Politics and Government News

Stay updated with the latest political and government news. MPR News covers local, state and national politics, providing in-depth analysis and updates on policies, elections and governmental actions.

Childhood friend says Minnesota suspect had ‘darkness inside of him’
A lifelong friend of the alleged Minnesota gunman says Vance Boelter had been struggling to find work and was wrestling with a “darkness that was inside of him” at the time of the shootings. But David Carlson told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his friend's involvement was as surprising as “getting struck by lightning.”
Data centers face new regulations, some worry they fall short of protecting water, residents
The largest “hyperscale” data centers can consume millions of gallons of water a year, and use as much electricity as an entire large city. Some environmental and citizen groups who pushed for tougher rules don’t think the bill goes far enough to protect the state’s water supply and consumers.
Sen. Smith calls out Utah lawmaker’s posts about political shootings
Soon after the shootings of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman and their spouses, Republican Sen. Mike Lee took to social media to make baseless claims about the alleged shooter’s connection to the political far left.
Kraft Heinz to remove artificial dyes from all products, like Jell-O and Kool-Aid
By 2027, Kraft Heinz says all artificial food dyes will be replaced with natural colors. The move comes two months after federal officials called on food companies to stop using synthetic dyes.
Politics Friday special: Walz, Demuth, Flanagan remember Rep. Melissa Hortman
Minnesotans are mourning and remembering the life of Rep. Melissa Hortman. MPR News hosts Nina Moini and Brian Bakst walk us through a series of interviews with some of Minnesota’s top political leaders.
U.S. abortion clinics are closing even in states where abortion is legal. More cuts could be coming
Three years after the fall of Roe v. Wade, the funding system for abortions is battered. Clinics and the groups that help women pay for abortion and travel costs say contributions have fallen from their peak.