Politics and Government News

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DFL senators pick Franzen as new leader
Sen. Melisa López Franzen, DFL-Edina, is the new leader of the DFL caucus in the Minnesota Senate. Franzen grew up in Puerto Rico. She is a member of the Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) caucus.
Judge puts Minnesota police force law on hold
A Minnesota judge ruled that a new law requiring more specific justification for using deadly force raises constitutional questions. He said leaving it in place wouldn’t be fair to officers while the law’s legitimacy is decided.
State Rep. Thompson may lose new Minnesota driver's license
The St. Paul lawmaker who claimed he was profiled by St. Paul police in a traffic stop and was using a Wisconsin driver’s license is now in danger of losing the Minnesota license he just got.
Capitol Police arrest a man with a bayonet and machete near DNC HQ
The driver told a U.S. Capitol Police officer he was "on patrol" and spoke about white supremacy. A machete and bayonet were found inside his pickup truck outside Democratic National Headquarters.
Capitol rally seeks to rewrite Jan. 6 by exalting rioters
Allies of former President Donald Trump are calling those charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol “political prisoners.” Such rhetoric ahead of a rally planned for Saturday at the Capitol is the latest attempt to explain away what played out for all the world to see when rioters loyal to Trump stormed the building to try to stop Congress from certifying the election for President Joe Biden.
Welcoming refugees as new neighbors in Minnesota
As Afghan refugees arrive in the U.S., host Angela Davis talks about how earlier waves of refugees made news homes in Minnesota and how to welcome our newest neighbors. 
Search underway for new state legislative auditor
A panel of state lawmakers has outlined a timetable for replacing James Nobles, who is retiring as legislative auditor next month after decades on the job.
Hearing set for Monday on Minneapolis police ballot question
Attorneys for former City Council member Don Samuels and others filed the motion late Wednesday, saying the council failed when it approved new ballot language Tuesday to solve the problems that led Judge Jamie Anderson to order the measure stricken from the ballot.