Politics and Government News

U.S. suspending immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance
The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States.
Minnesota outdoors enthusiasts gather to seek common ground at DNR’s annual roundtable
Outdoors industry leaders, conservation and environmental advocates, hunters, fishers and outdoors enthusiasts discussed issues related to preserving and protecting the state's lakes, rivers, parkland, trails and wildlife.
Sen. Smith on Trump's rhetoric: 'Minnesota is not intimidated by this'
MPR News host Emily Bright spoke with Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith about the president’s threatening rhetoric and highlighted the community’s resilience — and anger — against ICE’s actions.
Minnesota appealing feds’ move to withhold $2B in Medicaid funds
A key Minnesota official on Tuesday warned of “catastrophic consequences” for more than 1 million Minnesotans in need, including 600,000 children, if that money doesn’t come through.
Legal expert: New Minnesota lawsuit argues ICE violates state's rights
MPR News hosts Clay Masters and Nina Moini spoke with Jason Marisam, law professor at Mitchell Hamline, about the legal argument Attorney General Keith Ellison is making through the new lawsuit.
ProPublica finds more than 40 cases of Immigration agents using banned chokeholds and other moves that can cut off breathing
Civilians have had apparent seizures. One had his eyes roll back. Another had ribs broken. “I felt like I was going to pass out and die,” said a 16-year-old citizen put in a chokehold. The government won’t say if any agents have been punished.
Woman dragged by ICE agents into unmarked car, private data being used to intimidate observers
This story includes live updates from Jan. 13, 2026: Aliya Rahman, a U.S.-born citizen, was dragged into an unmarked car and driven away while on her way to a doctor’s appointment. Joe Thompson, the U.S. Justice Department attorney best known for prosecuting social services fraud in Minnesota, resigned.
A conservative Supreme Court tackles the question of trans women in school sports
The first case involves an Idaho student barred by state law from trying out for the track team; the second was brought by a West Virginia middle schooler barred by state law from competing.