Government & Politics
Minnesotans aren’t happy about the six finalists for the new state flag
The six flags that are finalists to become the new Minnesota state flag are receiving reviews to rival “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked,” panned by Minnesotans on social media, who are calling them “trash” and harshly critiquing the work of the commission tasked with selecting Minnesota’s new state flag and seal. Members of the State […]
Duty disability group granted injunction in lawsuit against state
A group representing emergency workers like police and firefighters who were disabled in the line of duty has scored a victory in its lawsuit over a new state law.
Blaine City Council rocked by allegations the mayor has a conflict of interest in sports project
The mayor of Blaine is an investor in a baseball-themed restaurant going up near a planned massive sports entertainment district that may include a taxpayer-subsidized minor league baseball stadium.
How U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson helped derail a fight against election lies
Back in July, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. A federal court had recently granted a temporary injunction, in Missouri v. Biden, finding that the Biden administration had violated the First Amendment by coercing social media companies to remove content, related both to elections and the COVID-19 vaccine, that it […]
Pentagon: National security depends on ‘forever chemicals’ like those made by 3M
The Department of Defense relies on hundreds, if not thousands, of weapons and products such as uniforms, batteries, and microelectronics that contain PFAS, a family of chemicals linked to serious health conditions. Now, as regulators propose restrictions on their use or manufacturing, Pentagon officials have told Congress that eliminating the chemicals would undermine military readiness. […]
Three presidential debates, one VP debate scheduled ahead of 2024 election
WASHINGTON — The Democratic and Republican nominees for president would debate three times next year if both candidates agree to a schedule released Monday by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. “The United States’ general election debates, watched live worldwide, are a model for many other countries: the opportunity to hear and see leading candidates […]
Rosalynn Carter acclaimed by admirers for her pioneering advocacy for mental health, caregiving
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has died, according to the Carter Center, leaving a rich legacy of championing mental health and women’s rights. She will be buried at the ranch house in Plains she and former President Jimmy Carter built in 1961. She died Sunday just days after the family announced she had entered hospice […]
Minneapolis legislative agenda includes tightening public records laws it deems burdensome
The city of Minneapolis’ agenda at the Legislature next year includes tightening public records laws the city deems overly burdensome on public agencies.
Biden signs stopgap spending bill, avoiding government shutdown
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has signed the stopgap spending bill, giving his administration and Congress about two months to work out agreement on the dozen annual spending bills. Those appropriations measures were supposed to become law by the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1, but disagreement about whether to adhere to the […]
Conservative groups lick wounds after school board election loss, vow to continue fighting
The Minnesota Parents Alliance and its conservative allies spent thousands on school board races this year, predicting that their candidates who promoted “parental rights” would win big among suburbanites. But voters last week rejected the majority of the group’s candidates, electing 11 out of the 44 that MPA endorsed. Despite the losses, MPA did score […]
A committee is now hearing Minnesotans’ opinions on the new ethnic studies curriculum
As culture war issues over race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality roil every level of government from school boards to the U.S. Congress, Minnesota is revisiting its social studies standards, including the highly contentious issue of how to teach ethnic studies. Implementation of a bill mandating ethnic studies as a required course for Minnesota students is […]
Government tax subsidies go to construction contractors with labor abuse records
Take a seat in the Break Room, our weekly round-up of labor news in Minnesota and beyond. North Star Policy Action, a union-backed Minnesota think tank, documented 33 construction projects that have received over $84 million in taxpayer subsidies while employing contractors tied to proven or alleged worker exploitation. For example, they look at Absolute […]