Politics and Election News

Get the latest in Minnesota politics: 🎧 Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast | 📧 Sign up for the Capitol View newsletter | 🗳️Visit the MPR News Voter Hub

Planters, growers stuck rooted to ever-changing landscape amid tariff war
The Trump administration’s recent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian products leave many in the agricultural and horticultural industries anxious and worried about unfulfilled contracts or trying to figure out how they’re going to take on the financial losses as the growing expenses are mounting on their bottom line. 
The VA will deny gender dysphoria treatment to new patients
While the VA never offered gender-affirming surgery, it did offer treatments like hormone therapy. The agency says less than than 0.1 percent of the 9 million veterans it provides care for identify as trans.
GOP bill labeling Trump opposition a ‘derangement syndrome’ causes Minnesota Capitol stir
The proposal, which one Republican described as a “tongue-in-cheek” measure designed to make a point about criticism of President Donald Trump, was derided by Democrats as trivializing mental health and minimizing legitimate concerns.
After drop-ins to a pair of GOP-led states, Walz returns to a rearranged Minnesota Capitol
Gov. Tim Walz mingled with Democrats in Iowa and Nebraska for what were billed as town halls focused on Trump administration policies. But Walz and Minnesota lawmakers have their work cut out for them in a reconfigured Legislature.
Town halls aim to air farmers, rural residents concerns 
The Minnesota Farmers Union will hold town hall meetings around the state in coming weeks to gather reaction to tariffs, health care concerns and other issues.
'Bloody Saturday' at Voice of America and other U.S.-funded networks
Federal officials placed 1,300 employees at Voice of America on indefinite paid leave, while severing contracts with Radio Free Asia and other U.S.-funded networks.