Mark Dayton

Minnesota lawmakers have approved changes to a state program meant to hold down property taxes in rural Minnesota. The Senate approved the changes Thursday on a bipartisan vote of 45-15.

Gov. Mark Dayton's administration is seeking number crunchers to find fraud and waste in state programs including the Medicaid health program for the poor.

Gov. Mark Dayton has set up a Civil War Commemoration Task Force.Dayton said in a release that the task force will conduct public educational programs and encourage Minnesota organizations to participate in and develop programs that help expand appreciation for the Civil War.

Workers for Delta Airlines and other air carriers will have more leeway to trade work shifts when a new Minnesota law takes effect Friday. Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill Thursday that exempts airlines from a state statute requiring overtime pay for workers who put in more than 48 hours a week, in cases when the employees voluntarily agree to swap scheduled hours.

A decades-old debate over a new St. Croix River bridge is drawing U.S. Sen. Al Franken to Stillwater. The Democrat from Minnesota visits the city on Saturday to meet with local officials and tour the 80-year-old lift bridge. Franken hasn't taken a position on a long-delayed proposal.

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis talked with Governor Mark Dayton live on WJON this (Friday) morning on his weekly radio show. They talked about money for a bonding bill, Local Government Aid, extending the Northstar Commuter Rail line, and an offer for Kleis to head-up a new commission.

Major the police dog will help usher in a new Minnesota law that calls for stiffer penalties for harming or killing public safety animals. Gov. Mark Dayton planned to sign a bill with the changes on Tuesday.

Gov. Mark Dayton and the state's natural resources commissioner are unveiling legislation aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species in Minnesota. Zebra mussels and Asian carp are among the species concerning the state's outdoors managers.

Last week, brought high-altitude budget numbers from Republicans in charge of the Legislature. This week brings the nitty-gritty details at Minnesota's Capitol.

Larry Shellito has been confirmed by Minnesota's Senate as state Veterans Affairs commissioner. The former leader of the Minnesota National Guard won approval on a voice vote on Thursday.