Minneapolis City Council rejects police chief nomination, DFLers say ERA has a path forward

Here’s a quick look at news across the state Friday morning.

The Minneapolis City Council rejected the nomination of interim police chief Bill Peterson to take the position permanently. Peterson has worked for the department for more than 30 years. He was named interim chief in May after former chief Brian O’Hara’s resignation.

Democrats say they have a clearer path forward for a Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment as they prepare to take Capitol control. The amendment would ban discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability or sex. The amendment would also cover protections for pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

Minneapolis City Council recognized Transgender Day of Remembrance with an honorary resolution. Three transgender women who died in the last four years were named in the resolution, including Stella Nez Perce who was killed in October.

Minnesota state Rep. Dan Wolgamott was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of DWI. Wolgamott was booked into the Stearns County Jail on suspicion of driving while impaired and causing bodily harm. He has not yet been formally charged.

Minnesota is seeing its highest number of measles cases in 36 years, with 160 cases reported so far in 2026. With more measles cases expected in the coming weeks and months, health officials advise residents to review their immunization records and contact a healthcare provider, local health department or pharmacy if they need the vaccine.