Politics and Government News

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Federal hemp ban leaves Minnesota THC sellers in limbo
Minnesota already regulates hemp edibles, but it's unclear what Congress’ new cannabis rules mean for the state. That’s creating uncertainty for businesses that sell other hemp-derived beverages and other products.
A somber first day marks the start of the 2026 legislative session
The Minnesota Legislature began its new session by honoring the former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark after they were assassinated days after the last adjournment. Sen. John Hoffman returned to a standing ovation in the Senate.
Rev. Jesse Jackson’s connections to Minnesota go back decades
Over his long career, civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson made many visits to Minnesota to champion causes, and work to empower people who were underrepresented.
Minnesota Republicans defend their focus on fraud despite the ICE surge that followed
Minnesota Republicans say they were right to invite social media influencers into the state to highlight social service fraud, though Democrats blame Republicans for paving the way for the ICE surge.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson has died. He was 84. Jackson was a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King and became a leader of the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King was assassinated in 1968.
After his parents’ killing, Colin Hortman is working through grief, searching for ways to honor them
As the Minnesota Legislature prepares to honor Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, their son Colin shares in an MPR News interview how he’s coping with grief and hoping their deaths remain a clarion call for toned-down political rhetoric. 
After a series of tragic events, lawmakers return to the Capitol with grief and calls for action
Since last session, Minnesota has seen a political assassination, a deadly school shooting and an unprecedented and deadly immigration enforcement operation. Each of those tragedies have led to calls for change, and they bring a different focus to an election-year session.