Politics and Government News

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Minnesota Senate passes transgender protections, abortion 'refuge' bills
As states around the country have banned or limited access to abortion and gender-affirming care for transgender people, Minnesota Democrats said the state should become a “refuge” for people traveling here for care and providers who treat them. They also voted to ban what's called conversion therapy for youth and vulnerable adults.
Minnesota could soon join these other states in protecting transgender care this year
In 2023, a record number of states have passed rules or legislation to eliminate youth gender-affirming care, but a record number of states have also moved to protect care for trans youth and adults.
This family moved to Minnesota to access gender-affirming care. More might soon
Wes Samuelson and his 11-year-old child Liz moved to Duluth from Wyoming in 2020 after they could not get access to gender-affirming care. “The reality is trans health care saves lives,” Samuelson said.
MyPillow founder ordered to pay $5M in election data dispute
An arbitration panel has ordered MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell to pay $5 million to a software engineer for breach of contract. Lindell launched his "Prove Mike Wrong Challenge" in 2021 over false election claims and Robert Zeidman did that, according to the arbitrators in Minneapolis.
House approves trans athlete ban for girls and women's teams
The bill approved by a 219-203 party-line vote is unlikely to advance further because the Democratic-led Senate will not support it and the White House said President Joe Biden would veto it.
North Dakota governor signs law limiting trans health care
North Dakota’s Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a veto-proof bill into law that restricts transgender health care and criminalizes providers who give gender-affirming care to people under 18. The new law takes effect immediately.
 'Won’t let it go to waste’: Walz uses State of State to call for another Minnesota miracle
The governor delivered his fifth State of the State address — and his first in his second term — to call on lawmakers to pass gun control laws and pass a $72 billion budget.
Minnesota House votes to ban recreational wolf hunting
After a lively and sometimes contentious debate, the Minnesota House this week passed a bill banning recreational hunting and trapping of wolves should they be removed from federal protection. Action is still needed in the Senate for the bill to become law.