Winter storm warnings in northern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

There was a somber presence throughout the chambers on the first day of the Minnesota Legislature. 

 at the entrance to the Capitol were a reminder of the many acts of violence that have happened since the Legislature adjourned in June 2025 — shortly before former Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were assassinated.  

About two months after that June shooting, there was the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. And recently, two months of increased immigration enforcement action in the state saw the killings of Renee Macklin Good and Alex Pretti.  

In the House chamber, Hortman's colleagues paid tribute to her in a ceremony. There were flowers placed on Hortman’s empty desk, and state leaders recounted her mild manner and contributions to Minnesota.

Just outside the Senate chamber, Sen. John Hoffman ascended a flight of steps, where he was met with applause and a standing ovation from his colleagues on the Senate floor. 

Sen. Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also targeted by the same alleged gunman who authorities say killed Melissa and Mark Hortman.  

Hoffman called for a return to humanity and service in politics and urged his peers to work in good faith.  

"When you survive an attempted assassination, you look at the world differently. The noise fades and that posturing fades,” said Sen. Hoffman. “The chatter becomes irrelevant. What remains is what is truly important: family, community and the responsibility that we have to care for one another."

As the ceremony concluded, a string quartet played in the rotunda as lawmakers gathered for a reception.  

Afterwards, Gov. Tim Walz, who is not seeking reelection, outlined his approach to his final session as lawmakers now face a May 18 adjournment deadline.

“I’m not going to jam things through that put difficult situations on members who are working for a greater good, but it means I’m going to be the one in the middle of them that brings people together,” Walz said. “It means I think I can take difficult positions if it means getting things done.” 

Whether he and the Legislature are successful will be apparent by end of May. Today, though, was a day for remembering at the Minnesota State Capitol. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Politics and Government News

Shows

All Things Considered

On Air

Host

Author

The Minnesota Legislature began its new session by honoring the former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark after they were assassinated days after the last adjournment. Sen. John Hoffman returned to a standing ovation in the Senate.  

A somber first day marks the start of the legislative session 

A somber first day marks the start of the 2026 legislative session

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox