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AM.MN: Franken jobs bill is state’s best shot at State of Union mention

By Chris Steller | 01.27.10 | 8:30 am

am.mn logoMinnesota’s best chance at a mention during the State of the Union — barring an unlikely shout-out to accused phone-repair impersonator Joe Basel — is Sen. Al Franken’s new jobs bill, inspired by a Minnesota program.…

AM.MN: DFL ‘Wizard of Oz’ lovers won’t pay for Vikings’ purple palace

By Chris Steller | 12.22.09 | 8:30 am

am.mn logoThe only DFL gubernatorial candidates to give a flat “no” to public funding for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium — state Sen. John Marty and House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher — also love the movie “The Wizard

Incumbents romp in Minneapolis council contests

By Paul Demko | 11.04.09 | 12:36 pm

The introduction of instant-runoff voting (IRV) added uncertainty to city council races in Minneapolis. But when all the votes are (finally) counted, it appears likely that every incumbent who ran for re-election will prevail.

Barb Johnson’s hair-raising campaign expenses

By Paul Demko | 11.02.09 | 4:09 pm

JohnsonThe personal is apparently political for Minneapolis City Council president Barb Johnson. City Pages reports that the four-term council member, who is locked in a tough, four-way re-election fight,…

Ward Four: Trio of challengers take on political dynasty

By Paul Demko | 10.09.09 | 2:21 pm

Four years ago, Barb Johnson was the only incumbent Minneapolis city council member who didn’t attract any opponents. But this year she faces three challengers to the post her family has held since 1975.

Cop out: Just two Hmong officers assigned to North Minneapolis

By Paul Demko | 10.01.09 | 9:21 am

There are currently just two Hmong police officers assigned to Minneapolis’ 4th Precinct, both of whom work overnight shifts. North Side residents want at least one Hmong-speaking cop on the day shift to help foster better communications with the Minneapolis Police Department. But achieving that may be harder than it would seem.

‘Reckless’ and ‘unconscionable’: Reactions to Pawlenty’s unallotment plan

By Paul Schmelzer | 06.16.09 | 4:56 pm

Reaction to Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s Tuesday press conference announcing his unallotment of nearly $2.7 billion from the state budget has been swift and, at times, scathing.

City Hall Monitor: E.J. Dionne gives Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson a shout out

By Chris Steller | 06.02.08 | 2:56 pm

Over the weekend, the Washington Post’s E.J. Dionne included Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson in a column on how women in elective office view Sen. Hillary Clinton’s current travails. The nationally syndicated column included Johnson’s…