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Politics Friday

Politics Friday podcast art
Politics Friday
MPR News

On Fridays, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst discusses Minnesota politics — the latest from the legislature, election news and more. Join us Fridays at noon for interviews with lawmakers, candidates and political experts, including the MPR News politics reporting team.

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Politics Friday: Consumer safeguards gain bipartisan support at the Capitol

Politics Friday: Consumer safeguards gain bipartisan support at the Capitol

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks about proposals to protect consumers from scams and other ways Minnesotan’s might be swindled. Plus, a check-in with the state’s economic development commissioner.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Tax debate picks up at Capitol as lawmakers discuss state-federal mismatches

Politics Friday: Tax debate picks up at Capitol as lawmakers discuss state-federal mismatches

Committee hearings at the state Capitol are getting into the nitty gritty over taxes. In Washington D.C., there was a focus on Minnesota fraud and the immigration operation fallout.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: First week of session opens with Hortman tribute, focus on tragic events

Politics Friday: First week of session opens with Hortman tribute, focus on tragic events

The legislative session started on a somber note, colored by multiple tragedies over the last year. We’ll get a look at the first week of the 2026 session and an interview with Colin Hortman, the son of Rep. Melissa Hortman who was killed last June.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Thousands attend Minnesota caucuses to weigh in on issues, governor candidates

Politics Friday: Thousands attend Minnesota caucuses to weigh in on issues, governor candidates

MPR News politics editor and his guests recap the results from Minnesota’s 2026 caucus night. The first votes — albeit unofficial — are cast in the governor’s race.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday Special: Sen. Hoffman reflects on a long healing process after shooting

Politics Friday Special: Sen. Hoffman reflects on a long healing process after shooting

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Sen. John Hoffman about the targeted attack on his life. And he reflects on his healing process and new sense of purpose.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Tim Walz exit, ICE shooting puts glaring national spotlight on Minnesota

Politics Friday: Tim Walz exit, ICE shooting puts glaring national spotlight on Minnesota

Following the first full week of January in a critical election year, MPR News Politics editor Brian Bakst and his colleagues recap an exhausting and momentous week for the history books.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday Special: Walz gives deeper explanation about decision to abandon bid for third term

Politics Friday Special: Walz gives deeper explanation about decision to abandon bid for third term

In a major political shakeup, Gov. Tim Walz took himself out of the running for a third term as governor. The next day, a fiery Walz took questions about his final year in office.
by Clay Masters, Brian Bakst, Matthew Alvarez and Jeff Jones

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