Politics and Government News

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New variant cause for concern, not panic, Biden tells U.S.
President Joe Biden is urging Americans to get vaccinated, including booster shots, as he seeks to quell concerns over the newly identified COVID-19 variant named omicron. But he said Monday he won't be seeking any severe business or other widespread lockdowns.
The WHO is seeking a new treaty on handling future pandemics. It could be a hard sell
At a special session this week, the World Health Organization hopes to start sketching out a new global treaty covering pandemics. "We don't have rules of the game," says WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Omar seeks action over House colleague's anti-Muslim remarks
Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota called Friday for House leaders to take “appropriate action" against Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert for using anti-Muslim language in describing a recent encounter she had with Omar at the U.S. Capitol.
St. Paul police union sues city over vaccine mandate
The police union in St. Paul is suing the city in an effort to halt a mandate that requires city employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of the year. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter announced the requirement for nearly 4,000 workers last month.
New omicron variant stokes world fears, triggers travel bans
The world is confronting a new coronavirus variant, and officials have named it “omicron." A World Health Organization panel has classified it as a highly transmissible virus of concern.
Who's a hero? Some states, cities still debating hazard pay
While many workers deemed essential in their respective states have already received pandemic hazard pay or hero pay, there are thousands in places like Connecticut, Minnesota and cities around the country that are still waiting for states to distribute funds to what’s become a huge pool of heroes.
Gov. Kristi Noem instigated the legal fight to strike down the amendment passed by voters in November. Though the Republican governor opposed marijuana legalization as a social ill, her administration's arguments in court centered on technical violations to the state constitution.
Miller, Hortman closer to deal on MN legislature special session
Minnesota legislative leaders have been going around and around on whether there will be a special session this year to address hero pay for frontline workers, drought relief and nursing home stability measures.
Stalemate over special session appears to be easing
Legislative leaders plan to resume negotiations over a special session agenda that would include pandemic worker bonuses, drought aid and nursing home assistance. Republicans signaled they’re willing to wait on commissioner confirmation votes.