News Releases
Until a Special Session is Called Conference Committees are Merely Working Groups
Minnesota Report
It might seem like semantics but, the House and Senate, by virtue of not being in session are acting as if they were still in, but officially can take no real action until a Special Session is called by Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN). These are Working Groups.
Any agreements made will need to brought forward as bills, once the Special is called. There might be only as many as the respective Conference Committees created during the Regular Session, unless the collective leadership sees the need for any additional ones.
Those Interested in Product Stylized Warnings on Social Media Fail to Accomplish Their Purpose
Minnesota Report
If you are interested in Social Media controls then you might want to follow the Health and Human Services Working Group. The House conferees are Reps Robert Bierman (DFL-62B, Apple Valley), Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-49B, Eden Prairie), Liz Reyer(DFL-52B, Eagan), Jeff Backer(R-09A, Browns Valley), Nolan West (R-32A, Blaine), Jeremy Nadeau (R-34A, Rogers) and the Senate conferees are: Sens Melissa Wiklund (DFL-51, Bloomington); Alice Mann (DFL-50, Edina); Paul Utke (R-05, Park Rapids).
Specifically, the bill HF 1289, which is a portion of what will become the HHS Omnibus Bill Social Media Warning Labels. Main point is there is no onesize fits all.
Here are the points raised by the opposition.
● For many LGBTQ+ youth, online spaces provide crucial support and community they can’t find elsewhere
● Warning labels send a harmful message that seeking online community is inherently unhealthy
● Rural and isolated LGBTQ+ teens in Minnesota particularly, rely on these platforms for connection
Blanket Warnings Ignore Positive Benefits
● Warning labels fail to distinguish between harmful and beneficial uses of social media
● Research shows supportive online communities can improve mental health for vulnerable youth
● Many teens find identity validation, peer support, and valuable resources through social platforms
● Stigmatizing all social media use ignores how essential these connections are for many young people
Barriers for Vulnerable Communities
● Many families rely on social media to maintain connection
● Warning labels add obstacles for users with limited English proficiency
Better Progressive Solutions
● Focus on app store level parental consent that respects youth privacy
● Support digital literacy programs that teach critical thinking about online content
● Invest in accessible mental health services rather than stigmatizing warnings
● Create incentives for platforms to design healthier spaces while preserving community benefits
● Engage with vulnerable communities to develop solutions that meet their specific needs
The Bipolar Legislature is in Our Midst and Checks & Balances Has the Answer
Minnesota Report
With the Minnesota Legislature effectively tied—House at 67-67 and the Senate at 34-33—we find ourselves facing a Bipolar Body: a beast of two minds. Progress under these conditions is elusive. The POCI Caucus remains divided and impassioned, and yet, Checks & Balances has the solution. But first—
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We must acknowledge our absence from the Minnesota State Capitol over the course of the entire session.. We have encountered barriers to participation and communication. Our efforts to engage constructively have been thwarted by gatekeeping, posturing, and, frankly, unacceptable decorum from certain members—chief among them, Rep. Aisha Gomez (DFL-62A, Minneapolis)—whose conduct we deem obstructive to both dialogue and deliberation is not only a big Fat bully, but also a bitch and if we didn’t refrain from being rude, she is the C-word.
.That said, let us address the central issue: the budget. The path forward is unequivocally a revenue one. With uncertainty still surrounding federal actions under Donald J. Trump (R), the state must prepare for looming fiscal challenges. This preparation demands a substantial infusion of new revenue.
We have communicated our proposals to the Legislature and specific members thereof. Their responses have included escalated security measures, including calls to the Sergeant at Arms, resulting in reprimands directed at our publisher, Shawn Allen Towle. This occurred despite the fact that Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman, Rep. Rick Hansen, Sen. Aric Putnam, and Marc Kimball, among others, were given ample opportunity to engage directly, and chose otherwise they called the cops.
(Editor’s Note: Kimball once did call, and he was explicitly TOWLED to have Sen. Erin Murphy return the call, which, to Our knowledge, did not occur.)
To our readers: You hold the real power. Call your respective Senator and Representative. Tell them you support the Shawn Towle Solution.
The Shawn Towle Solution
We propose the following:
1. Target Ineffective Health Spending
The HHS Budget has experienced a nearly 90% increase over the past four years due to spending on weight-loss pharmaceuticals. We question the efficacy and equity of this expenditure. As for alternatives, Our personal experience with Emerald Caviar has yielded a loss of 25 lbs in two months, supporting a food-based model over injectables. Let us invest in innovation, not dependency.
2. Legalize and Tax Sports Betting
Yes, sports wagering is addictive. Yes, it requires regulation and resources for addiction treatment. But it already occurs daily, illegally and online. The state’s refusal to legalize this and capture the revenue—while continuing to cede control to exclusive interests—amounts to legislative negligence. We say: legalize it. With no Native exclusivity, the state should retain 100% of the revenue.
3. Establish a State-Run Casino in St. Paul and a Riverboat too.
We assert the need for a state-run, state-financed casino, independent of tribal compacts, and strategically located in St. Paul, a city languishing under the ineffective stewardship of Mayor Melvin Carter III. This facility could serve as an economic anchor and generate substantial revenue. Why is this not being discussed? Also as the host city St Paul should receive 1/3rd of the profits so she can get her sales tax in line below all surounding communities.
Riverboat gmbling is a simple option and also should be applied and St Paul will become a more popular location than Chicago.
A Word to Legislators
Sen. Aric Putnam,
You truly called the Sergeant at Arms on Us? We must ask—was this because We challenged you to act as a leader beyond the narrow lanes of constituent and donor relations? We reached out because we believed in dialogue. Your failure to engage prompted this publication. FYI Speaker Emeretis Melissa Hortman and Rep Rick Hansen did the same in the other body.
Sen. Sandy Pappas,
We texted you what we also sent to Marc Kimball. Marc, your failure to ask Erin Murphy to call—after being directly told—demonstrates a lack of strategic coordination at a time when your caucus desperately needs cohesion. With the POCI Caucus internally fragmented and Republican votes required to pass legislation, leadership must emerge.
We, the smartest minds in Minnesota Politics, do not merely offer critique. We offer a solution. The issue is singular: lack of revenue. The remedy is multifaceted, and We have presented it here.
A Forged Future
We would have preferred to say all of this differently:
“We hope this message finds you well and understanding that it is when the heat of the forge is applied to the steel—until it softens and is drawn from the fire—that it is laid upon the anvil, shaped by strikes into a sword, a shield, or the blade of a plow. The future of this state requires such shaping. Do you have the will to wield the hammer?”
We await your answer. And so does Minnesota.
—Checks & Balances
Governor Walz, Legislative Leaders Reach Bipartisan Agreement on State Budget Targets
Minnesota Report
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Republican and Democratic legislative leaders reached an agreement today on state budget targets.
“Amid partisanship and division in Washington, Republicans and Democrats are proving that here in Minnesota we can still work together to get things done,” said Governor Walz. “This agreement will ensure Minnesota continues to be the best place in the country to raise a child, while responsibly addressing long-term structural budget challenges. While we disagree on many things, every person in the negotiating room has the best interest of our state in mind. I want to thank House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, as well as Senate Leaders Erin Murphy and Mark Johnson, for bringing their passion and ideas to the room and working in good faith to improve the lives of the people we serve.”
“The hard work and compromise that went into reaching a budget deal represents the best of us as Minnesotans. Our budget framework invests in shared goals like education, health care and family budgets, and prioritizes children, workers and vulnerable communities. We will balance the state budget for the next two years. And now we begin addressing the future budget challenges created by Washington, D.C.,” said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy. “This wasn’t easy, and that’s a good thing. Legislative leaders and Governor Walz have worked through our differences and met our obligation to get to this point. I’m proud of that. Now we can move forward with our work to finalize our budget in the best interests of Minnesotans.”
“While we began this session by navigating a tie in the House and the most closely divided legislature in state history, we’ve been able to come to an agreement that improves the lives of Minnesotans and addresses the budget issues in coming years,” said Speaker Demuth. “We still have work to do, and I look forward to finishing this session strong. With this agreement, we’re making life more affordable for Minnesotans, strengthening our state, and making Minnesota a great place to live and work.”
“Minnesotans expect us to balance the budget and keep our state moving forward, and we are on track,” said Speaker Emerita Hortman. “While this agreement doesn’t include everything we would have liked, we worked together to find a compromise. As DFLers, we do not take these changes lightly. But this is a budget that funds Minnesota’s state government for the next two years. It continues to fund our priorities and the services that Minnesotans expect and rely on every day. We are a closely divided state. This budget is a reminder that even in times of deep division, it’s still possible to come together and do the work. I’m grateful to the Governor and my fellow legislative leaders, and I look forward to completing this state budget.”
Trump and RFK Jr. Are Completely and Totally Right on Prescription Drug Prices
International, National & Minnesota Report
Yes, we were as surprised as anyone to find ourselves agreeing—wholeheartedly—with Donald J. Trump (R) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I) on a key issue: the outrageous cost of prescription drugs in the United States.
Trump’s recent executive order tying U.S. drug prices to the lowest prices paid in any foreign country was a long-overdue move in the right direction. And it’s something both he and RFK Jr. have hammered on repeatedly: Big Pharma’s chokehold on American consumers has to end.
For years, pharmaceutical companies have cut sweetheart deals with foreign governments—often selling life-saving medications to Canadians, Brits, and Germans at a fraction of what Americans pay. Then, to make up the difference, they jack up prices here at home. That’s not capitalism. That’s extortion.
Let’s call it what it is: an international cost-shifting scam, with the U.S. taxpayer footing the bill.
This executive order isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a solid first shot. That said, we believe there’s another front in this war on Big Pharma that remains largely untouched—and ripe for action: the advertising dollars fueling the industry’s dominance.
Revisiting the Real Origins of Pharma’s Media Power
To understand how we got here, a little history lesson is in order.
In 1983, the FDA imposed a moratorium on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising for prescription drugs on TV and radio. The reason? Concern over how complex risk disclosures could be responsibly communicated in such formats. After all, it’s easy to list side effects in fine print on a magazine page—not so easy during a 30-second commercial sandwiched between game shows and soap operas.
But in 1985, the FDA lifted that moratorium—essentially declaring that the same rules applied to broadcast as they did to print. Then, in 1997, the rules were loosened even further. Instead of listing every risk on-air, drug companies could simply direct viewers to a website or toll-free number for more info. That move opened the floodgates.
Since then, pharmaceutical companies have become one of the biggest buyers of ad time on American television. Turn on your TV and you’ll see it: smiling seniors playing pickleball, young moms cured of migraines, happy couples embracing on a sunset beach—all brought to you by companies charging $600 for insulin and $2,000 for inhalers.
Want to Hurt Big Pharma’s Influence? Take Away Their Megaphone
If Trump—and RFK Jr, for that matter—want to cripple the pharmaceutical-industrial complex, there’s a powerful tool at their disposal: cut off their advertising cash.
The media’s biggest secret is this: They depend on pharma dollars. News networks, streaming platforms, even major magazines—all of them rely heavily on the rivers of ad revenue pouring in from drug companies. Want to know why you rarely see critical coverage of Big Pharma in mainstream media? That’s why.
By reinstating the ban on television and radio pharmaceutical advertising, Trump wouldn’t just be taking a bite out of Pharma’s profits—he’d be pulling the rug out from under a media ecosystem that profits from silence. He wouldn’t just disrupt a revenue stream; he’d blow a hole in the carefully constructed wall of pharmaceutical PR that shields the industry from scrutiny.
A Political Win, A Policy Win, and A Populist Slam Dunk
It’s rare to see Trump and RFK Jr aligned, but this issue hits squarely at the populist sweet spot: ordinary Americans being exploited by powerful corporations and a complicit media.
Slashing drug prices and eliminating pharma advertising are not just good politics—they’re the moral, economic, and constitutional high ground. It’s time both parties stopped talking and started acting.
Because when a bottle of insulin costs more than a month’s rent, and drug ads outnumber real news segments on TV, we’re not just dealing with a health crisis—we’re dealing with a failure of leadership.
Let’s see who has the guts to fix it.
Trump and Habeas Corpus: A Line We Cannot Cross
National & Minnesota Report
In recent days, we’ve spoken with a wide range of immigrants—former DACA recipients, legal permanent residents with Green Cards, and HB1 visa holders—about a chilling proposal reportedly floated by the Trump camp: deporting individuals without the due process of habeas corpus, without hearings, and without judicial oversight.
The response has been a mix of fear and defiance. Some are anxious, double-checking their paperwork and reaching out to immigration attorneys. Others are furious—some even militant—saying, “F it, come and get me.” That kind of desperation tells you something deeply troubling is happening in the national psyche.
Let’s be crystal clear: the idea of stripping someone—anyone—of habeas corpus protections is not just bad policy. It’s a direct assault on the foundations of Western legal civilization.
Habeas corpus isn’t some optional legal nicety. It’s a cornerstone of democratic society. It’s the principle that no government can detain someone indefinitely without showing cause before a judge. This is not a partisan issue—it’s a human rights issue, a rule-of-law issue, and an American values issue.
The origins of habeas corpus date back to the Magna Carta of 1215, a document that marked the first serious attempt to restrain the powers of the king. It wasn’t just a piece of parchment—it was a promise: that no one, not even royalty, could wield unchecked power over an individual’s freedom. That tradition carried forward through English common law and was woven directly into the fabric of the U.S. Constitution.
If any administration—Trump’s or anyone else’s—tries to unilaterally bypass those protections, we hope the U.S. Supreme Court will rise to the moment. This is not the time for procedural deference or political calculation. It is a time for clarity and conviction.
Rejecting such a policy is not just about protecting immigrants; it’s about protecting all of us. Once the government has the power to detain and deport without a hearing, without a judge, and without oversight, that power can—and will—be used more broadly.
And by then, it won’t just be immigrants who are scared.
Support Building Against St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III — Why? Incompetence.
Minnesota Report
It’s not often that we’re caught off guard by political chatter, but lately, the growing sentiment against St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III has been surprising—even for us.
What’s striking isn’t just the frustration itself, but how widespread and bipartisan it seems to be. With the mayoral filing period opening next week, names are beginning to surface as potential challengers. One of the most talked-about is political newcomer Yan Chen, a bold voice with fresh ideas. She’s already launched a campaign website here and has been in conversations across the city.
We’re curious if she’s savvy enough to advertise with Checks & Balances, especially considering our long history of shaping St. Paul politics. It’s worth noting—we played a significant role in helping Melvin Carter III secure the DFL endorsement when he first ran for Ward One City Council. It was our publication of the now-notorious Gun Letter that arguably propelled him to victory in the mayoral race. Yet despite this clear advantage, none of Carter’s campaigns ever chose to advertise with us. Go figure.
The more unexpected development came from a respected source who reached out to say: “There’s real support building against Melvin Carter.” We were skeptical, so we started making calls.
Over the course of three hours, we contacted several St. Paul property owners, asking a simple question: In the eight years of Carter’s tenure as mayor, can you name one thing he’s done that directly benefited you?
Of the seven who responded, not a single person could identify a meaningful action the mayor had taken to improve their lives. One media professional—we won’t name names—mentioned that Carter eliminated library fees. Others cited free access to swimming pools and youth employment programs. While commendable on the surface, both initiatives represent budget reductions, not bold leadership.
We pressed further: St. Paul now has the highest sales tax in Minnesota. Crime is rising, or at the very least, the public perception of safety is declining. What are you getting in return for your tax dollars?
Again, silence.
The conclusion? Confidence in Mayor Carter is eroding, and the word most frequently used to describe his leadership was “incompetent.” One person even drew a comparison to J.D. Vance—someone who was elevated to high office without the merit or experience to justify it.
Perhaps that’s why Carter’s former rival, Pat Harris, still won’t return our calls.
We Know How This Legislative Session Can End and If You Want to Know Governor Walz, Senate Majority Leader Murphy or Speaker Emeritus Hortman Call the Checks & Balances Publisher Shawn Towle
Minnesota Report
We have been saying since the opening day of the legislative session, January 14th, there will be no ending on time and expect at least one if not more special sessions.our headline says it they way we see it and if one of those in a leadership positions wants to know how this could end favorably they should call 612 221-8335.
A Clash of Faith and Power: The Imminent Confrontation Between Donald J Trump and Pope Leo XIV
International, National, & Minnesota Report
We stand on the precipice of a profound moral confrontation between two towering figures: Donald J Trump, the self-proclaimed champion of American exceptionalism, and Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Pontiff whose ascension marks a pivotal moment in the Catholic Church’s history. This impending clash is not merely political; it is a battle of values, authenticity, and spiritual integrity.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, ascended to the papacy on May 8, 2025. His background is a testament to genuine faith and service. As a member of the Augustinian Order, he dedicated decades to missionary work in Peru, later serving as Bishop of Chiclayo. His tenure as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America under Pope Francis further solidified his commitment to the Church’s mission of social justice and pastoral care (thetimes.co.uk, apnews.com).
In stark contrast, Donald J Trump has consistently demonstrated a superficial engagement with religion. Raised Presbyterian, he now identifies as a “nondenominational Christian” (sltrib.com). His public displays of faith often appear performative, lacking the depth and sincerity that characterize true spiritual conviction. Notably, his 2020 photo op at St. John’s Church, where he held a Bible aloft amidst a backdrop of civil unrest, was widely condemned by religious leaders as a politicized stunt (en.wikipedia.org).
Lest people forget, in advance of the Conclave of the College of Cardinals, Trump posted an AI generated photo of himself adorned as Pope.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan (Archbishop of New York), who has had a longstanding relationship with Trump, expressed his disapproval of the AI-generated image. Speaking to journalists in Rome, he stated, “I hope he didn’t have anything to do with this image. It wasn’t good.” KSMU+1The Daily Beast+1
Bishop Thomas John Paprocki (Diocese of Springfield, Illinois) condemned the image as deeply offensive. In a Facebook post, he remarked, “By publishing the image, Trump mocks God, the Catholic Church, and the Papacy.” He further added, “President Trump owes an apology to Catholics and all people of good will.” KSMU
Archbishop Wilton Gregory (Archbishop of Washington), who had previously criticized Trump’s actions during the 2020 protests, reiterated his concerns. He described the AI-generated image as “baffling” and “reprehensible,” emphasizing that the use of such imagery was a violation of religious. principles.
This divergence in authentic faith and moral grounding sets the stage for inevitable conflict. Pope Leo XIV has already signaled his commitment to addressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and immigration—areas where Trump’s policies have often been at odds with Catholic social teaching (huffingtonpost.es). Moreover, Pope Leo XIV‘s emphasis on unity and reconciliation stands in stark contrast to Trump’s divisive rhetoric and actions.
The moral implications are clear. Pope Leo XIV embodies the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized, promote peace, and uphold the dignity of all individuals. In contrast, Trump’s actions often reflect a self-serving agenda that undermines these values. The forthcoming clash between these two figures is not just a political dispute; it is a battle for the soul of a nation and the integrity of religious leadership.
In this defining moment, we must ask ourselves: Which vision aligns with our deepest moral convictions? The choice is not between two political figures; it is between a path of compassion, justice, and humility, and one of ego, division, and moral ambiguity. The world watches as these two forces prepare to collide, and history will judge us by the side we choose to stand on.
What if Trump is Right on The Russia/Ukraine War?
International, National, Minnesota & Texas Report
Its been troubling all week, since the funeral of Pope Francis when Donald J Trump (R) sat face-to-face with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. If there eventually is a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, the picture of the two sitting there will be the iconic image of the age of Trumpism. And that is just frightening to see, Trump the Dictator seem to actually have sympathy and concern, because we all know it was staged or at least it had to be.
The man is a bully, a fat orange haired sloth, with small hands. The Orange Faced Imbecile can not, be actually deft. His negotiation strategy of bullying Zelenskyy in the Oval Office a few weeks prior and then firing off a Post of Truth Social saying Vladimir Stop!, his shelling of Ukraine when the was supposed to be a cease fire, coupled with his (Trump) appearance to take issue with Putin’s actions and failure to show reason appears to have stoked his ire.
We believe the best thing the Ukrainians can do is send drones to Moscow and blow up the troops and the armament that will be on display at the Red Square, especially when the President of China, Xi Jingping is is watching.
But once again, the focus is on Trump and his desperate need to be the center of attention and the focal point. Is this all just a staged performance to secure a Nobel Peace Prize? If so its merely Performance Art, from the man who originally was listed as having written The Art of the Deal and in turn we later learn it was ghostwritten, by some obscure person, and when every about Trump proves to be a mere contrivance, are we even seriously, surprised?
Well, we should be, because it takes only a modicum of intelligence to know the man is a big bag of wind, but not once but twice, the ignorance of the mass lacking any semblance of intelligence. This brings to mind the epic ignorant quote from Sen John Cronyn (R-TX) who in 2013 on Twitter said, “We need to improve our education system because ½ of our kids are below average.”
The problem truly is he likely was right and those 7-year olds voted for the first time in 2024, and even older ones did as well, and America voted for Trump the 2nd time. Damn its true. The movie Idiocracy has become real life. It true what they says, whomever the hell they is, Truth Is, Stranger Than Fiction.
Trump Polling Numbers in Key States Falter
National and Minnesota Report Yesterday, articles in the New York Times and the Washington Post spelled good news for the former Vice-President Joe Biden’s campaign (D). https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/upshot/poll-2020-biden-battlegrounds.html...
Senate Bonding Then and Now (2018 v 2020)
Minnesota Report Two years ago, the Republican controlled State Senate brought forward it’s Capitol Investment Bill, which failed to pass on a party line vote of 34-33, seven votes short of the 2/3rds majority of 41 votes. What is interesting I what the Republicans...
Mayo Clinic Challenging Trump’s Push of Malaria Drugs
Minnesota Report The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has released a medical advisory in direct response to Donald J Trump's (R) call of the use of hydroxychloroquine and erythromycin.Guidance on patients at risk of drug-induced sudden cardiac death from off-label...
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Page
Minnesota Report On Friday, Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) along with Commissioner Jan Malcolm released the State of Minnesota’s comprehensive COVID-19 page on the Department of Health’s Website. Additionally, the MN House also has a page which provides more and...
Trump’s Continued Call for Hydroxychloroquine
National Report In spite of not having scientific support for his position Donald J Trump (R) continues to put forward his contention that the use of Hydroxychloroquine a drug for Malaria and Lupus and Erythromycin a drug for bacterial infections as a panacea to the...
Walz Executive Orders During Pandemic
Minnesota Report As we are in the midst of the second week of the Stay at Home Executive Order 20-20 more orders are coming from Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) to stipulate what options are available to our state’s citizens. Today, Executive Order 20-25 Authorizing Peace...
The Coming of the Four Horsemen
If you want to be memorable in Minnesota State Capitol politics it is good if you are referred to as something other than your name. It is often helpful when a term or a phrase can be applied to your, group, issue or initiative. If you want to be known as something...
First Paid Political Advertisement Ran Here 21 Years Ago
There were a number of firsts that occurred in the 1998 Governor's race besides the My Three Sons Primary and the election of third-party candidate Jesse Ventura, In 1997, the Ted Mondale for Governor campaign took out, what is known as the First Paid Political...
2018 House State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report We at Checks & Balances are continuing our tradition of publishing the State Fair Polls found at the State Fair booths in the Education Building. Again, as we have said before, these provide an insight into the mindset and the issues of interest...
2018 Senate State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report State Senate 2016 State Fair Poll Questions (Choose one answer per question) Demographics Residence Minneapolis/St. Paul Rural Suburban Regional hub of at least 40,000 people (Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead) Another state No...
Candidates Wolgamott and Ek are Each, Seeking a Shot at Redemption
Minnesota Report In December of 2005, the MN Supreme Court Ruled House Candidate Sue Ek (R-MN) ineligible as a candidate for the House seat 15B, do to her failure to reside in the district 60-days prior to the filing period. This means the highest court in our state,...
Speaking of Urdahl, One of His Books is Being Turned into a Movie
Minnesota Report Capitol observers might be familiar with the fact, Dean Urdahl (R-16A, Grove City) is a writer of historical fiction based on the Civil War era. The first book in his Uprising Saga series, Uprising is set to be on the small screen offered by one of...
Leadership Shuffles
Minnesota Report First, it was the rapid one-week ouster of Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan, then the announcement by Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-09, Nisswa) leaving the leadership post and not seeking reelection, followed by the more surprising...
The Best Example of the Legislative Chasm: Bonding Bill
Minnesota Report DFLers and Republicans are at odds over whether or not a Bonding Bill is a Jobs Bill. The two sides are also at loggerheads over whether or not long-term spending through bonds is a prudent fiscal decision. The cost of spending for a government backed...
Legislative Session Ends with a Flatulence in a Wind Funnel or FWF
Minnesota Report When competing political ideologies are at play, the ability to achieve consensus is a far way island, and reaching it, is a distant, remote and implausible likelihood. The reason being political people are hard-pressed to see beyond their own vested...
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