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.

House passes aid bill after Trump declares national emergency
The House approved legislation early Saturday to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic. Passage came after President Trump had declared the outbreak a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight it, and threw his support behind the congressional aid package.
Politics Friday: What is the Minnesota government doing to stop coronavirus?
This week, the Legislature signed a nearly $21 million spending bill to pay for coronavirus-related expenses. The cosponsors of the bill talked about what the money will be used for and how the state is planning to help its citizens during the pandemic.
Walz advises no gatherings over 250 people as MN COVID-19 cases hit 14
Gov. Tim Walz Friday declared a “peacetime emergency” and laid out plans to curb the spread of coronavirus but did not order schools or the Capitol closed. The moves come as 14 Minnesotans have now tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Minnesota DFL, GOP scale back political activity amid coronavirus concern
State DFLers and Republicans are postponing endorsing conventions, effectively suspending decisions in key political contests for a month or more. The DFL is also cutting back on in-person contact with voters.
Public health experts question Trump's ban on most travelers from Europe
A key medical adviser to the president on COVID-19 defends the travel restrictions as "the right public health call." But others dismiss the move as "remarkably pointless" or, potentially, dangerous.
Pentagon: U.S. strikes Iran-backed group that hit Iraq base
The Pentagon says the U.S. launched airstrikes Thursday in Iraq, targeting the Iranian-backed Shia militia members believed responsible for the rocket attack that killed and wounded American and British troops at a base north of Baghdad.
20 mph? Slow ride, take it easy on city streets, Mpls. and St. Paul say
Public works crews in Minneapolis and St. Paul began changing speed limit signs from 30 mph to 20 mph on some residential streets and 30 to 25 mph along more heavily traveled streets — a victory for backers of the lower limits.