Politics from Minnesota Public Radio

Franken meets with Supreme Court nominee

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:51:13 -0500

Minnesota U.S. Sen. Al Franken met Thursday afternoon with Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, Franken will take part in her confirmation hearings next week.

Senate pays tribute to Coleman in bipartisan sendoff

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:55:12 -0500

After welcoming Al Franken as the newest member on Tuesday, the U.S. Senate spent about an hour Thursday paying tribute to Norm Coleman as the latest to leave.

Minnesota arts groups get more than $1 million in stimulus funds

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:28:44 -0500

More than two dozen arts organizations in Minnesota have received federal stimulus funds to help maintain jobs that are threatened by the current economic downturn.

The impact of social networks explored at Aspen

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:51:51 -0500

Three journalists on an Aspen Ideas Festival panel titled, "Tweeting the Revolution: Will Social Networking and Journalism Drive Democracy?"

Are cooperatives the way forward in a health care overhaul?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Controlling health care costs is a major piece in any health care proposal. Two health cooperatives, one in the Twin Cities, another in Seattle, insure and run clinics, paying doctors and nurses salaries instead of reimbursement. The presidents of Bloomington-based HealthPartners and Group Health in Seattle talk about what they think the future of health care should be.

St. Paul applying for $46M in federal stimulus for homes

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:46:41 -0500

The government of St. Paul plans to apply for $46 million in federal stimulus money to help the city acquire and rehabilitate hundreds of homes.

Entenza fined $500 for donation from lobbyist

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:57:37 -0500

Democrat Matt Entenza has been fined $500 for taking campaign cash from a lobbyist when the Minnesota Legislature was in session in February.

Minneapolis mayor among the Facebook millions

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:41:45 -0500

R.T. Rybak says Twitter and Facebook help him stay connected with his constituents.

Democrat seeks rebuttal to Pawlenty's radio show

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:16:33 -0500

The top Democrat in the Minnesota Senate is taking aim at Gov. Tim Pawlenty's weekly radio show and asking for periodic rebuttal time.

Ethnic tensions rise in China

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:39:21 -0500

As tensions rise and ethnic violence continues in China, International Relations professor Roy Grow joins Midday to discuss the situation in China and other international issues. Grow has lived and traveled in China for many decades.

Budget woes across the country

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:30:14 -0500

California is in the national spotlight with a still unresolved $25 billion budget deficit, but it's just one of a handful of states facing budget gaps. Midmorning looks at fiscal crises around the country.

Minnesota: Land of the freshman senator

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:49:37 -0500

Back of the line is a familiar spot for senators from Minnesota, where voters have sent six new faces to the Senate in the seven elections since 1990.

Franken takes oath of office, joins Senate

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:21:34 -0500

Escorted by former Vice President Walter Mondale and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Democrat Al Franken took the oath of office this morning on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Seifert announces candidacy for governor

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:40:54 -0500

Former House Minority Leader Marty Seifert formally kicked off his campaign for governor this morning.

Al Franken sworn in as Minnesota's new U.S Senator

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:04:07 -0500

Senator-elect Al Franken becomes Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) this hour. on MIDDAY, Congressional expert Steven Smith discusses his possible impact on the Senate and the country.