Breaking the Ice: Early volunteering inspired judicial branch official

Todd Nelson May 18, 2018 Leave a comment

Alyssa Siems Roberson, director of public affairs for the Minnesota Judicial Branch, stands in front of the Minnesota Judicial Center in the Capitol complex in St. Paul. (Staff photo: Bill Klotz)

Alyssa Siems Roberson is the newly named director of public affairs for the Minnesota Judicial Branch

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Capitol Retort: Turning on T-Paw, women donors, Beatles v. Stones

Kevin Featherly May 17, 2018 Leave a comment

On Oct. 1, 2007, then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s lieutenant governor and transportation commissioner, Carol Molnau, addresses a panel of state lawmakers who were discussing how to replace the collapsed Intersate 35W bridge in Minneapolis. At left is Finance Commissioner Tom Hanson. This year Molnau is endorsing Jeff Johnson over Pawlenty in the race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. (AP file photo: Jim Mone)

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

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In the Hopper: Key bills signed, vetoed so far

Kevin Featherly May 16, 2018 Leave a comment

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, Gov. Mark Dayton, and House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, appear happy together at the annual pre-session briefing hosted by Forum News Service on Feb. 13. (File photo: Kevin Featherly)

A selection of 16 bills Gov. Dayton has signed or vetoed that might be of interest to attorneys.

Breaking the Ice: Covering ground in the courtroom, outdoors

Todd Nelson May 11, 2018 Leave a comment

Attorney Kevin Curry of Soule & Stull is a two-time Ironman triathlon participant, marathoner, certified National Ski Patrol team leader and, most recently, yoga practitioner.

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Capitol Retort: Mega-bills; Rudy awakening; win, Twins?

Kevin Featherly May 10, 2018 Leave a comment

Gov. Mark Dayton said April 26 that rolling so many division budgets into mega-omnibuses does not bode well. “The larger the bill,” Dayton said, “the more likely that there would be objectionable features in it. (File photo: Kevin Featherly)

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

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In the Hopper: 1st responders’ PTSD; actions for damages; déjà vu

Kevin Featherly May 9, 2018 Leave a comment

Rep. Nick Zerwas, R-Elk River, introduced an amendment that declares post-traumatic stress disorder to be presumptively an occupational condition for first responders. This photo shows Zerwas at a March 22 House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee hearing. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

The freeway protest bill was reintroduced Tuesday for yet another House floor debate.

Breaking the Ice: Longtime judge ‘fell into’ leadership roles

Todd Nelson May 4, 2018 Leave a comment

Fourth Judicial District Judge Kevin Burke was appointed to the bench in 1984 by Gov. Rudy Perpich. (File photo: Bill Klotz)

Fourth Judicial District Judge Kevin Burke loves golfing and "Perry Mason."

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Capitol Retort: Germaneness; Cosby’s culpable; go out and play

Kevin Featherly May 3, 2018 Leave a comment

Bill Cosby, center, leaves the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on April 26 after being convicted of drugging and molesting a woman. (AP photo)

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

Tagged with: Capitol Retort

In the Hopper: Severe or pervasive; Human Rights cuts

Kevin Featherly May 2, 2018 Leave a comment

House File 4459, authored by Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers, aims to lower the bar on sexual harassment litigation. (File photo: Kevin Featherly)

A House bill, meant to nudge courts away from a “severe or pervasive” standard for judging whether sexual harassment cases can survive beyond summary judgment, is moving ahead.