Politics and Government News

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With Biden team focused on other crises, experts say drug epidemic is exploding
The Biden administration had Day One plans for the pandemic, economy and climate change. Experts say they haven't yet seen that same focus on the addiction crisis, which is killing 220 people a day.
DNR proposes state park fee hike to help plug budget deficit
The annual state park vehicle permit fee would go from $35 to $45, while the daily permit cost would rise from $7 to $10. Without the increases, the state’s park account is scheduled to go into the red by the end of the 2023 fiscal year, something the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warns would result in shortened camping seasons and less frequent bathroom cleanings.
For some Muslims, hope, uncertainty after travel ban lifted
President Joe Biden's repeal of the Trump administration's travel ban for several Muslim-majority nations brought a sigh of relief from those affected. But amid the celebrations are tales of dreams broken, families separated, savings used up and milestones missed. There's also uncertainty about the future: questions about backlogs, fees and travel restrictions due to the pandemic.
Hope and skepticism as Biden promises to address environmental racism
Environmental racism means that people of color experience more air and water pollution than white people, and suffer the health impacts. Can President Joe Biden change that?
Minneapolis council to consider move to establish rent control
The measure would set limits on the rates at which housing prices can grow. The Minneapolis City Council is expected to start the process Friday.
DFL state lawmakers propose what they say is most ambitious clean energy goal in U.S.
With a slate of executive actions this week, President Joe Biden is aiming the country to use 100 percent clean energy by 2050. In a bill introduced this session, Minnesota lawmakers propose doing it by 2040.
Sharp divide over election law changes at Minnesota Capitol
Proposed election law changes have surfaced as a major point of disagreement early in the legislative session between Democrats in the Minnesota House and Republicans in the state Senate.
After the Capitol attack, does police MAGA sentiment cross the line?
Many in law enforcement have cheered on former President Donald Trump. After his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, some say police expressions of that support threaten police legitimacy.
Wisconsin Assembly cancels vote on repeal of mask mandate
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly has backed off on voting to repeal Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate. The retreat Thursday came in the face of broad criticism from the state’s health, school and business leaders and out concern the move would jeopardize more than $49 million in federal food assistance.