Politics and Government News

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'Refugees in the USA': Transgender care bans cause families to pull up stakes
In a year that saw polarized policymaking around gender care access, MPR News and KUER teamed up to tell the story of how gender-affirming care bans and care shields are affecting access in Minnesota and Utah.
With federal threat looming, Minnesota proposes new plan for special education teachers
Under a new federal corrective-action plan, Minnesota will take steps to limit how long special education teachers can work without formal training. The move should help the state preserve $219 million in federal funds. But critics say it still leaves teachers ill prepared to serve some of the state’s highest-needs students.
Duluth city councilors to introduce ban on smoking marijuana in public parks
Duluth city councilors plan to introduce an ordinance to ban smoking marijuana in public parks and trails and some other public outdoor spaces. The state law that legalizes smoking marijuana on Aug. 1 leaves it up to cities to decide whether to allow it in public places.
Owatonna mayor faces pressure to resign or meet LGBTQ+ group's demands after his comments on Pride
Members of an LGBTQ+ advocacy group are calling on the mayor of Owatonna, Minn., to either meet their demands or resign. That comes after Mayor Tom Kuntz asked pastors at a church that held a Pride event on July 8 if there would be stripper poles in the sanctuary.
Veterans' PACT Act deadline approaching
The 2022 SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act expands benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and other toxic substances during the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. 
Biden to meet Israel's Netanyahu after months of tension
The meeting is likely to happen by the end of the year, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. President Biden has expressed concern over Netanyahu's judicial proposals.