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Steelworkers Union Shifts Political Focus From Federal to State Elections

June 16, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Campaign Finance, Labor/Unions, Netroots, Wisconsin Comments Off


During an interview with The UpTake at Netroots Nation, United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard said that, in the future, organized labor would invest more resources in state politics. The Steelworkers have traditionally spent 70 percent of their political donations and manpower to influence national elections, and only 30 percent on state elections. But Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s assault on collective bargaining rights, and organized labor’s existential struggle in Madison this past winter, have convinced Gerard that state politics cannot be ignored.

Tens of Thousands Protest in Madison

June 14, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Economy/Jobs, Labor/Unions, Wisconsin Comments Off

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Thousands protest in “Walkerville” outside the Wisconsin State Capitol as the Republican-controlled State Assembly debates the budget. Lawmakers in both the Assembly and Senate are pushing this week toward final passage of Governor Scott Walker’s union-busting legislation. The UpTake’s Sam Mayfield — who was briefly arrested by Capitol Police last week — is in Madison filming the demonstration.

Police Detain UpTake Journalist For Helping Her Assistant

June 6, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Labor/Unions, Media, Wisconsin Comments Off

Earlier today, “BadgerGurl88″ shot this video of videographer Sam Mayfield being detained by Wisconsin State Police at the Capitol in Madison. Sam is in town working on a documentary film about upstart Republican Governor Scott Walker’s crusade to take away workers’ collective bargaining rights. She has shot video of the historic labor demonstrations periodically this spring for The UpTake.

Sam checked in with us immediately after this incident. She is being charged with disorderly conduct. Watch the video for yourself and decide if that’s an overreach by police. Watch what happens @1:31 into the video

The woman in the video who is initially being arrested by police is Sam’s assistant Alex Noguera-Garces who is helping her shoot the documentary. According to Sam, Alex was arrested after she videotaped police “roughing up” people. Alex was told to leave the public building, which she didn’t and then she was arrested.

As Alex is being ushered into the elevator she hands Sam the camera she has been using to shoot. Police drag Alex out of the elevator and chase down Sam, putting her in a bear hug. The two are both taken into the elevator. Sam is later charged with disorderly conduct and released.

Although being mostly ignored by the media, the workers’ rights movement in Madison, Wisconsin continues to maintain a presence at the State Capitol, now in “Walkerville” a tent city named after the Wisconsin’s Governor — much like shanty towns were named “Hoovervilles” to mock the Great Depression policies of President Herbert Hoover.

This isn’t the first time that police have arrested journalists trying to protect their helpers. You may recall during the Republican National Convention, Democracy Now’s Amy Goodman was arrested for protecting one of her journalists. Listen to Goodman talk about how she is suing over the incident here. You may find interesting parallels between the two situations.

Kloppenburg Addresses Supporters on Election Night

April 6, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Labor/Unions, Wisconsin Comments Off


By Sam Mayfield

Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate JoAnne Kloppenburg addressed her supporters at 12:30 a.m. this morning at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison, Wis.
Earlier today, Kloppenburg declared victory over incumbent Justice (and self-described fan of Governor Scott Walker) David Prosser after the Associated Press gave her a 204-vote lead. The total showed Kloppenburg with 740,090 votes and Prosser with 739,886. A recount is expected.

Footage from Tractor Parade Around Wisconsin State Capitol on Saturday

March 17, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Labor/Unions, Wisconsin Comments Off

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The UpTake’s Jacob Wheeler hitched a ride on a vintage firetruck that led the parade of tractors to the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison on Saturday — a rally against Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s policies, which over 150,000 people attended.

Gov. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill Will Most Adversely Affect Wisconsin Minorities

March 17, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Labor/Unions, Wisconsin Comments Off

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed the state’s controversial Budget Repair Bill last Friday amidst protests and disapproval from tens of thousands of citizens. Although it has not been on the forefront in the media, the bill will be most detrimental to the minority communities of Wisconsin and have a powerful effect on workers’ rights nationwide. Therefore, The League of Young Voters Education Fund teamed up with the Ebony Newsroom at a recent rally in Madison to give a voice to the people who are being affected the most.

The minority population of Wisconsin has not been given the proper platform to stand up for their rights even though this group will be hit the hardest by the new regulations of the Budget Repair Bill. The African-American community makes up 6 percent of Wisconsin’s population and over 25 percent of that is in Milwaukee County alone. This group has already been through hardship and cannot afford even more cuts to programs such as Badgercare, Medicare and Food Stamps. The Budget Repair Bill may have already been signed, but the minority population of Wisconsin is participating in rallies and protests until their voices are heard.

Canadian Unionists From Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Join Madison Protest

March 16, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Canada, Labor/Unions, World, Wyoming Comments Off

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Officials from the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), Glen Scott (Vice President) and Trevor Zimmerman (Organizer) joined the demonstrations in Madison, Wisconsin, this past weekend to learn how organized labor is joining hands here in the Lower 48. The Canadian unionists worry that austerity measures, and the push toward privatization, are gathering steam in Alberta too.

Congressman Kucinich Sees an Ascendant Labor Movement in Madison

March 13, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Labor/Unions, Ohio, War/Peace, Wisconsin Comments Off

Video by Chuck Olsen

Following his appearance as part of an all-star progressive lineup at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison tonight, Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Dem.) spoke to The UpTake’s Jacob Wheeler about the resurgent labor movement in Wisconsin and elsewhere, and how it has slumbered in the past 17 years since the North American Free Trade Agreement was signed in 1994. Kucinich lamented what little the Democratic Party has done to support organized labor, and chastised President Obama for not being here to lead the movement. Kucinich expressed worry that his home state of Ohio — which just passed similar union-busting legislation — will soon be “selling everything that’s not nailed down”. In light of the fact that a Democratic president in the White House has yet to set a timetable for ending the war in Afghanistan, Kucinich continues to press for a “Department of Peace” to replace the “Defense Department”.

On the Ground in Madison: Interview with Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Barca

March 9, 2011 by Jacob Wheeler Labor/Unions, Live Coverage, Wisconsin Comments Off

Today in Madison, Wisconsin, the struggle for organized labor’s future continues. The UpTake correspondents Sam Mayfield and Jacob Wheeler interview leader of the Democratic Caucus in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Peter Barca, and Free Press co-founder and host of Media Matters, Robert McChesney.

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Click on photo to watch Senator Al Franken's news conference on college financial aid reform

Sen. Franken Announces “True Cost Of College” Act

Senator Al Franken announces the “Understanding The True Cost Of College Act” that would require colleges to use easier to understand language in their financial aid package offers to students.

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First Somali Delegate Headed to Democratic National Convention

Hindia Ali, Youth Leadership Development Coordinator at Somali Action Alliance is a delegate the the 2012 National Democratic Convention, the first Somali-American to be a delegate.

Click photo to watch President Obama's speech

Obama Rips GOP’s “Radical Vision” For US

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, President Obama ripped into Republicans for their lack of compromising and for the first time mentioned his likely Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, by name.

Click on Photo to View Women's Discussion About Health Care and the Affordable Care Act

“Being a Woman Shouldn’t be a Pre-existing Condition”

Minnesota women in healthcare predicaments met with with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Betty McCollum and Governor Mark Dayton on Friday — the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.

Click photo to watch President Obama's weekly address

Obama:Fraud, Middle East Conflict, Driving Up Gas Prices

President Obama says many of the factors that are driving up gas prices are out of our control such as unrest in the Middle East. However, he points out there are some things that are in our control such as fraud and manipulation that can cause prices to spike even further.

Click photo to hear President Obama speak about alternative energy

Obama Makes Case For Alternative Energy

President Obama talks about an all-of-the-above American energy strategy at a Daimler manufacturing plant in North Carolina that’s making trucks that run on natural gas.

No recount this time. Click photo to watch the MN Congressional Cookoff

Another Close One For Sen. Al Franken- Ties In Hotdish Cookoff

Senator Al Franken is used to close elections. This time he didn’t beat his opponents, but had to settle for a tie with Representative Chip Cravaack in the second annual Minnesota Congressional delegation hotdish cookoff.

Click photo to watch President Obama address business roundtable in Washington, DC

Obama:Tax Reform Like “Pulling Teeth”

President Obama would like to reform taxes so we reward companies that invest in the US, not ones that send jobs overseas. But there are some barriers, such as Congress.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Obama

Israel-US United Against Iran Says Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu uses his photo op with President Obama today to talk up how the US and Israel are united against Iran, which is suspected of trying to create a nuclear bomb.

President Obama speaks to the American-Israel Lobby

Obama:Military Force Against Iran Possible To Thwart Nuclear Program

President Obama warns that “loose talk” of war was only helping Iran, while pushing back against charges from GOP presidential contenders that he has been less than a loyal ally to Israel.

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“Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Members of the Welfare Rights Committee disrupt the signing of the Vikings Stadium Bill. They claim, “Vikings Got Bailed Out, We Got Sold Out!”

Click on this photo to see video of conference.

Minnesota Somali Women And Men Discuss Infertility Issues

Somali women and men gather to discuss the many aspects of female infertility with medical and social experts.

3M Demo

MN Activists Call on 3M to Remove Corporate Funds From Politics

3M shareholders at annual meeting were asked to stop all corporate contributions to political campaigns and to disclose corporate political lobbying efforts. As expected, the resolutions were voted down, but the activists pledged to continue efforts.

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Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

Healing Minnesota’s Darkest Period: Pardoning a Dakota Indian

After the six-week US-Dakota War of 1862, 38 Dakota men were hung in one of the largest mass executions in US History. Many argue that the trials were a sham, that is was the largest injustice in the nation’s history. Today, Representative Dean Urdahl, Chair of the Legacy Committee in Minnesota and the Civil War Task Force, seeks to, “rub a little salve in the wound,” by seeking a pardon for one of those warriors who was hung on that fateful December day. His name is Chaska.

Rep. Ryan Winkler on the House Floor before 2011 Special Session

Stadium Opponent Rep. Winkler Decides To Vote For Stadium.

Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL) decides to support the Vikings stadium because of the jobs it will create.

Governor Dayton and Vikings Owner Zygi Wilf

Vikings Stadium Bill Sent To Governor Dayton

The Minnesota House and Senate have each approved different versions of a Vikings stadium proposal. So now it is up to a conference committee to reconcile the differences.

Governor Mark Dayton Vetos GOP Tax Bill

Dayton Tax Veto Imperils Vikings Stadium Says GOP

Principle or politics? On Friday, Governor Mark Dayton went heavily with principle and imperiled the politics of his top legislative priority — thousands of jobs from building a new Vikings football stadium.

Joh Marty

MN Tax bill deserves ‘smoking’ hot veto pen’ says DFL

A bill that would give business owners a tax cut is hailed by Senator Geoff Michel (R-Edina) as the “best piece of legislation” to be considered his year. Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville ) counters it deserves a “smoking’ hot veto pen” because it isn’t paid for.

Click on photo of Sen Jungbauer to hear why accident prone people like himself should use fireworks.

MN Fireworks Veto Override Is A Dud

A Minnesota Senate attempt to override Governor Mark Dayton’s veto of a bill expanding the kinds of fireworks that can legally be sold in Minnesota fails to get the 2/3rds majority needed.

Sustaining Solutions

Sustaining Solutions

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Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Wins Loan Modification, Keeps House

Occupy backed homeowner successfully re-negotiated her loan with MN based US Bank.

Click Photo to Hear Opinions on How the City Should Help North Minneapolis

Does North Minneapolis Need Pie in the Sky Ideas or Roofs Overhead?

Nearly a year after the tornado that ripped through North Minneapolis, opinions vary greatly on what the poverty-stricken community needs most from local and state government. Should the City introduce “pie in the sky” ideas or focus on more immediate problems?

Click photo of Rep. Bobby Jo Champion  to View Video Interview

Rep. Bobby Jo Champion Touts Legislation to Rebuild North Minneapolis

Representative Bobby Jo Champion talks about the challenges facing some of his constituents in North Minneapolis almost a year after a devastating tornado.

Click photo to watch video about how tornado damaged North Minneapolis is being rebuilt right.

Rebuild It Right in North Minneapolis: Quality Design Isn’t Just For Rich People

Rebuild It Right, an organization made up of architects and designers from Minneapolis, is helping homeowners advocate for quality design in the wake of the May 22nd Tornado.

Don Samuels Talks Jobs

New Stadium Deal Promises Jobs for North Minneapolis Residents

The Vikings stadium deal got the support of Minneapolis City Council members. Council member Don Samuels says that this is a good deal for his constituents. It will provide jobs to a part of the city that has the highest rate of unemployment.

Click photo to watch how Urban Homeworks is helping homeowners in north Minneapolis

Urban Homeworks: Fighting Foreclosures in North Minneapolis

Local, Minneapolis non-profit Urban Homeworks works with banks and other community organizations to fight foreclosures.

Monique White celebrates a delay on evicting her from her home. Click photo to watch video.

Occupy-Backed Homeowner Monique White Seeks Jury Trial

Embattled homeowner Monique White took one more step Friday toward what could become an improbable victory that would let her stay in her North Minneapolis home. Judge Mark Labine will decide on Monday whether White will get a jury trial in District Court.

Click on Photo to View Video of Northside Economic Opportunity Network

Northside Economic Opportunity Network Boosts Business in North Minneapolis

The Northside Economic Opportunity Network works with small businesses and micro-businesses in North Minneapolis to help them achieve success.

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2011 UpTake Stories With The Most Impact

If we didn’t cover these stories, who would have?

City Pages Cover-The Forgotten Neighborhood

The Forgotten Neighborhood

As we’ve been reporting for the past six months, many tornado victims who need help still haven’t gotten it.

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  • Sunday, May 20, 09:00 AM
    Through negotiations and persistence and the good will of all, Phil Freshman and Jim Roth have worked with Beth El Synagogue and obtained a weekend (5/18-20)in residence of a Torah Scholar, Rabbi Kahn-Troster, on the issue of human rights and torture. The issues will be addressed from religious, legal, medical, ethical and practical perspectives. Open to the […]
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    DFL State Convention-Day 1- Rochester, MN Saturday, June 2 – Sunday June 3, 2012 Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904) […]
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    DFL State Convention-Day 2- Rochester, MN Sunday June 3, 2012 Mayo Civic Center (30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester, MN 55904) […]

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