Local Government

The May 20, 2026, Tribal Council election resulted in four runoff elections set to take place in July and featured some very close contests in the sovereign nation.

The Itasca County Board of Commissioners decided May 19, 2026, to fly both the 2023 and 1983 versions of the Minnesota state flag outside the government center in Grand Rapids.

Hermantown officials are considering a tax abatement agreement with Google as more details emerge and debate surrounds a proposed data center development.

Candidates running for state office, U.S. Senate or House, the state Legislature, county office and in some cities and school districts have until June 2, 2026, to file.

The deal is Gov. Tim Walz’s last, as his term ends in January and he’s not seeking reelection. The deadlocked Minnesota House — jointly controlled by Republicans and Democrats — has tempered Walz’s ambitions.

Financial Controller Barb Baird said she brought the decision to the Council because other cities have been making similar moves.

As this week wears on, the bonding bill may become the Legislature’s main focus. When exactly that happens, largely depending on lawmakers resolving fraud and HCMC tax funding legislation, will help determine the package’s outcome.

With hundreds laid off and bleak economics, Iron Range leaders are warning elected officials to carefully plan their budgets over the next few years.

The Itasca County Board plans to decide on May 19, 2026, whether to fly the previous Minnesota state flag, possibly in addition to the present flag.

Minnesota lawmakers set a goal to remove lead lines from the state by 2033, but time is running out in the legislative session to renew funding.