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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: What will Minnesota lawmakers do to fight fraud?

Politics Friday: What will Minnesota lawmakers do to fight fraud?

MPR News politics editor talks with two lawmakers about their efforts to fight fraud. Plus, a conversation with the newest U.S. Senate candidate Melisa López Franzen.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Minnesota’s paid leave law remains a flashpoint as launch nears

Politics Friday: Minnesota’s paid leave law remains a flashpoint as launch nears

MPR News senior politics editor Brian Bakst talks with two Minnesota lawmakers about the state’s new paid leave program — scheduled to start in January of next year — and the legislation that could possibly delay or change eligibility.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Moves in Washington hover over state budget outlook

Politics Friday: Moves in Washington hover over state budget outlook

MPR News senior politics editor Brian Bakst talked to Sen. Mark Johnson about the state’s budget situation. Plus, a conversation with the dean of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Newly elected lawmakers reflect on their first legislative session

Politics Friday: Newly elected lawmakers reflect on their first legislative session

MPR News host Brian Bakst talks with two state representatives serving in their first legislative session. Later, a conversation with State Auditor Julie Blaha.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Blur of action in Washington, back to action in St. Paul

Politics Friday: Blur of action in Washington, back to action in St. Paul

MPR News host Brian Bakst talks about the blistering change in Washington with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith. And the scuffle in the Minnesota House is over. We discuss how lawmakers struck a deal to gavel in the session.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Democrats seek a new leader with Minnesota’s DFL party chair

Politics Friday: Democrats seek a new leader with Minnesota’s DFL party chair

MPR News politics editor and host Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the Democratic National Committee’s election of a new party chair and the Minnesotan who’s campaigning for the job. Later, a conversation with newly elected Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: The 2025 Legislature is off to a bumpy start

Politics Friday: The 2025 Legislature is off to a bumpy start

DFLers made good on their threat to keep the Minnesota House in limbo earlier this week as both parties fought over control. Republicans pressed forward anyway. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the unconventional start to the 2025 legislative session. Plus, an interview with Gov. Tim Walz.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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