The National Education Association just lauded Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton an “America’s Greatest Education Governor" award, in part for increasing school funding and focusing on early learning. But critics say he represents teachers unions more than students.

Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi said Tuesday that the shootings that took place outside of an Austin night club around midnight Sunday was likely gang related. Five people were injured in the shooting mishap.

The veteran who lost both legs in the Iraq war says he missed two years of life with his children and that he's stepping down from politics to spend more time with his family. Kriesel gained fame in the Legislature when he became one of few Republicans to speak out against a move to ban same-sex marriage.

The family of a known Twin Cities gang member charged with a felony after posting on Facebook a tattoo that allegedly threatens a police officer said Friday the man was merely expressing frustration about the officer. Minneapolis police say Antonio Jenkins Jr., 20, of St. Louis Park posted the photo in late October showing a tattoo of a pig dressed as a Minneapolis police officer with a person holding a gun in the pig’s mouth.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied an appeal Friday from Gov. Mark Dayton for aid for individuals and businesses affected by floods in northeastern Minnesota in June. Dayton said he was "disappointed" by FEMA's ruling and that he'll ask the state legislature for an estimated $7.4 million in assistance in an upcoming special session.