Politics Friday

Politics Friday podcast art — Politics Friday
MPR News

On Fridays, MPR News political editor Mike Mulcahy discusses Minnesota politics — the latest from the legislature, election news. Join us for interviews with lawmakers, candidates and more.

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A person poses for a portrait

Politics Friday: A conversation with George Latimer – St. Paul’s longest-serving mayor

June 2, 2023 12:05 PM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

On a special edition of Politics Friday, retired MPR News host Gary Eichten interviews the former mayor of St. Paul, George Latimer.

A person signs the bill

Politics Friday: DFLers pass their agenda at the Capitol

May 26, 2023 2:05 PM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks to Gov. Tim Walz and President of the Minnesota Senate, Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis.

Two women pose for a photo

Politics Friday: A pair of first-term senators reflect on their first session, and the debate over legal marijuana

May 19, 2023 4:52 PM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks to Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Minneapolis, and Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten, DFL-St. Paul. Later, a conversation with Rep. Nolan West, R-Blaine, and Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, R- Fergus Falls.

Two woman side by side

Politics Friday: Leaders of the Minnesota House on the work that remains to be done

May 12, 2023 12:25 PM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks to the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park and House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring.

Two people pose for headshots

Politics Friday: Senate leaders reflect on remaining work before the adjournment deadline

May 5, 2023 2:00 PM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks to the top leaders in the Minnesota Senate: Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, and Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks.

Road work

Politics Friday: How to pay for roads, bridges and transit

April 27, 2023 11:38 AM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks with two lawmakers about the transportation budget bill and the plan to pay for roads, bridges and transit across the state. Later in the hour: an update on the latest marijuana bill.

a group of lawmakers

Politics Friday: A divided Legislature and the work to craft a new state budget

April 21, 2023 1:37 PM

By Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News guest host Brian Bakst talks to key DFL lawmakers working on a new two-year state budget and a GOP lawmaker concerned about the pace of spending.

A woman in a blue suit speaks at a podium

Politics Friday: Klobuchar on how the new party dynamic is reshaping Washington

April 14, 2023 2:00 PM

By Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News guest host Brian Bakst talks to Sen. Amy Klobuchar about changes in political party dynamics in Washington, Supreme Court ethics questions and the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Later, a conversation about the future of paid family and medical leave in Minnesota.

side by side lawmakers

Politics Friday: 3 months in, Minnesota’s Attorney General and Secretary of State are busy in their new terms

April 7, 2023 1:30 PM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

MPR News host Mike Mulcahy talks to Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon about the work they’ve done, and their remaining priorities, now that they’ve been reelected.

people gather in the Capitol Rotunda

Politics Friday: Minnesota lawmakers debate new gun laws as the nation sees another school shooting

March 31, 2023 1:40 PM

By Mike Mulcahy and Matthew Alvarez

MPR host Mike Mulcahy talks with Minnesota lawmakers about a public safety budget bill released this week that includes expanded background checks for gun purchases and a “red flag” measure aimed at reducing gun violence.