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.

July 23, 2020 9:06 AM

AP-NORC poll: 3 in 4 Americans back requiring wearing masks

Support for requiring masks is overwhelming among Democrats, at 89 percent, but 58 percent of Republicans are in favor as well. The poll was conducted before President Donald Trump, who for months was dismissive of masks, said this week that it's patriotic to wear one.

by The Associated Press

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July 23, 2020 7:41 AM

1.4 million seek jobless aid, first increase since March

The number of laid-off Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week for the first time since the pandemic struck in March, evidence of the deepening economic pain the outbreak is causing to the economy.

by The Associated Press

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July 23, 2020 7:35 AM

Gov. Walz signs police accountability bill into law

Gov. Tim Walz signed a police accountability bill into law Thursday that includes a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis.

by The Associated Press

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July 23, 2020 6:27 AM

Mayor of Portland, Ore., tear gassed by federal agents

The mayor of Portland, Ore., was tear gassed by the U.S. government late Wednesday as he stood at a fence guarding a federal courthouse during another night of protest against the presence of federal agents sent by President Donald Trump to quell unrest in the city.

by The Associated Press

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July 23, 2020 6:06 AM

White House drops payroll tax cut as GOP unveils virus aid

The White House has dropped a bid to cut Social Security payroll taxes as Republicans unveil a $1 trillion COVID-19 rescue package on Thursday, ceding to opposition to the idea among top Senate allies.

by The Associated Press

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July 23, 2020 5:00 AM

Can masks save us from more lockdowns? Here's what the science says

How can communities stop coronavirus case surges without crushing the economy? Some scientists say widespread mask wearing may be more than a helpful precaution — it may be the solution.

by Nurith Aizenman

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July 22, 2020 6:24 PM

House passes bill removing Confederate statues, other figures from Capitol

Democrats say they want to remember history, but not honor Confederates. Their bill also calls for removing a bust of Justice Taney, author of a landmark case barring citizenship for an enslaved man.

by Deirdre Walsh

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July 22, 2020 6:10 PM

Minneapolis budget committee approves cuts in police funding

A majority of people calling into a public hearing Wednesday urge the Minneapolis City Council to make much deeper cuts to the Police Department’s $193 million budget.

by Brandt Williams

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July 22, 2020 5:02 PM

Trump expands deployment of federal agents to end 'explosion of shootings'

Trump says agents will go "into communities plagued by violent crime." He adds the administration has "no choice but to get involved."

by Vanessa Romo

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July 22, 2020 1:45 PM

'We will not retreat': Homeland Security vows continued federal response to protests

Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf insists that federal officers would defend the rights of peaceful protesters in Portland, Ore., but promises no letup against criminal activity.

by Scott Neuman

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