State and local taxes and spending
WDIO: Cook County approves 2026 property tax levy
Austin Daily Herald: Mayors sign letter to state leaders questioning management of local and state finances, seeking information
Fox News: This is ‘killing our taxpayers’: Minnesota mayor on alleged fraud scandal
Star Tribune: Opinion | Be alarmed at how cities are using tax increment financing
Economic growth
Duluth News Tribune: Local View: Duluth’s strengths make us more resilient to economic challenges
Duluth News Tribune: Local View: To grow its economy, Duluth must do the work
Technical.ly: Minneapolis–St. Paul has the ingredients for faster startup growth. Can it take the next step?
Regulation
KIMT 3: Minnesota’s minimum wage to hit $11.41 in 2026
KROC: Minnesota Minimum Wage Increase Confirmed for 2026
Wadena Pioneer Journal: Paid leave applications open one day early for workers and families statewide
KNSI: Minnesota Paid Leave Applications Open Early
Fox 9: Minnesotans can now apply for new paid leave
Kare 11: Applications now open for new Minnesota paid leave program
MPR News: Ahead of Jan. 1, signups start for Minnesota’s new paid family leave program
Star Tribune: With launch day nearing, all eyes on Minnesota’s new paid leave program
KTTC: MN launches Paid Leave portal ahead of Jan. 1st rollout date
KAAL TV: Minnesota paid family leave applications open Wednesday
Knox Radio: Minnesota Rolls Out New Paid Leave Benefit
St Cloud Times: Minnesota’s minimum wage increases Jan. 1. What to know
Willmar Radio: New State Employment Laws Take Effect January 1
CBS News: Paid leave officially launches in Minnesota
Labor market
Star Tribune: For this year’s roughly 10,000 laid-off Minnesotans, holidays are bittersweet
Economic development
MPR News: The year of data centers? Debate, investment heated up in Minnesota in 2025