Politics and Election News

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Capitol area facelift looms with remodeling, demolition in store
The epicenter of Minnesota state government is in for a makeover. In coming years, the State Office Building will be remodeled and expanded while two other buildings in the State Capitol neighborhood could meet the wrecking ball. 
State Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, says he’ll pay a fine, agree to a stayed jail sentence and avoid drinking and driving. A local prosecutor has signed off on the deal, which awaits judicial approval.
Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell appears to freeze up again, this time at a Kentucky event
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell appeared to briefly freeze up and was unable to answer a question from a reporter at an event in Kentucky on Wednesday. He had a similar episode weeks ago in Washington.
Why Biden is now routinely taking the short stairs up to Air Force One
The built-in stairs lead to the belly of the plane. They're less photogenic than the tall, outdoor steps. But the sturdier stairs pose less of a health and political risk to the 80-year-old president.
Trump launched an ambitious effort to end HIV. House Republicans want to defund it.
Republicans in Congress back substantial cuts to the budget of the CDC, taking aim at one of former President Donald Trump's major health programs: a push to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.
Still no strong 2024 GOP challenger for Amy Klobuchar
As DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar prepares to seek a fourth term next year, a strong Republican challenger has yet to emerge.
Police departments pull school officers due to Minnesota restraint law
Sheriffs in Hennepin and Clay counties on Tuesday said they would pull resource officers from some schools because of a new law that bans prone restraints and physical holds that affect students’ ability to breathe or call out for help.