State leaders are giving an update on avian influenza (H5N1) in Minnesota. Experts say while numbers are low in Minnesota right now, they’re preparing for the migratory bird season when the virus will pick back up again over the next several months.

Former St. Cloud City Council member Jeff Johnson announced his gubernatorial bid. In 2017, he tried to temporarily halt refugee resettlement efforts.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday said he will require state employees to report to the office on at least 50% of their scheduled workdays starting June 1.

Under a draft report by the council reviewed by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, the governor’s salary would increase from $149,550 in fiscal year (FY) 2024 to $174,775 in FY 2025 and $200,000 in FY 2026.

Minnesota’s governors enjoyed power to pardon, or commute the sentence of anyone convicted of a crime in state courts.

Tim Walz is away from Minnesota at a pretty crucial time for state governance. We could use him here, seeking bipartisan solutions as Democratic governors in Colorado and Kentucky are.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called a special election in late April for the Brainerd Lakes-area seat vacated by former GOP state Sen. Justin Eichorn, who faces a federal charge for allegedly soliciting a teenager for sex.