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

Minnesota semiconductor manufacturer awarded nearly $200 million in state, federal funding for expansion
Bloomington's Polar Semiconductor is beginning a $525 million expansion that it says will double its output and create 160 new jobs. It’s slated to receive nearly $200 million in state and federal funding for the project.
Legislature prepares to go down to the wire as Minnesota session wraps up
One week remains in the 2024 Minnesota legislative session. Lawmakers have until midnight Sunday to pass any bills. They’ve got lots of items still up in the air.
Rochester Public Schools move to formalize procedure for helping transgender kids
Around the state, school districts have or are in the process of developing guidelines aimed at helping transgender and gender-nonconforming kids navigate school. One such district is Rochester, where new guidance issued last fall has led to contentious school board meetings.
Local governments struggle to distribute their share of billions from opioid settlements
Settlement money to help stem the decades-long opioid addiction and overdose epidemic is rolling out to small towns and big cities across the U.S., but advocates worry that chunks of it may be used in ways that don't make a dent in the crisis.
Otter Tail County proposes restrictions on vacation home rentals
Otter Tail County is considering a new ordinance designed to reduce noise and large gatherings at vacation home rentals. The proposed ordinance is in response to complaints from lake property owners.