Author Archives: Kevin Featherly

Kevin Featherly, who joined BridgeTower Media in mid-2016, is a journalist and former freelance writer who has covered politics, law, business, technology and popular culture for publications and websites in the Twin Cities and nationally since the mid-1990s.

Swanson, Ellison loom large over DFL press conference

Kevin Featherly August 16, 2018 Leave a comment

Ken Martin, the DFL’s state party chair, answers reporters’ questions at a Thursday press conference that also featured Tim Walz (left), the party’s gubernatorial candidate, and Erin Murphy, who finished second to Walz in Tuesday’s primary. Gov. Mark Dayton looks on from the rear. Attorney General Lori Swanson—who finished third—was not invited, according to Martin. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

Something—or someone—was missing Thursday when Democrats ceremonially handed the mantle of party leadership from the current governor to the DFLer who hopes to replace him.

Greater MSP added to Amazon HQ2 suit

Kevin Featherly August 16, 2018 Leave a comment

Public Record Media Executive Director Matt Ehling testifies Oct. 31 before the Legislative Commission on Data Practices. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

Group claims private economic development firm subject to Data Practices Act

Keith Ellison steamrolls to victory despite abuse allegations

Kevin Featherly August 15, 2018 Leave a comment

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison speaks to supporters Tuesday in Minneapolis shortly after he was declared the winner of the DFL primary in the state attorney general’s race. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

"We’re going to be respectful to all and we are going to insist upon the truth,” Ellison said.

Capitol Retort: Suing unions; muzzling media; pop goes the Oscar

Kevin Featherly August 15, 2018 Leave a comment

In this June 25 photo, people gather at the Supreme Court awaiting a decision in an Illinois union dues case, Janus vs. AFSCME, in Washington. (AP file photo)

Our review of issues in state and national news, with a rotating cast of political people in the know.

Tagged with: Capitol Retort

Ex-employee sues after Lori Swanson’s attempts ‘to discredit him’

Kevin Featherly August 13, 2018 Leave a comment

Attorney General Lori Swanson is running for governor. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

In confusing case, D’Andre Norman seeks restraining order

Sentencing Guidelines Commission mulls last-chance modifications

Kevin Featherly August 10, 2018 Leave a comment

State Court of Appeals Judge Heidi Schellhas, a member of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, speaks during the panel’s most recent hearing on July 26. Fellow commissioner and Chief Appellate Public Defender Cathryn Middlebrook, right, also is pictured. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

With eight members facing the end of their tenures, the Sentencing Guidelines Commission has cobbled together 12 last-chance policy changes to consider before a new governor takes office.

DEED has turned over all Amazon data, Hardy says

Kevin Featherly August 10, 2018 Leave a comment

Shawntera Hardy, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, speaks during a press conference Wednesday in the governor’s Capitol Reception Room. Hardy disputes claims by a public watchdog group that DEED has withheld information about the state’s Amazon’s HQ2 project bid. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

Public Record Media, led by documentary filmmaker Matt Ehling, originally filed suit on June 27, hoping to force disclosure of the state’s confidential bid for Amazon’s much-hyped second headquarters.

Quirky candidate Anderson’s running for AG—again

Kevin Featherly August 9, 2018 Leave a comment

Anyone spending an hour interviewing Minnesota attorney general candidate Sharon Anderson is likely to wish a libel lawyer were present. We can’t repeat the various allegations, old and new, that the Republican hopeful lodged in an hour-long Aug. 2 interview. ...