Politics and Government News

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The rise and fall of the statue of Christopher Columbus
The statue of Christopher Columbus was erected on the Capitol grounds in 1931 to show support for Italian immigrants, but in doing so, some believe it erased centuries of Native American history.
Transgender health protections reversed by Trump administration
Trump has reversed Obama-era protections that prohibit discrimination in health care based on gender identity. Critics warn the rule could harm a vulnerable group — LGBTQ people — during a pandemic.
Special session begins with debate over COVID-19 emergency, police powers
The special session of the Legislature got underway Friday with a debate over extending the emergency authority of Gov. Tim Walz to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. Republicans also released a much shorter list of policing changes than the one Walz backed Thursday.
Democrats move police changes to top of agenda
Gov. Tim Walz and DFL legislative leaders say they want changes in the way police officers work to be at center stage in the special session that begins Friday. They have outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at addressing police brutality and racial injustice.