Stories from November 6, 2024

Expecting a tie in the Minnesota House, party leaders look to share power
Two House speakers at the same time isn’t an option, but DFL and GOP leaders said Wednesday they may divide up which party takes the speakership and which party holds lead positions on key committees. 
The race for Minnesota's House of Representatives could well result in an even 67-67 split between parties, with two anticipated recounts. The last — and only time — the house was tied was in 1979. And it was another election with high voter turnout in Minnesota. About 76 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, according to the state's initial estimates.
How dead stuff at the bottom of the ocean helps slow the pace of climate change
The oceans play a big role in preventing the Earth from getting even hotter due to climate change. That's thanks to the ocean's natural waste recycling system, a process that's still mysterious.
Germany's coalition government collapses as Chancellor Scholz fires his finance chief
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, paving the way for a confidence vote by parliament in January that is expected to lead to early elections next March.
Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Johnson on potential House split, narrowing DFL control
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer on Wednesday morning to talk about the 2024 election results, the tightening DFL trifecta, Republican voter turnout and bipartisan cooperation at the state level.
Minnesota Democrat, Republican analysts parse 2024 election results
Democratic Commentator and Attorney Abou Amara, former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Republican Amy Koch and GOP political operative Jennifer DeJournett joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer Wednesday morning to parse the results of the 2024 election.
Special counsel Jack Smith taking steps to wind down federal cases against Trump
Special counsel Jack Smith is taking steps to end both federal cases against Trump before the president-elect takes office, according to a source familiar with the Justice Department deliberations.
What’s the world saying about Trump’s win? Here are the leaders who’ve commented
Leaders from around the world congratulated Donald Trump on his presidential election victory, as governments prepare for his return to the White House and the potential impact that will have.
As repeat looms, former house speaker, journalist recall 1979 state House split
Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum and retired political reporter Lori Sturdevant both spoke with MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer Wednesday morning to recall their lived experience of the 1979 split state House — as history is poised to repeat itself.
Sen. Klobuchar’s reelection semi-soured by Trump presidential win
Klobuchar told MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer Wednesday morning that her victory was somewhat soured by President-elect Donald Trump’s win and some of her chambermates failing to win their own reelection bids.
A deadlocked Minnesota House? We’ve been here before
The Minnesota House of Representatives appears headed for a tie — with Republicans and Democrats in a 67-67 split, if current election results hold. The state has seen this situation play out before.
Voters overwhelmingly back Minnesota lottery spending on environmental projects for another 25 years
More than 77 percent of voters backed a constitutional amendment that continues to funnel tens of millions of dollars of Minnesota’s lottery proceeds into environmental research and natural resource protection efforts for another 25 years.
How Trump won a second term as president in 2024
Trump’s overall closing focus on the economy and immigration ultimately resonated with enough Americans — more than the message from Harris, who called for unity and warned that Trump was a “petty tyrant” obsessed with revenge.
Areas of dense fog early Wednesday, then spotty sunshine returns
Dense fog is expected early Wednesday morning, reducing visibility to less than one-quarter of a mile at times. Spotty sunshine will break through with mainly dry conditions. A pleasant warming trend will follow with temperatures reaching the mid-50s by Friday.
In Minnesota politics, the more things change, the more they stay the same
Tuesday’s election resulted in sweeping victories for Republicans across the nation. An initial look at Minnesota’s results, however, suggests Minnesotans voted in much the same way that they had in previous elections.
Trump wins the White House in political comeback rooted in appeals to frustrated voters
Donald Trump was elected as the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday. He is the first person convicted of a felony to win the White House and the first former president to regain power since 1892.
Abortion rights advocates win in 4 states and clear way to overturn Missouri ban but lose in Florida
Abortion rights advocates lost on a Florida ballot measure but prevailed in four other states, including Missouri, where an amendment clears the way to undo one of the nation’s strictest bans.
Trump on verge of clinching presidency after win in Pennsylvania
Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, putting him just three electoral votes shy of defeating Kamala Harris to win the White House. A victory in Alaska or any of the outstanding battleground states — Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona or Nevada — will send the Republican former president back to the Oval Office.
Democrat Sarah McBride wins election to U.S. House in Delaware’s 1st Congressional District
Democrat Sarah McBride won election to a U.S. House seat representing Delaware on Tuesday. With her victory over Republican John Whalen III, McBride is poised to become the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress.
‘Should have never happened’: Group in halfway house wrongly told they can’t vote
The Minnesota Department of Corrections is reminding transitional housing providers that people with a felony record are allowed to vote unless they are in prison or jail under a law that went into effect in June 2023.
Minnesota’s Secretary of State says early voter turnout on election day has been high. Steve Simon said he’d been able to reach 20 of Minnesota’s 87 counties by noon, all of whom were reporting that the voting process was going well.