Roughly two-thirds of critical MNsure systems aren't working or aren't there, according to the report, which laid out 73 features that should be functional in a successful exchange.

With his inauguration less than two weeks away, Gov.-elect Mark Dayton has announced two more state agency commissioners, and they are both familiar figures at the Capitol. Dave Frederickson will head the Department of Agriculture, and Ken Peterson has gotten the nod to lead the Department of Labor and Industry.

Jonathan Franzen's widely hailed epic American novel "Freedom" largely takes place in St. Paul's Ramsey Hill neighborhood. The author's grasp of the nuances of the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood in the pre-Bush years are seemingly spot on. It's chock full of delicious details (W.A. Frost!) that will have locals nodding.

With her self-deprecating grin, shoulder-length hair and upbeat demeanor, Sharyle "Shar" Knutson is no one's stereotype of a big-city union boss.

Pakou Hang is backing Chai Lee in the crowded Senate District 67 contest. In 2005, Hang ran for a St. Paul City Council seat, losing out to Sixth Ward incumbent Dan Bostrom by less than 400 votes. Perhaps more relevant to the current St. Paul Senate contest: Hang was the campaign manager for Mee Moua's initial successful campaign in 2002.