement that gets us to the place where we have a healthy, functioning democracy, and communities and state and country where we can all thrive,” Indivisible Twin Cities event organizer Rebecca Larson told Minnesota Public Radio.
The rally comes in the wake of Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, which drew widespread national attention and resulted in the deaths of Americans Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents.
Springsteen, who is scheduled to perform at Target Center in Minneapolis later this month, penned a protest song in honor of Good and Pretti titled “Streets of Minneapolis.” He also plans to perform at the rally on Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.
“When you have the opportunity to sing something where the timing is essential and if you have something powerful to sing, it elevates the moment, it elevates your job to another level. And I’m always in search of that,” Springsteen told the publication.
Saturday’s gatherings are the third such mass protests under the “No Kings” banner, the first of which was held last June as a counter-event to Trump’s military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which also fell on the president’s 79th birthday. The second “No Kings” protest occurred in October of last year.
Since then, a litany of events has captured the nation’s attention, including immigration crackdowns, government shutdowns, the fight over the release of the Epstein files and the ongoing war in Iran. “No Kings” organizers plan to hone in on Americans’ frustrations with these issues to increase turnout and attention for Saturday’s demonstrations.
“Now, President Trump has doubled down. His administration is sending masked agents into our streets, terrorizing our communities. They are targeting immigrant families, profiling, arresting, and detaining people without warrants. Threatening to overtake elections. Gutting healthcare, environmental protections, and education when families need them most,” the organization states on its website. “The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings – and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”
-
Detroit, MI1 week agoDrummer Brian Pastoria, longtime Detroit music advocate, dies at 68
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago‘Youth’ Twitter review: Ken Karunaas impresses audiences; Suraj Venjaramoodu adds charm; music wins praise | – The Times of India
-
Sports6 days agoIOC addresses execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi
-
New Mexico5 days agoClovis shooting leaves one dead, four injured
-
Business1 week agoDisney’s new CEO says his focus is on storytelling and creativity
-
Technology5 days agoYouTube job scam text: How to spot it fast
-
Tennessee4 days agoTennessee Police Investigating Alleged Assault Involving ‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson
-
Texas1 week agoHow to buy Houston vs. Texas A&M 2026 March Madness tickets