Strib editorial page supports @MNCOGI in its push to require public comment periods at government hearings, and to further require those comment periods to be broadcast or webcast. m.startribune.com/stop-silencing…

To nominate someone for the annual MNCOGI freedom-of-information awards (Finnegan and Borger awards) fill out the form at the link and send to [email protected] by end-of-day Feb 20, 2023. mncogi.org/wp-content/upl…

More information on the MNCOGI freedom of information awards at the link, including past recipients mncogi.org/finnegan-foi-a…

To friends and former colleagues at the Capitol and Minnesota judiciary, please consider nominating your favorite Freedom of Information champions for this year's Finnegan and Borger awards. I'll retweet the full @MNCOGI thread explaining the awards' significance.

The Hoarse Whisperer We got a kitty. Pepper is a two-year old Siberian. As you can see, she loves high places. She is a lovebug!

There is still time to nominate your Minnesota freedom of information/public data request champion of the year. Details below.

Noon tomorrow (March 16) at the State Capitol in Room 317A, the Cass Gilbert Library, @MNCOGI will present its two annual Freedom of Information awards. Please attend if you’re able. Coffee and snack bars will be served. #freedomofinformation #datapractices

CNN: A grand jury in Manhattan has voted to indict Donald Trump -- the first time in American history that a current or former president has faced criminal charges, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

The Hoarse Whisperer Lots of stuff this week. Mom went home from the care center. Got new laptop set up successfully. Heard my sweetie Kevin Featherly and others beautifully sing Phil Ochs songs at a tribute show.

Boy, I remember when I thought of germaneness debates as something other than exercises in futility by the minority chamber of the moment. Young and innocent days, as Ray Davies once described them. #mnleg

In conversation with the wife, I just coined the obvious term for AI-powered robots that are smarter than human beings and eventually will get bored having us around: the Aluminumati. You’re welcome.

Been great to see such an exciting response to our forthcoming Beatles project. No one is more excited than us to be sharing something with you later in the year. We’ve seen some confusion and speculation about it. Seems to be a lot of guess work out there. Can’t say too much

HCAO: Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty today announced that Derrick John Thompson, 27, of Brooklyn Park, has been charged in Hennepin County District Court with 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide. hennepinattorney.org/news/news/2023…

Friday afternoon Command & Colors Ancients with Kevin Featherly at Lodestone Coffee and Games. Good time had by all! #wargaming #boardgames GMT Games

Thanks, Peter Callaghan. Great event, free to attend & food will be provided. There are links to register embedded in the @MnCOGI article. BTW: We've refreshed the @MnCOGI website, including some great MaryJo Webster how-to vids on submitting DPA requests. mncogi.org

We at @MNCOGI could not be more proud. Don Gemberling is a hero in the cause of #opengovernment, #transparency and the public's #righttoknow #datapractices #Minnesota

Excepting dissents offered with no opinion attached, this ruling may set the new gold standard for brevity in a MN Supreme Court dissent.

It's a great day in @MNCOGI's long history. #freedomofinformation

The #MNSupremeCourt is taking on review of Drake Snell, et al. vs. Tim Walz: “Issue Granted: Whether the Minnesota Emergency Management Act of 1996 authorizes the Governor to declare a peacetime emergency based on a public-health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Just learned of Justice Anderson's pending retirement. This is just a thank you, Justice Anderson, for all of the kindness, respect and forthrightness that you showed me during my time covering the Capitol/judiciary. Here's wishing you the best in your new endeavors.