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 North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, tapped by Trump to run the Interior Department
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Interior Department. The two-term Republican governor of the sparsely populated state has taken a business-oriented approach to his tenure. 
Trump chooses anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary
A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy is an attorney who has built a loyal following over several decades of people who admire his lawsuits against major pesticide and pharmaceutical companies. He has pushed for tighter regulations around the ingredients in foods.
Two Carlton County races end in ties — winners determined by chance
The race for Mayor in the city of Wrenshall, and for one of two city council seats in Kettle River, both ended in dead heats. According to state statute, an election that ends in a tie is decided by lot.
Senate Republicans concerned with Gaetz nomination ask to access House ethics probe
Senators are calling for access to a House Ethics Committee probe into former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., following his nomination to be the next Attorney General under president-elect Donald Trump.
Sen. Smith: Trump cabinet picks are concerning, but I will give each a fair hearing
Minnesota U.S. Sen. Tina Smith shared she will look closely at each nomination ahead of a hearing. But Trump wants the new Senate leader to allow him to make appointments when the chamber is on recess, bypassing confirmation votes altogether.
Suicides in the U.S. military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend
Senior defense officials say suicides in the U.S. military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend that the Pentagon has struggled to abate. The increase is a setback after the deaths dipped slightly the previous year.
Satire slinger The Onion buys Alex Jones' Infowars at auction with help from Sandy Hook families
The satirical news publication The Onion won the bidding for Alex Jones’ Infowars at a bankruptcy auction, backed by families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims whom Jones owes more than $1 billion in defamation judgments for calling the massacre a hoax, the families announced Thursday.
Speaker Mike Johnson wins GOP nomination to remain in job, faces full House vote in new year
Rep. Mike Johnson has won the Republican nomination to remain as House speaker, on track to keep the gavel after a morning endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump ahead of a full House vote in the new year.