Politics and Government News

MPR News is your hub for the latest politics and government news coverage. Whether you're looking for the status of a recent Supreme Court ruling, or want updates on Minnesota's newest laws, we have comprehensive state and national news coverage ready for you.

October 26, 2023 4:00 AM

Minnesota school boards and their powers: 3 key questions, answered

Elected school boards are at the top of the accountability chain in Minnesota school districts, overseeing school administration, curriculum and governance while answering to voters. But how much power do they have and what does the job entail?

by Kyra Miles

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October 26, 2023 4:00 AM

In Duluth, hard-fought mayoral campaign nears finish

On Nov. 7, Duluth voters will decide the city’s most contested mayoral election in 15 years, in a contest that pits two-term incumbent Emily Larson, the city’s first woman to be elected mayor, against attorney and former state legislator Roger Reinert.

by Dan Kraker

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October 25, 2023 7:10 PM

Who is Mike Johnson? New House speaker is a strong Trump ally and a quiet force among Republicans

A low-key lawmaker in Congress for less than a decade, new House Speaker Mike Johnson isn’t recognizable to most Americans. But the social conservative and devoted ally of former President Donald Trump has been a quiet force within the Republican conference he now unexpectedly leads.

by The Associated Press

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October 25, 2023 4:26 PM

New Clarence Thomas ethics questions about forgiveness on luxury RV loan

In August, The New York Times reported that Anthony Welters, a wealthy friend of Thomas's, loaned him $267,000 to buy the RV.

by Nina Totenberg

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October 25, 2023 2:57 PM

Trump takes the stand and is fined $10,000 for violating a gag order in fraud case

The former president questioned the political leanings of the judge in the case and another person. The judge inferred that to mean Trump was referring to his clerk.

by Ximena Bustillo

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October 25, 2023 12:56 PM

GOP picks Louisiana Rep. Johnson as speaker, ending House chaos for now

Republicans eagerly elected Rep. Mike Johnson Wednesday, elevating a deeply conservative but lesser-known leader to the House’s highest post.

by The Associated Press and MPR News Staff

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October 25, 2023 12:06 PM

Siding with Trump, the ACLU says a judge's gag order in Jan. 6 case is too sweeping

The ACLU says a judge’s gag order against former President Trump restricts too much of his speech on matters of public importance.

by Carrie Johnson

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October 25, 2023 8:01 AM

President Biden coming to Minnesota next Wednesday

President Joe Biden is set to travel to Minnesota next week, the White House announced Tuesday.

by Dana Ferguson

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October 25, 2023 4:00 AM

Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer becomes latest casualty of House GOP's ongoing speaker skirmish

Tom Emmer’s hopes of becoming U.S. House speaker were boosted then dashed within hours. The Minnesota Republican congressman wasn’t seen as conservative enough by some House peers.

by Mark Zdechlik

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October 24, 2023 11:16 PM

House to enter 22nd day without a speaker, but with a new nominee for the job

House Republicans selected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana to be their latest candidate for speaker.

by Claudia Grisales, Lexie Schapitl, Eric McDaniel and Kelsey Snell

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