Capitol Retort: Constitution; meeting conduct; fireable offense?

Kevin Featherly September 28, 2017 Leave a comment

Gov. Mark Dayton has suggested that voters might need to decide if the judiciary should remain available as an emergency funding source during government shutdowns.

Weekly musings on government news by people in the know.

Breaking the Ice: Exchange with Ellison prompted House bid

Todd Nelson September 27, 2017 Leave a comment

Rep. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, was venting about growing childhood hunger in her community to her then-boss — Congressman Keith Ellison. “Are you going to run for office?” he asked.

Breaking the Ice: Deepwater Horizon cases shape litigator’s career

Todd Nelson September 21, 2017 Leave a comment

William L. Roberts joined Faegre Baker Daniels in 1992 after serving as a law clerk for now Senior U.S. District Court Judge Donald D. Alsop. (Staff photo: Bill Klotz)

“It was rewarding to represent 1,500-plus hardworking commercial fishermen and related businesses down in the Gulf,” William L. Roberts said.

Breaking the Ice: Nursing experience informs judge’s work

Todd Nelson September 14, 2017 Leave a comment

“The nursing background was incredibly helpful in understanding the scientific issues and the medical issues with addiction and mental health,” she says.

Capitol Retort: Blue-slip blues, American dreamer, burger madness

Kevin Featherly September 13, 2017 Leave a comment

Senate Judiciary Committee members Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Al Franken talk during a break in Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch's confirmation hearing on March 21. The Minnesota Democrats will not submit their so-called “blue slips” to move forward state Supreme Court Justice David Stras’ nomination to the federal bench. (AP file photo)

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

Rough justices, pardon-proof, net neutrality

Kevin Featherly September 7, 2017 Leave a comment

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reportedly is collaborating with special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s financial transactions. (File photo: Bloomberg News)

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

Breaking the Ice: No ‘magic wand’ for judges, DWI court leader says

Todd Nelson September 7, 2017 Leave a comment

Judge Shaun Floerke is presiding judge of South St. Louis County’s DWI Court in Duluth.

Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Shaun Floerke, presiding judge of South St. Louis County’s DWI Court in Duluth, credits its success in part to participants.