Posts by Paul Schmelzer
Obama in Cannon Falls: It’s time to ‘choose the next generation over the next election’
Against a backdrop of a giant American flag, President Barack Obama greeted some 500 people near a stream at Cannon Falls’ Hannah’s Bend Park Monday. Billed as a “rural road trip” by the White House, the event is one stop on a route that took him through Zumbrota, Minn., and Decorah, Iowa, yesterday. Photojournalist Kathy Easthagen was there to capture the scene.
U.S House passes deadline bill for Keystone pipeline decision
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that would require the Obama administration to make a final decision on the expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline by Nov. 1. The vote was 279-147, with Minnesota’s delegation voting along party lines, with two exceptions: Democrat Collin Peterson voted with Republicans, and Rep. Michele Bachmann did not vote.
Stephen Colbert: To Bachmann, ‘everything is slavery’
“Bachmann is sensitive to the pain of slavery because to her, clearly, everything is slavery,” said Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert, before offering up clips of Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann calling everything from taxation and healthcare reform to the national debt and the “gay and lesbian lifestyle” slavery.
Video: MnIndy’s Andy Birkey on the latest shutdown news
With a partisan stalemate in St. Paul over the lack of agreement over a state budget, the Minnesota government remains closed, except for essential services. Minnesota Independent Senior Reporter Andy Birkey discussed the latest developments Wednesday with Free…
Minnesota companies: We’re not related to controversial figures who share our name
Hoping to avoid a case of mistaken identity, two Twin Cities–based businesses are trying to make it clear: They’re not affiliated with contentious political figures who share their names. Bachman’s Floral Gift & Garden and Koch Industries, Inc., a Golden Valley wholesaler of chain, rope and fasteners, have both posted notices on their websites, Bachman’s noting that it is in no way related to the controversial Minnesota congresswoman and presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, and Koch stating that they’re not related to the brothers of the same name who famously finance tea party and libertarian causes.
MnIndy’s Sam Lane talks shutdown with Thom Hartmann
The Minnesota Independent’s Sam Lane discussed the budget impasse and government shutdown with nationally syndicated radio host Thom Hartmann on Friday. Lane discussed recent stories, including last night’s shutdown and the revelation that Republicans sought a bargain with Gov. Mark Dayton that would’ve put controversial social issues like a ban on funding for some forms of stem cell research and abortion limits back on the table.
Dept. of Revenue: No refunds issued during shutdown, but tax payments still due
The government’s shut down, so tough luck about that tax refund or rent rebate you might be waiting for. But if you’re hoping to get a break on paying your taxes, don’t count on it.
Photo essay: Scenes from the shutdown
With the budget showdown between Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and the Republican legislature at an impasse, state employees, union members and a handful of counter-protesters descended on the Capitol Thursday night for a vigil and rally. But as darkness fell, it was clear a government shutdown couldn’t be averted. Photojournalist Kathy Easthagen was in St. Paul to capture the scene.
Photo essay: The Palins at the Mall of America
Bristol Palin, with parents Sarah and Todd, visited the Mall of America Wednesday for a family book-signing. Award-winning photographer Kathy Easthagen was there to capture these scenes.
On MSNBC, Lynne Torgerson claims Ellison doesn’t hold the U.S. Constitution ‘supreme’
MSNBC’s The Ed Show on MSNBC turned its focus on Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District race as candidate Lynne Torgerson spoke with Rev. Al Sharpton about incumbent Rep. Keith Ellison last night. The contentious back and forth centered on Torgerson’s claim that Ellison, a Muslim, doesn’t hold the U.S. Constitution “supreme” over Shariah law. Her beef: Ellison said the U.S. Constitution is the “bedrock” of American law, but didn’t say it was “supreme.”
