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 1, 2020 4:00 AM

First responders seek workers compensation pledge amid COVID-19 outbreak

Minnesota first responders, health care workers and other public employees want a change in state law that would guarantee them the opportunity to claim workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19. State lawmakers omitted the proposal from the package of coronavirus measures they passed last week.

by Tim Pugmire

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March 31, 2020 9:26 PM

Justice Department looking into senator's stock sell-off

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr sold off a large amount of stocks before the coronavirus market crash. The FBI will assess whether he was motivated by nonpublic information.

by Tim Mak

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March 31, 2020 11:22 AM

Trump administration weakens auto emissions, rolling back key climate policy

The Trump administration is replacing Obama-era fuel economy standards with weaker ones that will allow for more air pollution. Groups are already lining up to challenge the new rule.

by Jennifer Ludden

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March 31, 2020 8:24 AM

CDC director on models for the months to come: 'This virus is going to be with us'

After weeks of keeping a low profile, the CDC's Dr. Robert Redfield tells NPR that data will determine future recommendations for wearing masks or easing back on social distancing.

by Sam Whitehead

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March 31, 2020 5:28 AM

If most of your coronavirus tests come back positive, you're not testing enough

The World Health Organization says that a high percentage of positive tests means that local health authorities are focusing on obvious cases and not getting a clear picture of epidemic's scope.

by Pien Huang

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March 30, 2020 2:23 PM

The U.S. was already deep in debt. This year's deficit will be 'mind-boggling'

The economic rescue package just passed by Congress will push this year's budget deficit above $3 trillion. Such huge levels of deficit spending used to set off alarm bells in Washington, but no more.

by Jim Zarroli

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March 30, 2020 9:16 AM

Fact check: U.S. lags on testing, despite Trump's claims

The president repeated his claim that the U.S. is surpassing all other countries in coronavirus testing. But measured on a per capita basis, the U.S. is far behind other countries.

by Jane Greenhalgh

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March 30, 2020 9:01 AM

Walz directs COVID-19 strategy while on quarantine

Gov. Tim Walz has a week to go on his self-quarantine after coming in contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus. He’s calling the state’s shots from home.

by Brian Bakst

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March 29, 2020 8:21 PM

Authority: Stranded ships begin transiting Panama Canal

The Panama Canal Authority says two cruise ships carrying more than 1,800 passengers and crew stranded off the Central American country and hoping to reach port in Florida had begun the process of transiting the canal.

by The Associated Press

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March 29, 2020 7:46 PM

'Project Airbridge' to expedite arrival of needed supplies, White House says

Sunday's planeload comes as the Trump administration faces criticism over its distribution of medical supplies that are in short supply across the country.

by Benjamin Swasey

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