Politics and Government News

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Minnesota flag panel frets that deadline may be too tight
A special commission working on a design for Minnesota’s flag and official seal met for the first time Tuesday, and some members said they doubt they can finish by a Jan. 1 deadline. 
Walz weighing special session on student restraint law
Police groups and Republican lawmakers have urged the governor to call a special session to repeal a law that prohibits school resource officers from restraining students in a way that restricts their breathing.
First lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, again
The White House says President Joe Biden tested negative, and will continue to be tested ahead of a planned trip to India this week. The first lady will remain in Delaware.
Senate returns and faces deadline to avoid shutdown and questions about McConnell
Congress faces a tight deadline to pass a short term spending bill and avoid a shutdown. Also Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell faces questions about his health following a second public episode.
St. Paul weighs ban on marijuana smoking in city-controlled spaces
The proposal in the St. Paul City Council would make it a petty misdemeanor to smoke cannabis flower, cannabis products and hemp-derived products on city-controlled property.
Rochester bets on geothermal to power a green future
Since June, construction workers in Rochester, Minn., have been drilling deep wells that will eventually be part of a large geothermal network meant to heat and cool multiple buildings downtown. These systems aren’t an option for every city. But in locations that have the right geologic conditions, it’s a climate-friendly way to heat and cool.
Turkey has failed to persuade Russia to rejoin the Ukraine grain deal
In talks in Sochi, Russia, President Vladimir Putin rejected efforts by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to revive a United Nations-backed deal to allow the safe passage of grain from Ukraine.