Hennepin County officials and HCMC assess potential effects and get used to a new set of acronyms. To name a few: CCO, DSH and UCP.

In 2006, the DFL took control of the House, electing 29 new members. Now, two of the newcomers are bailing for what they say are personal reasons. State Republicans, though, believe that DFLers are running scared and that the GOP is poised to retake control of the House.

The close race for endorsement between Reps. Marty Seifert and Tom Emmer is prompting strong words from them and their campaigns. Some of the exchanges may challenge Reagan's "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican." Update: Information from this morning's news conference.

State Sen. Linda Higgins seeks the exclusion of state and federal inmates from population counts used for state and local redistricting.

Related: Census issue: when, where — and for what purpose — to count inmates

On Thursday, it was almost a Quentin Tarantino-like standoff scene in Minnesota education and political circles. In this case, the characters were pointing fingers, not guns, at each other.

Many Iraqi expatriates in Minnesota will travel to Chicago, Detroit to vote this weekend.

Related: Suicide bombs before election shows al-Qaida in Iraq still active

At issue in differing GOP and DFL proposals to be heard today in a House committee: the level of consumer protections.

While the governor has criticized many federal economic moves, longtime state economist Tom Stinson has been pleased with what Washington has done. Everyone, however, seems to acknowledge that the stimulus money has had a positive impact on the state's economy.

There's no need to start dancing in the street or bursting into a chorus of "Happy Days Are Here Again." On the other hand, the state's economy isn't tanking anymore; in fact, it's showing a slight bit of improvement.

Will voting in early August instead of early September have any substantial impact on the state of politics in Minnesota?