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.

February 12, 2021 11:57 AM

6-month delay in census redistricting data could throw elections into chaos

To do more quality checks on the data needed for redrawing voting maps, the Census Bureau is now planning for a release by Sept. 30. The delay puts pressure on states facing tight election deadlines.

by Hansi Lo Wang

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February 12, 2021 10:45 AM

Gun rights and revolution

Gun rights supporters worry Democratic control in Washington will mean new restrictions, and extremist groups are exploiting those fears to fuel their recruitment efforts.

by Brandt Williams and Kelly Gordon

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February 12, 2021 6:37 AM

Biden administration to allow 25,000 asylum-seekers into U.S.

The Biden administration on Friday announced plans for tens of thousands of asylum-seekers waiting in Mexico for their next immigration court hearings to be allowed into the United States while their cases proceed.

by The Associated Press

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February 12, 2021 5:55 AM

Trump lawyers argue impeachment based on 'hatred,' not facts

Donald Trump’s impeachment lawyers accused Democrats of waging a campaign of “hatred” against the former president as they sped through their defense of his actions and fiery words before the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, hurtling the Senate toward a final vote in his historic trial.

by The Associated Press

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February 12, 2021 5:47 AM

What to watch as Trump's lawyers deliver impeachment defense

Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers plan to argue their client's innocence on multiple fronts. Their main arguments include that the trial is unconstitutional, that the insurrectionists who broke into the Capitol did so on their own accord and that Trump's rhetoric to supporters was common political speech protected under the First Amendment.

by The Associated Press

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February 12, 2021 4:00 AM

Politicians encouraged to learn Spanish, not just fake it during campaigns

The advocacy group Voto Latino is stressing the need for year-round, bilingual engagement with Latino constituents. They're also calling out feeble attempts many candidates make to speak Spanish.

by Juana Summers

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February 12, 2021 4:00 AM

Walz OKs more guests at weddings, private gatherings as COVID ebbs

People planning wedding receptions and other group celebrations got some good news Friday when Gov. Tim Walz raised his limit on the number of people who can attend private indoor gatherings from 10 to 50.

by Mark Zdechlik

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February 11, 2021 6:05 PM

Trial highlights: 'We were invited' and a quick defense

Donald Trump incited a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol, put his own vice president in danger and later expressed solidarity with rioters who attempted to overturn the 2020 election in his name. That's what Democrats argued Thursday as they wrapped up their impeachment case against the former president.

by The Associated Press

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February 11, 2021 5:40 PM

Minnesota leads Midwest but still has room to improve on electric vehicles

The Biden administration and some car companies seem to be going big on electric vehicles. But are consumers and states ready for them?

by Paul Huttner

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February 11, 2021 5:18 PM

Report: MPCA faltered in oversight of Water Gremlin’s air emissions

A new report from a state watchdog office says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should have done more to regulate a White Bear Township manufacturer with a history of air pollution problems.

by Kirsti Marohn

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