Capitol Retort: On probation, hotter than guns, AI overlords

Kevin Featherly November 14, 2019

Controversy surrounds the state Sentencing Guidelines Commission’s 6-5 vote to preliminarily approve a five-year cap on probation terms for many felons.

Capitol Retort: Semi-Collin, Omar’s present, swamis’ predictions

Kevin Featherly November 7, 2019

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson was one of only two Democrats to vote no on an impeachment procedural vote Thursday. (AP file photo)

U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, DFL-Minn., has drawn criticism and praise for being one of only two Democrats to vote no on an impeachment procedural vote Thursday. What was your reaction to the Congressman’s vote?

Capitol Retort: Dangerously biased, felon voting, robed ruffians

Kevin Featherly October 31, 2019

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, left, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have received threats steeped in racial or religious animosity. (File photo: Bill Klotz, staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

The mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul have both endured racially or religiously biased and threatening messages. Do you see that as a weird coincidence or emblematic of something bigger and more worrisome in our culture?

Capitol Retort: Proactive expungements, ‘strong relationship,’ cold and snowy

Kevin Featherly October 24, 2019

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi’s office is proactively expunging the records of qualifying ex-offenders. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

Should courts let police wander outside the bounds of identified evidence?

Capitol Retort: AG staffing, group-home think, famous Mr. Giuliani

Kevin Featherly October 17, 2019

Attorney General Keith Ellison wants lawmakers to staff up his criminal division so he can help local prosecutors pursue more crimes. (File photo)

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

Capitol Retort: Matter of ethics, Trump’s coming; kissing Cousins

Kevin Featherly October 10, 2019

In this June 18 photo, President Donald Trump arrives to speak at his re-election kickoff rally at the Amway Center, in Orlando, Florida. Trump is scheduled to appear in Minneapolis on Thursday.

If you had the president’s ear, what would you say to persuade him to feel as you do about Minneapolis?

Capitol Retort: ‘Hefty’ award, Ukraine on the brain, remote erasure

Kevin Featherly October 3, 2019

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

Capitol Retort: Overtime ruling, Ukrainian intrigue, killer Twins

Kevin Featherly September 25, 2019

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

Capitol Retort: Long lines, bold v. bad, Keithcast

Kevin Featherly September 18, 2019

Rep. Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, was hired in July as an “energy research project specialist” at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment. He resigned last week. (File photo: Kevin Featherly)

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

Capitol Retort: Grossell’s groaner, actual malice, state beast

Kevin Featherly September 12, 2019

Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

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