Minnesota Today

Some of the top Minnesota statewide headlines for September 16, 2025

• Gov. Tim Walz Announces Bid for Third Term
  Governor Walz officially declared he will run for a third term in 2026. He emphasized unfinished work on issues such as lowering costs, expanding healthcare, improving education, gun violence prevention, and protecting civil rights.

• Special Election for House Seat of Assassinated Rep. Melissa Hortman
  Voters are heading to the polls in House District 34B (Brooklyn Park) to fill the seat left vacant by the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman. The outcome could shift control of the Minnesota House: a Democratic win would reinstate a 67-67 split, while a Republican win would give GOP control.

• Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Sales Begin
  Licensed adult-use cannabis sales are launching across several dispensaries in Minnesota starting September 16-17. Companies like Vireo Growth and Green Thumb are beginning legal operations under the state program.

• Mass Shooting & Public Safety Concerns at Encampment in South Minneapolis
  An encampment in south Minneapolis has been the site of a shooting that wounded eight people. Following the shooting, city officials have begun clearing the encampment (which is on private property) citing safety and public health concerns.

• Legislative Proposal to Toughen Penalties for Impersonating Law Enforcement
  In a Senate working group hearing, a bill introduced by Senator John Hoffman (via Senator Ron Latz) would increase penalties for impersonating a peace officer. It would make such acts a felony, with significant fines and possible prison time. The proposed penalties scale up if a vehicle or building resembling police is used.

• Annunciation Catholic School Students Return to Classes After Shooting
  Students at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis are resuming in-person classes after a mass shooting that killed two children and injured many. The school is implementing supportive activities and extra security.