Politics and Government News

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Trump lawyers argue impeachment based on 'hatred,' not facts
Donald Trump’s impeachment lawyers accused Democrats of waging a campaign of “hatred” against the former president as they sped through their defense of his actions and fiery words before the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, hurtling the Senate toward a final vote in his historic trial.
What to watch as Trump's lawyers deliver impeachment defense
Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers plan to argue their client's innocence on multiple fronts. Their main arguments include that the trial is unconstitutional, that the insurrectionists who broke into the Capitol did so on their own accord and that Trump's rhetoric to supporters was common political speech protected under the First Amendment.
Politicians encouraged to learn Spanish, not just fake it during campaigns
The advocacy group Voto Latino is stressing the need for year-round, bilingual engagement with Latino constituents. They're also calling out feeble attempts many candidates make to speak Spanish.
Walz OKs more guests at weddings, private gatherings as COVID ebbs
People planning wedding receptions and other group celebrations got some good news Friday when Gov. Tim Walz raised his limit on the number of people who can attend private indoor gatherings from 10 to 50. 
Trial highlights: 'We were invited' and a quick defense
Donald Trump incited a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol, put his own vice president in danger and later expressed solidarity with rioters who attempted to overturn the 2020 election in his name. That's what Democrats argued Thursday as they wrapped up their impeachment case against the former president. 
Report: MPCA faltered in oversight of Water Gremlin’s air emissions
A new report from a state watchdog office says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should have done more to regulate a White Bear Township manufacturer with a history of air pollution problems.
Minn. lawmakers wrestle with what follows COVID-19 eviction rule
A pandemic-related executive order has put most renter evictions on hold, but Minnesota lawmakers are starting to sort through what will be put in its place and how to avoid a surge in removals.
White House says it will defer to CDC on reopening schools
The White House says it's aiming for a full reopening of schools but will defer to science experts on how to get there in the middle of a pandemic. 
Bill seeks to crack down on catalytic converter thefts
Minnesota lawmakers have introduced legislation to crack down on rising catalytic converter thefts, which can cost car owners thousand of dollars.