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 special: Walz, Demuth, Flanagan remember Rep. Melissa Hortman
Minnesotans are mourning and remembering the life of Rep. Melissa Hortman. MPR News hosts Nina Moini and Brian Bakst walk us through a series of interviews with some of Minnesota’s top political leaders.
Politics Friday: Digging into the one-day special session
The Minnesota Legislature’s work is done for now. On this special podcast edition of Politics Friday, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and reporter Ellie Roth recap a less-than-24-hours special session.
Politics Friday: Lawmakers slog toward budget conclusion as special session is set
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with House leaders about the work on a tardy state budget and what could happen if it’s not finished soon. Plus, a look at the return-to-office for many state employees.
Politics Friday: Walz weighs in as state lawmakers head into overtime
Minnesota lawmakers are inching closer to a special session, we get the view from Gov. Tim Walz. Plus, political analysis and an extended voices from the Capitol.
Politics Friday: Slow so far, a big phase of Minnesota's marijuana market launch nears
MPR News politics editor and his guests talk about upcoming developments in the Minnesota legal marijuana marketplace. And key lawmakers update talks on a new state budget.
Politics Friday: Washington is top of mind for a pair of Minnesota's top leaders
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst interviews U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan about her bid for higher office. Then a discussion about the way immigration changes are playing out. 
Politics Friday: Affordable housing is a bipartisan focus, but what can lawmakers get done?
MPR politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Minnesota officials about steps being taken to address a shortage of low-to-moderate cost housing. Later, a check-in on the Minneapolis mayoral race.