WASHINGTON, D.C. — A procedural vote to bring health care reform legislation to the Senate floor for debate — the first test vote on such legislation in that body — passed Saturday by the narrowest possible margin. Minnesota Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken joined the rest of their party caucus members in voting to move the measure forward, while every Republican voted against it. Sixty votes were needed, and the final vote was 60-39 (Republican George Voinovich of Ohio was absent).

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The lone Minnesota Democrat to oppose the House health-care overhaul bill said he's open to supporting health-care reform, so long as the final bill looks more like the middle-of-the-road Senate plan currently under consideration.

While both the Senate and House health-care bills guarantee access to health insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions, neither one will do much to improve the affordability of health coverage for moderate to middle-income Americans in the individual market, according to wonks and critics across the political spectrum.

New figures released today show Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged slightly higher in October, but economists say this indicator doesn't give us the full jobs picture.

Members of a civilian board that reviews police complaints says of the last 21 cases they have forwarded to the Minneapolis police chief, only two have resulted in discipline.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A health care bill before the Senate will cost $849 billion over the next 10 years and extend coverage to 98 percent of legal residents, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate released Wednesday that Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken praised as "very positive" and "promising."

Lowry Hill money manager Carol Clark, a confirmed "market behavioralist," has seen firsthand how psychological factors often count for more than rational thought in influencing economic behavior.

In exchange for a lease extension, the commission is offering some new cash, some longstanding cash — but with new strings attached — and some new-stadium planning assistance.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Capitol Visitor Center prominently displays the words "In God We Trust," and House Republicans are attempting to keep it written there.