Politics and Government News

Stay updated with the latest political and government news. MPR News covers local, state and national politics, providing in-depth analysis and updates on policies, elections and governmental actions.

Trump signs $3B-a-year plan to boost conservation, parks
President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed into law legislation that will devote nearly $3 billion annually to conservation projects, outdoor recreation and maintenance of national parks and other public lands. The measure was overwhelmingly approved by Congress.
'A line in the sand': Both sides dig in on virus relief bill
Negotiators on a huge coronavirus relief bill reported slight progress after talks resumed in the Capitol, with issues like food for the poor and aid to schools struggling to reopen safely assuming a higher profile in the talks.
Despite mask wars, Americans support aggressive measures to stop COVID-19, poll finds
Two-thirds of Americans believe the U.S. is handling the pandemic worse than other nations, an NPR/Ipsos poll finds. Majorities support more aggressive measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Primary election amid pandemic sets stage for November
Minnesota voters will finalize November’s ballot in the Aug. 11 primary election. The first statewide election amid the pandemic will look different than voters are accustomed to, and election officials are preaching patience.
Citing budget shortfall, Department of Corrections to close Togo, Willow River facilities
The Minnesota Department of Corrections plans to close the state’s two smallest correctional facilities — in Togo and Willow River in northeastern Minnesota — to help address a $14 million budget shortfall, the agency announced Monday.
Walz again requests federal help to rebuild after unrest
Gov. Tim Walz is again asking for federal help to rebuild from the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing. Last month, Walz had asked President Donald Trump to declare a “major disaster” in a request to FEMA because of extensive damage to public infrastructure. The federal government denied that request. 
'If not now, when?': Black women seize political spotlight
Black women have long been the Democratic Party’s most reliable and loyal voters, but for generations that allegiance didn’t translate to their own political rise. There have been zero Black woman governors, just two senators, several dozen congresswomen. But now Black women are mobilized and demanding an overdue return on their investment.