VIDEO: In Defense of Apartments

Mayor Gene Maxwell’s comments at the State of the City are a reminder that apartments can be an opportunity, not just a challenge.

Bills in Judiciary: Latz Week in Review

A message from District 46's state senator about happenings in the Legislature.

Latz Promises No Hearing on Assault Weapons Ban, Magazine Ban

The District 46 Legislator and head of the Senate Judiciary Committee plans to focus on background checks and ‘loopholes.’

Gun Violence and Constituent Visits: Latz Week in Review

The District 46 legislator provides an update from the Capitol.

Latz, Simon Back ‘Minnesota Child Victims Act’

The proposal would eliminate the statute of limitation in civil cases for sex abuse victims.

VIDEO: Sami Rahamim Talks to CNN About Gun Violence

The SLP student, whom 5th District Rep. Keith Ellison invited to the State of the Union, said he supports limits on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

VIDEO: Hopkins Mayor Goes Gangnam Style

As residents have come to expect, Hopkins' State of the City was full of laughs. Here are some of the funniest moments.

Latz: Gun Control Debate Adds Controversy to Commonsense Proposals

The Senate Judiciary chairman and local legislator said his five-point plan to keep guns from people who shouldn’t have them would sail through if it weren’t for the larger debate on guns.

How Should Southwest LRT Be Funded?

With several proposals before the Legislature, Patch wants to know what ideas, if any, you favor.

Four Hopkins Sites Among Southwest LRT’s Top Technical Challenges

Project leaders announced the issues that will require the most attention as the project moves further in the engineering process.

LIVE VIDEO: MN Gov. Mark Dayton's State of the State Address

Watch Dayton address the full Minnesota Legislature at 7 p.m. Wednesday

Saturday Mail Delivery to End, Postal Service Announces

The U.S. Postal Service announced it will end Saturday mail delivery by Aug. 1. How will this affect you?

As Downtown Parking Gets Tight, Hopkins Investigates Options

The city is commissioning a $28,000 study to see how many new spaces are needed and what the best options are.

Sami Rahamim to Attend State of the Union With Keith Ellison

The son of slain Accent Signage owner and St. Louis Park resident Reuven Rahamim is supporting a push for tighter gun control measures.

County Attorney: 5 Things We Need to Keep Guns From Dangerous People

Mike Freeman suggested some fixes to state law that would keep guns from people he thinks shouldn’t have them.

Group Prepares to Kick Off Planning for Blake Road Redesign

Hopkins is spearheading the formation of a committee that will come up with a plan to transform the corridor into a “complete street.”

State of the City, Taste of Hopkins Coming Feb. 12

The annual event is always a little different than the usual city presentation.

Transit Tax Proposal Creates Uncertainty About Southwest LRT’s Next Steps

Supporters have historically pushed for funding in the state’s bonding bills, but a proposed tax increase raises questions about whether that’s the right path this year.

Grant Rule Can Make It Hard for Small Nonprofits to Kick Off Projects

While it was once common to award grant money up front, the current policy is to repay organizations only after they’ve paid for the expenses and submitted their invoices.

Do an Unfair Number of Rail Projects Go to Minneapolis, West Metro?

The Pioneer Press reported that some east metro legislators say their regions are being left out of rail plans. Patch wants to know what you think.

New Tax on Tattoos, Lower Tax on Gifts: What's in Dayton's Sales Tax Plan?

See which goods and services would be taxed more, less or not at all in Minnesota under the governor's proposed changes.

VIDEO: Latz Backs Measures That Aim to Keep Guns From Mentally Ill

The District 46 senator was part of a bipartisan group of policy makers that pushed for a discussion on the issue Wednesday.

Why Was The Duplex Deal Worth $340,000?

The final offer was much higher than the market value. Patch explores why that’s the case.

Cottageville Park Duplex Deal Appears to Have Fallen Through

The City of Hopkins disagrees with the property owner about whether he should be able to continue collecting rent for a period after the sale.

Ellison Praises Obama’s ‘Progressive’ Inaugural Address

The 5th District representative liked the speech’s comments on income equality, gay rights and other issues.

Light Bridge, Giant Picture Frame Among Ideas for Remade Eighth Avenue

Residents met last week to discuss how to integrate art into ‘The ARTery.’

Metro Transit: New Bus Plan Will Still Serve Hopkins Riders

The agency’s senior planner said a proposed consolidation would continue providing service to the most popular bus stops.

Hopkins on Track to Approve Electronic Bingo

Following a meeting with local organizations, the City Council appears ready to allow the devices in Hopkins establishments.

Metro Transit Considers Cutting Some Hopkins Bus Service

Budget shortfalls and low ridership have put a portion of Route 670 on the chopping block.

Hopkins Accepting Citizens Academy Applications

Learn all about your city government at this five-week course.

(VIDEO) Latz: Gun Control Will Wait Until After Budget Discussions

The Senate Judiciary chairman—whose district includes Hopkins, Golden Valley and St. Louis Park—declined to back any specific gun control measure.

Rainy Weather Closes Outdoor Skating Rinks Friday

The rinks are expected to re-open at noon Saturday.

DEED Awards $50,000 to Gallery Flats Project

The money will be used to clean up arsenic and asbestos on the old Park Nicollet site.

Met Council Awards Gallery Flats Project $15,000

The money will be used for cleanup at the old Lutheran Digest building.

City of Hopkins Selling Photo Calendars

The calendar features entries from past photo contests.

Park and Ride Worries Top Hopkins’ Thoughts on Southwest LRT Project

The city’s comments on the draft environmental impact statement focused heavily on how park and rides would affect the community.

Hopkins Legislative Action Coalition to Present 2013 State Platform

It will present the platform to legislators and the public Jan. 15.

Year in Review 2012: Local Government

The biggest stories of the past 12 months.

Year in Review 2012: Politics and Elections

The biggest stories of the past year.

What Issues Should the Minnesota Legislature Focus on in 2013?

With so many challenges on the table, Patch wants to know what issues you think are most important.