Politics and Government News

1st trial of a U.S. Capitol riot defendant opens Monday in D.C.
The trial, at a courthouse just down the street from the site of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, is a milestone in the Capitol riot investigation.
Minnesota budget surplus tops $9.25 billion
A new forecast shows Minnesota’s budget surplus has grown to $9.25 billion, up from the earlier forecast of more than $7.7 billion.
1st round of cease-fire talks end without a breakthrough
Cease-fire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have been completed with no breakthroughs to end the fighting in Ukraine but with both sides agreeing to continue further talks. 
Fresh off State of the Union address, Biden travels to WI
According to the White House, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will stop in Superior, Wis., on Wednesday to discuss how the $1 trillion infrastructure law will improve the state’s roads and bridges, among other things, and create jobs. 
 Some House DFLers pitch summer gas tax holiday
Five Democrats in the Minnesota House want to give Minnesota drivers a break from the state gasoline tax this summer. House Republicans say it’s a ploy to win votes before the fall election.
In Ukraine, the road to war was paved by the failure of diplomacy
The invasion of Ukraine occurred despite weeks of diplomatic efforts, including calls between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin and European leaders' visits to Putin in Moscow.