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.

March 26, 2020 6:43 PM

Fact check: Testing not meeting demand despite Trump's boasts

President Trump said Thursday that the U.S. is doing "tremendous" testing. But the truth is the country still lags far behind what's needed.

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

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March 26, 2020 2:03 PM

MN homeless shelters struggle to provide safety, distance to prevent COVID-19

Advocates for the homeless in Minnesota are pleading for more state resources to help protect the vulnerable population in crowded shelters and emergency centers.

by Kirsti Marohn

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March 26, 2020 1:57 PM

Tougher ID requirements for domestic flights postponed to 2021

The Dept. of Homeland Security has pushed back the enforcement deadline for Real ID from Oct. 1, 2020 to Oct. 1, 2021 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

by Merrit Kennedy

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March 26, 2020 1:09 PM

Minnesota lawmakers send $330M COVID-19 bill to Walz

The plan responds to some immediate needs and some that could arise as Minnesota confronts COVID-19.

by Brian Bakst

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March 26, 2020 8:43 AM

Policast: Gov. Walz issues a ‘stay at home’ order

Gov. Walz issues a ‘stay at home’ order; some lawmakers question the governor’s use of his emergency powers

by Mike Mulcahy

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March 25, 2020 8:02 PM

Minnesota public defender 'gratified' after reinstatement

One of Minnesota’s top public defenders was reinstated Wednesday after being placed on paid leave pending an investigation into her performance. Mary Moriarty welcomed the decision, saying she will continue to be an outspoken advocate for racial justice and marginalized communities.

by The Associated Press

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March 25, 2020 6:12 PM

What's in it for you? $1,200 checks, 13 weeks of unemployment payments and more

Congress has announced agreement on a $2 trillion economic relief package for the effects of COVID-19. Most households will get a relief check, and unemployment insurance has been greatly expanded.

by Danielle Kurtzleben

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March 25, 2020 3:41 PM

Legislative leaders react to Walz ‘stay-at-home’ order

Top Minnesota lawmakers offered competing reviews Wednesday to Gov. Tim Walz’s “stay at home” executive order.

by Tim Pugmire

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March 25, 2020 3:33 PM

Trump urges swift passage of coronavirus relief bill

President Trump crowed about what he called the success of the response to the crisis and detailed what he said were shipments of ventilators to New York and other deployments of supplies around the country. New York's governor and its mayor, both Democrats, are happy, Trump said.

by Barbara Sprunt and Philip Ewing

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March 25, 2020 3:05 PM

Walz emergency orders have some questioning whether he has too much power

Even before Wednesday's stay-at-home order, Gov. Tim Walz has been using executive orders to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DFL governor insists his actions are necessary because of the health crisis, but some legislators are wondering why they aren’t involved in the decision making.

by Tim Pugmire

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