Politics and Government News

Stay updated with the latest political and government news. MPR News covers local, state and national politics, providing in-depth analysis and updates on policies, elections and governmental actions.

What to know as early voting starts Friday in Minnesota
Minnesotans will be able to cast their ballot for presidential, statewide and local elections starting on Friday. People can vote early via mail-in ballot or visit a designated early voting location before Election Day. 
House rejects temporary funding bill to avoid government shutdown
The House on Wednesday rejected Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposal that would have linked temporary funding for the federal government with a mandate that states require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.
Officials search for more staff, other fixes for growing child care crunch in Duluth
Officials, providers and parents gathered in Duluth this week to discuss possible solutions to the child care crisis in the city. The news three large day care centers will close soon is adding to an already large shortage of child care slots
Forget tedious paper applications, Americans can now renew passports online
The State Department announced Wednesday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport had expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year.
Vance says Haitian migrants with protected status are ‘illegal aliens’ to be deported
The Republican vice presidential nominee continues to rail against Haitian migrants living in Ohio, though many have Temporary Protected Status, as the GOP escalates its hardline immigration stance.
Report: Minnesota youth have huge potential to shape the 2024 presidential election
Voters ages 18 to 29 could decide Minnesota’s pick for president, according to nonpartisan research center CIRCLE. They could also impact the outcome in Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District. 
In break with tradition, the Teamsters will not endorse a presidential candidate
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union of 1.3 million workers, will not endorse Vice President Harris or former President Donald Trump for president, after decades of backing Democrats.
‘This is affecting a lot of people in my community‘: Haitians in Minnesota stand strong amid hateful rhetoric
Djenane Saint Juste is an author, dancer and the founder of the Haitian arts organization Afoutayi. She said that the political discussion around Haitians has deeply impacted her community here in Minnesota.
White House hosts first meeting with Trump, Harris transition teams
The outgoing administration plans to smooth the handoff to whomever wins in November. The meeting and invitation to both parties’ representatives are required under the Presidential Transition Act, which mandates that the designated candidate representatives serve in an advisory capacity.