Politics and Government News

St. Paul ordinance set 3 percent cap on rent increases — but exemption requests are mounting
Last fall, it looked simple. Voters in St. Paul approved a strict new rule for raising rents in the city. But implementation is proving tricky. There are paths for landlords to seek exemptions allowing rent increases much higher than the 3 percent cap.
House passes same-sex marriage bill in retort to high court
Tuesday's election-year roll call, 267-157, was partly political strategy, forcing all House members, Republicans and Democrats, to go on the record. It also reflected the legislative branch pushing back against an aggressive court that has raised questions about revisiting other apparently settled U.S. laws.
Flanagan targets Birk remarks on abortion and rape
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan criticized her Republican-endorsed rival Matt Birk for his recent remarks on rape and abortion. Birk and GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen countered by saying Democrats are running a single-issue campaign. 
Rep. Omar arrested at U.S Capitol abortion rally
Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar was arrested, along with 17 other members of Congress, during a demonstration outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C. in support of abortion rights.
AP source: Biden holds off on climate emergency declaration
President Joe Biden will travel to Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote his efforts to combat climate change. But a person familiar with the president's plans says he will stop short of issuing an emergency declaration that would unlock federal resources to deal with the issue.
St. Paul Chef Brian Ingram to testify before Congress: 'We love our city ... and we no longer felt safe'
Chef Brian Ingram is the owner of popular St. Paul restaurants The Gnome Pub and Hope Breakfast Bar. He’ll testify Tuesday before a congressional subcommittee on how crime and gun violence has affected his business.
Some GOP lawmakers face primary challenge from the right
As Minnesota’s primary election on Aug. 9 nears, some Republican lawmakers are facing unexpected challenges from candidates who don’t think they’re conservative enough.