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.

April 16, 2020 11:34 AM

Where does Walz get that executive power for COVID-19 actions?

The peacetime authority of Minnesota governors has been on the books for decades, but no governor has employed it as much as Gov. Tim Walz in the coronavirus fight.

by Brian Bakst

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April 16, 2020 10:48 AM

Small business emergency relief program hits $349 billion cap in less than 2 weeks

The Paycheck Protection Program opened on April 3, and it was plagued with delays and technical difficulties from the start.

by Danielle Kurtzleben

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April 16, 2020 4:00 AM

What's it going to take to end the shutdown? 5 keys to containing coronavirus

Political leaders want to reopen the economy soon but public health experts say we first need to set up systems to prevent new flare-ups of the coronavirus. Here's what needs to get done.

by Allison Aubrey and Selena Simmons-Duffin

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April 15, 2020 3:52 PM

Trump says the U.S. is past its peak on new coronavirus cases

Trump on Wednesday told reporters the United States appears to be through the worst of the coronavirus pandemic in regards to the number of new cases being diagnosed.

by Alana Wise

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April 15, 2020 3:36 PM

Trump and WHO: How much does the U.S. give? What's the impact of a halt in funding?

Citing undue influence from China on the World Health Organization among other reasons, the president has said he wants to suspend U.S. funding for the global agency pending a review.

by Pien Huang

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April 15, 2020 1:21 PM

Report: Adding Trump's name to checks will delay them. IRS says they're on schedule

The IRS said the economic relief payments "are going out on schedule, as planned, without delay." “The Washington Post” reported that Trump's name would be included on the checks, an unprecedented step.

by Danielle Kurtzleben

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April 15, 2020 1:03 PM

Walz signs affordable insulin bill

Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation Wednesday that guarantees access to affordable insulin. After months of negotiations, the Legislature voted overwhelmingly for the measure on Tuesday.

by Brian Bakst

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April 15, 2020 9:47 AM

Policast: Insulin plan passes but bipartisan spirit fades

The Legislature passes an emergency insulin plan but bipartisan support is slipping for the governor’s coronavirus orders

by Mike Mulcahy

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April 15, 2020 8:24 AM

WHO sets 6 conditions for ending a coronavirus lockdown

The easing of shutdowns is a hot topic, as economic output is now stalled in many countries — including the U.S. But ending a shutdown too soon could backfire, the World Health Organization says.

by Bill Chappell

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April 15, 2020 8:12 AM

Elizabeth Warren backs Biden, extending display of party unity

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has given former Vice President Joe Biden the third high-profile endorsement this week, along with Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders.

by Elena Moore

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