Politics and Government News

Elk River votes to keep flying retired Minnesota state flag
More than 1,000 people submitted their opinion online after the city council asked for input. About 75 percent of respondents voiced support for the old flag.
Short tempers, long debates: A year of trauma colors rancorous session at Minnesota Capitol
Lawmakers in the narrowly split Legislature have frequently clashed over issues they view as key to address in this moment — immigration enforcement, gun violence, fraud and state spending. With six weeks left in the legislative session, they return to the Capitol with much left undone.
Natalie Hudson to retire as Minnesota chief justice, giving Walz another big court pick
Chief Justice Natalie Hudson is nearing the mandatory retirement age but will leave the high court just before she turns 70. That will mean another major court selection for Gov. Tim Walz.
President Trump repeated threats to Iran during his Monday press conference, which he opened by describing the successful rescue mission for the downed airman over the weekend.
Iran pushes back against Trump’s deadline
Iran’s top officials pushed back against President Trump’s deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz, striking a defiant tone as the warring sides traded missile attacks.
When it comes to meat raffles, Minnesota lawmakers have no beefs 
At the Capitol, there is rare, bipartisan support for a bill to update the state’s charitable gambling law and allow higher ticket prices and prize values for meat raffles, a local bar life tradition that’s part neighborhood social, grocery store run and fundraiser.
Trump says U.S. military has rescued airman shot down over Iran
A U.S. Air Force officer whose plane was shot down in Iran was rescued by U.S. forces early Sunday after evading capture for more than a day in enemy territory, President Trump announced on social media.
Feds to close Grand Rapids lab that does global-leading research on forestry, climate change
The Trump administration plans to close two northern Minnesota U.S. Forest Service research facilities, including one in Grand Rapids that led globally recognized research on the impacts of climate change on forests and peatlands.