Politics and Government News

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Allina to pause controversial practices for people with medical debt
Last week, the New York Times published an investigation into Allina’s billing practices, alleging that the company refused to provide certain types of care for patients with at least $4,500 in medical debt. While the system would provide emergency care, the article said, it would withhold other services until that debt is paid off.
Minnesota House boosts lawmaker expense allowances
The bump in per diem aligns the Minnesota House with the Senate’s $86 per day allowance. Some lawmakers questioned the timing of the move.
ChangeMakers: Hildie Edwards speaks up for trans kids like herself
Edwards, a 12-year-old singer and actor, testified at a Minnesota Senate committee hearing earlier this year in support of a bill protecting access to gender-affirming care.
Trump charged over classified documents in 1st federal indictment of an ex-president
Donald Trump says he’s been indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate, igniting a federal prosecution that is arguably the most perilous of multiple legal threats against the former president as he seeks to reclaim the White House.
Survey: Americans hold mixed views on LGBTQ+ policies in schools
A new survey from American Public Media and the McCourtney Institute for Democracy finds the majority of Americans support teachers displaying photos of same-sex partners in the classroom, but don’t want students discussing books with LGBTQ+ themes.
Pat Robertson, broadcaster who helped make religion central to GOP politics, dies at 93
Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson has died. He had an enormous impact on American politics and religion. Robertson turned a tiny Virginia television station into the far-reaching Christian Broadcasting Network, where he hosted the flagship “700 Club” show for half a century.
Book bans are on the rise. Biden is naming a point person to address that
Book bans in schools can violate federal civil rights laws if they create a hostile environment for students. The Education Department will have a new point person to talk to schools about bans.