Danny Spewak
@dannyspewak.bsky.social
KARE 11 political reporter covering Minnesota politics and the state capitol. Also, author with Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, "From the Gridiron to the Battlefield" ('21) and "Cardinal Dreams" ('24). Mizzou grad and St. Louis native.
With a shutdown underway, the Trump administration terminated $7.5 billion in energy grants to mostly Democratic states, including Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Commerce slammed the move as a potentially "illegal effort." Story: www.kare11.com/article/news...
With shutdown underway, Trump administration cuts billions in federal climate grants to Minnesota and other mostly Democratic states
Governor Walz said Thursday he fears the Trump administration is targeting Minnesota and other blue states as retaliation for the government shutdown.
www.kare11.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:36 PM
With a shutdown underway, the Trump administration terminated $7.5 billion in energy grants to mostly Democratic states, including Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Commerce slammed the move as a potentially "illegal effort." Story: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, will lie in state at the Capitol tomorrow. Here's a look back at her life and legacy in politics: www.kare11.com/article/news...
The life and legacy of Representative Melissa Hortman
Rep. Hortman, who served a six-year stint as House Speaker, was a longtime leader of the DFL caucus and one of Minnesota's most influential politicians.
www.kare11.com
June 26, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, will lie in state at the Capitol tomorrow. Here's a look back at her life and legacy in politics: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Reposted by Danny Spewak
In one of her final interviews, Rep. Melissa Hortman made a plea for more bipartisanship and face-to-face conversations, rather than social media echo chambers.
In one of her final interviews, Rep. Melissa Hortman expressed hope that 'people are starting to talk to each other again'
In one of her final interviews, Rep. Melissa Hortman made a plea for more bipartisanship and face-to-face conversations, rather than social media echo chambers.
www.kare11.com
June 17, 2025 at 10:41 PM
In one of her final interviews, Rep. Melissa Hortman made a plea for more bipartisanship and face-to-face conversations, rather than social media echo chambers.
State lawmakers aren't going to finish the budget in time to prevent some layoff notices from going out, but Gov. Walz and legislative leaders met again today, with the goal of a special session next week. The latest: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Gov. Walz, legislative leaders meet again to try and close out the state budget
Gov. Walz urges resolution of Minnesota's state budget as layoff notices loom. Legislative leaders push for a special session next week.
www.kare11.com
May 29, 2025 at 9:19 PM
State lawmakers aren't going to finish the budget in time to prevent some layoff notices from going out, but Gov. Walz and legislative leaders met again today, with the goal of a special session next week. The latest: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Minnesota lawmakers have given themselves a 5 p.m. deadline today to work out disagreements in budget bills, or else leadership might need to step in. Gov. Walz says he won't call a special session until that work is finished: www.kare11.com/article/news...
After missing deadline, state lawmakers return to Capitol to work out budget disagreements
If the legislature doesn't approve a budget by June 1, state employees would receive layoff notices about a possible government shutdown at the end of June.
www.kare11.com
May 21, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Minnesota lawmakers have given themselves a 5 p.m. deadline today to work out disagreements in budget bills, or else leadership might need to step in. Gov. Walz says he won't call a special session until that work is finished: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Joined by DFL lawmakers, a coalition of groups including faith leaders have gathered outside House chambers, in opposition to the budget compromise made that strips undocumented adults from state health care.
May 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Joined by DFL lawmakers, a coalition of groups including faith leaders have gathered outside House chambers, in opposition to the budget compromise made that strips undocumented adults from state health care.
Republican candidate Kendall Qualls launched his second campaign for Minnesota governor this week. On the DFL side, Gov. Walz has not yet said whether he's running for a third term. www.kare11.com/article/news...
Kendall Qualls to seek GOP nomination for Minnesota governor in 2026
Qualls is making his second attempt at the office, after losing the GOP endorsement to Scott Jensen in 2022.
www.kare11.com
May 14, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Republican candidate Kendall Qualls launched his second campaign for Minnesota governor this week. On the DFL side, Gov. Walz has not yet said whether he's running for a third term. www.kare11.com/article/news...
The Minnesota legislature may miss the May 19 deadline to pass a budget and will "very likely" need a special session, according to DFL leadership. Here's the latest: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Minnesota lawmakers likely headed for special session amid budget impasse
State lawmakers have until May 19 to pass the next two-year budget, but with negotiations ongoing, it now appears they may miss that deadline.
www.kare11.com
May 14, 2025 at 10:26 PM
The Minnesota legislature may miss the May 19 deadline to pass a budget and will "very likely" need a special session, according to DFL leadership. Here's the latest: www.kare11.com/article/news...
New today: A bipartisan Senate ethics subcommittee found that DFL Senate President Bobby Joe Champion didn't violate financial conflict-of-interest rules, but recommended that he do a better job disclosing potential conflicts in the future. www.kare11.com/article/news...
Senate subcommittee: Champion didn't violate financial conflict-of-interest rules with 21 Days of Peace funding
The subcommittee found that Champion's pro bono legal work didn't violate Senate rules, but members recommended Champion disclose potential conflicts in the future.
www.kare11.com
April 24, 2025 at 7:37 PM
New today: A bipartisan Senate ethics subcommittee found that DFL Senate President Bobby Joe Champion didn't violate financial conflict-of-interest rules, but recommended that he do a better job disclosing potential conflicts in the future. www.kare11.com/article/news...
In a few hours, Gov. Walz will deliver his first State of the State since returning from his unsuccessful vice presidential campaign. The speech is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside House Chambers: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Gov. Walz to deliver State of the State, here's what he will talk about
The address will be Walz's seventh since taking office and first since returning from the vice presidential campaign trail.
www.kare11.com
April 23, 2025 at 9:16 PM
In a few hours, Gov. Walz will deliver his first State of the State since returning from his unsuccessful vice presidential campaign. The speech is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside House Chambers: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Judge Susan Crawford, the liberal candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court, is making a stop in Hudson this morning ahead of next week’s election. Crawford is endorsed by former President Obama; her opponent, Judge Brad Schimel, is endorsed by President Trump.
March 26, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Judge Susan Crawford, the liberal candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court, is making a stop in Hudson this morning ahead of next week’s election. Crawford is endorsed by former President Obama; her opponent, Judge Brad Schimel, is endorsed by President Trump.
DFL Rep. David Gottfried has officially taken office, which ties the House of Representatives at 67-67 and triggers a power-sharing agreement between the parties moving forward.
March 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
DFL Rep. David Gottfried has officially taken office, which ties the House of Representatives at 67-67 and triggers a power-sharing agreement between the parties moving forward.
In a visit to a family farm in Cannon Falls, Gov. Walz blasted the Trump administration's latest round of tariffs, which he says "makes no sense." www.kare11.com/article/news...
In visit to family farm in Cannon Falls, Gov. Walz blasts Trump's latest round of tariffs
Walz said the Trump administration's move "makes no sense" and will hurt Minnesota's farmers as much as anyone.
www.kare11.com
March 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM
In a visit to a family farm in Cannon Falls, Gov. Walz blasted the Trump administration's latest round of tariffs, which he says "makes no sense." www.kare11.com/article/news...
If a bipartisan Senate bill moves forward, Minnesota would have a new statewide Office of Inspector General with the authority to investigate fraud across all agencies. The bill made its first committee stop today: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Minnesota Senate bill would create statewide Office of Inspector General to fight fraud
The idea has drawn bipartisan interest in both chambers, although it's not clear whether Gov. Walz would support the bill yet.
www.kare11.com
February 11, 2025 at 11:26 PM
If a bipartisan Senate bill moves forward, Minnesota would have a new statewide Office of Inspector General with the authority to investigate fraud across all agencies. The bill made its first committee stop today: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Gov. Walz says the House DFL made a power-sharing deal in “the best interest of Minnesota,” plus other thoughts on the budget, the Democratic Party’s public perception and his own political future: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Gov. Walz: Power-sharing agreement in House was made 'in the best interest of Minnesota'
In his first interview since the agreement, Gov. Walz said he supports the House DFL's decision that gave Republicans the speaker position for two years.
www.kare11.com
February 8, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Gov. Walz says the House DFL made a power-sharing deal in “the best interest of Minnesota,” plus other thoughts on the budget, the Democratic Party’s public perception and his own political future: www.kare11.com/article/news...
BREAKING: The Minnesota House stalemate is ending. Multiple sources say that the DFL and GOP have reached a deal:
— Rep. Lisa Demuth to be speaker for the next two years
— DFL to co-chair almost all committees if House tied again after March 11
— GOP to seat Rep. Tabke
— Rep. Lisa Demuth to be speaker for the next two years
— DFL to co-chair almost all committees if House tied again after March 11
— GOP to seat Rep. Tabke
February 6, 2025 at 2:10 AM
BREAKING: The Minnesota House stalemate is ending. Multiple sources say that the DFL and GOP have reached a deal:
— Rep. Lisa Demuth to be speaker for the next two years
— DFL to co-chair almost all committees if House tied again after March 11
— GOP to seat Rep. Tabke
— Rep. Lisa Demuth to be speaker for the next two years
— DFL to co-chair almost all committees if House tied again after March 11
— GOP to seat Rep. Tabke
BREAKING: Gov. Walz has officially scheduled the special election for House District 40B on March 11, which will determine whether or not the DFL returns the House of Representatives to a 67-67 tie
February 5, 2025 at 11:36 PM
BREAKING: Gov. Walz has officially scheduled the special election for House District 40B on March 11, which will determine whether or not the DFL returns the House of Representatives to a 67-67 tie
Reposted by Danny Spewak
Just moments after Simon forced the Republicans to adjourn again over the lack of a quorum, Rep. Peggy Scott followed the secretary as he exited the House floor to hand him an envelope containing a copy of the lawsuit.
Minnesota House GOP sues Secretary of State in attempt to strip DFL of salaries
The legal challenge, filed in the State Supreme Court, accuses Secretary of State Steve Simon of thwarting their attempts to penalize boycotting DFL members.
www.kare11.com
January 31, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Just moments after Simon forced the Republicans to adjourn again over the lack of a quorum, Rep. Peggy Scott followed the secretary as he exited the House floor to hand him an envelope containing a copy of the lawsuit.
Even after the Trump administration rescinded a memo related to federal grant freezes, state governments — including Minnesota — are still reporting confusion about how this will impact billions of dollars in assistance: www.kare11.com/article/news...
State governments, including MN, still have uncertainty following Trump's grant freeze
The Trump administration rescinded a memo related to a freeze on federal grants, but the White House says it's still blocking some spending to align with priorities.
www.kare11.com
January 30, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Even after the Trump administration rescinded a memo related to federal grant freezes, state governments — including Minnesota — are still reporting confusion about how this will impact billions of dollars in assistance: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Attorney General Keith Ellison says Minnesota has joined a federal lawsuit with nearly two dozen other states, challenging the Trump administration’s freeze on federal grants. “In his eight days in office, he’s forced me to figure out ways to sue him almost every day.”
January 28, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Attorney General Keith Ellison says Minnesota has joined a federal lawsuit with nearly two dozen other states, challenging the Trump administration’s freeze on federal grants. “In his eight days in office, he’s forced me to figure out ways to sue him almost every day.”
BREAKING: The Minnesota Supreme Court rules that a quorum in the House is 68 members, siding with the DFL in a decision that effectively shuts down House Republicans from being able to operate in the chamber during the DFL boycott.
January 24, 2025 at 10:09 PM
BREAKING: The Minnesota Supreme Court rules that a quorum in the House is 68 members, siding with the DFL in a decision that effectively shuts down House Republicans from being able to operate in the chamber during the DFL boycott.
We're expecting a quick decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments yesterday about whether the House GOP has a quorum to operate during the DFL boycott of the chamber: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Minnesota Supreme Court hears arguments in case that will determine whether House GOP can legally operate
The Supreme Court justices listened to oral arguments for more than an hour and are expected to issue a ruling quickly.
www.kare11.com
January 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
We're expecting a quick decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments yesterday about whether the House GOP has a quorum to operate during the DFL boycott of the chamber: www.kare11.com/article/news...
Chief Justice Natalie Hudson and the state Supreme Court listened to oral arguments today, in the case that will decide whether the House GOP has enough members to operate while the DFL boycotts. "What we have, is a co-equal branch of government that is completely dysfunctional."
January 23, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Chief Justice Natalie Hudson and the state Supreme Court listened to oral arguments today, in the case that will decide whether the House GOP has enough members to operate while the DFL boycotts. "What we have, is a co-equal branch of government that is completely dysfunctional."
Now that a State Supreme Court decision has pushed back a special House election, how long will the DFL boycott last? The latest from the capitol: www.kare11.com/article/news...
After Supreme Court decision, how long will Minnesota House DFL boycott last?
A court ruling late Friday will move back a special election by several weeks, raising the stakes even higher in the House standoff.
www.kare11.com
January 21, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Now that a State Supreme Court decision has pushed back a special House election, how long will the DFL boycott last? The latest from the capitol: www.kare11.com/article/news...
On the eve of the legislative session, the Minnesota House is still locked in a bitter power struggle -- with the latest twist involving a DFL swearing-in ceremony over the weekend. Here's where things stand right now: www.kare11.com/article/news...
On eve of session, Minnesota House still locked in bitter power struggle
Preparing for a possible walkout Tuesday, the DFL swore in members over the weekend, which the GOP called an illegal action.
www.kare11.com
January 13, 2025 at 10:39 PM
On the eve of the legislative session, the Minnesota House is still locked in a bitter power struggle -- with the latest twist involving a DFL swearing-in ceremony over the weekend. Here's where things stand right now: www.kare11.com/article/news...