Politics and Government News

Politics Friday: Blur of action in Washington, back to action in St. Paul
MPR News host Brian Bakst talks about the blistering change in Washington with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith. And the scuffle in the Minnesota House is over. We discuss how lawmakers struck a deal to gavel in the session.
‘No-shenanigans handshake’ helps usher in Minnesota House return after prolonged power standoff
The legislative session was resuscitated after weeks of a Minnesota House deadlock. Party leaders agreed to pact where they will share power on committees if a tie returns and clear away other areas of dispute.
Why CBS stands at the epicenter of Trump's assault on the media
CBS News appears likely to settle a lawsuit brought by President Trump in a case that legal observers say it should win. The network is caught up in Trump's broader assault on the media and an owner intent on finalizing a sale.
FBI agents, prosecutors fear retribution from Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by Trump
Officials involved in Jan. 6 prosecutions say the Trump administration isn't protecting them from threats. "We don't think they'll care — unless and until one of us gets killed," an official told NPR.
Minnesota distillery alarmed by now-delayed Canadian tariffs, retaliatory measures
The Princeton-based company exports about 5 percent of its products, including vodkas, brandies and liqueurs, to Canada. There, the company’s Butter Ripple Schnapps is used in a drink named after American actor Burt Reynolds. 
Rattled by politics? Try some sweet potato pie
Rose McGee, the founder of the Twin Cities nonprofit Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, hopes her comfort food will help people connect and have meaningful conversations around hard topics like race.