Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Politics Friday
Brian Bakst, Ellie Roth and Matt Alvarez

Politics Friday: It’s crunch time at the Capitol

The Minnesota state House floor
Minnesota lawmakers have only one more full week to finish up the legislative session’s work.  
Glen Stubbe | Star Tribune via AP 2021

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Minnesota lawmakers have only one more full week to finish up the legislative session’s work.  

MPR News host Brian Bakst spoke with two leaders of the Minnesota House about the authorization of construction projects, a touch-up of the state budget, updates to Minnesota’s new cannabis law and a possible plan to set minimum pay and protections for rideshare drivers — all still up in the air. 

And May 11 not only marks Minnesota Statehood Day, but a new state flag goes up the pole and a new state seal will replace the old. We got a look at the redesign process that spurred thousands of submissions — and months of debate — and what transition means for Minnesota.

The new state flag design
The State Emblems Redesign Commission decided on a new Minnesota state flag design in an 11-1 vote on Dec. 19, 2023.
Courtesy of the State Emblems Redesign Commission

Plus, two members of MPR Capitol reporting team, Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters, huddled up for a weekly check-in on Minnesota politics. 

Guests:  

  • House Majority Leader Rep. Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis  

  • Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska

Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.   

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.