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The Morning Report 7/2/09 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Jungbauer in for governor 2010, will Coleman enter the race?
Staff note: We won't be publishing a Morning Report tomorrow, July 3. May everyone have a happy, safe patriotic 4th of July weekend.

Agriculture:

Livestock industry hit hard by high feed costs, weak economy, MPR

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

The Senate race aftermath: A Washington Post online Q&A with Sarah Janecek, Politics in Minnesota
House taxes chair praises Pawlenty's ultimatum to Wisconsin on tax reciprocity payments, Politics in Minnesota
Prospect of unallotment lawsuits dims, Politics in Minnesota
Seifert's campaign to hit the road, Politics in Minnesota
Arne Carlson blasts GOP, Pawlenty for dragging out Coleman-Franken fight, Politics in Minnesota
State economist affirms: Cuts cost more jobs than income tax increase, Growth and Justice
The Romper Room continues at the state Capitol, True North
Republican colleagues to Bachmann: Let the census count you, The Political Animal
Expert: Calling senate race 'stolen' robs the word 'stolen' of its meaning, Minnesota Independent
Union Politics, Hennepin County-Style, Hennepin County Taxpayer Watchdog
Koering: Election 'stolen away' from Coleman through 'fraud', Minnesota Independent
Report: Range population holding (with slight bleed), Minnesota Brown
Matt Entenza, wind energy and economic philosophy, Let Freedom Ring
Jungbauer: running for governor, The Political Animal
The rubber stamp operators' license, Shot in the Dark
Mike Jungbauer to run for governor, True North
Pawlenty: Coleman would be a great governor but does not encourage a run, The Political Animal
Waste no time, MN Publius
State Sen. Dibble spends Stonewall anniversary at LGBT event with Obama, Minnesota Independent
Another consequence of Coleman's concession, Washington Wire - WSJ

Business/Economy:

Make it 3: Opus divisions landing in bankruptcy, Pioneer Press
Drop in prices for foreign result in drop in ethanol sales, MPR
Mpls. website tracks federal recovery funds, KSTP
Ford Ranger sales are up for June, MSP Business Journal
Monson Trucking shutting down operations, MPR
Minnesota needs to keep increasing gas tax, think tank says, Duluth News Tribune
Report: Recession hurting MN housing situation, MSP Business Journal
Work on expanding Soo Locks is under way, Duluth News Tribune

Campaigns:

If Coleman goes for governor, he'll cast a long shadow, Star Tribune
Jungbauer joins the GOP list of candidates for governor, Polinaut - MPR
2 state senators eye 2010 governor's race, AP
Seifert to launch campaign for GOP gubernatorial endorsement, West Central Tribune

Congress-Senate:

Senator Franken, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
Franken picks Wellstone as his model, Star Tribune
Franken thanks supporters at victory rally, AP
Klobuchar: 'I've told him to study up', MPR
Franken rallies supporters at Capitol, MPR
Franken: Affordable health care is priority, AP
Franken brings 60th vote to Senate Dems, MPR
GOP loses last Jewish senator with Coleman loss, AP
Inhofe calls Franken 'a clown', Politico
What's so super about a supermajority?, New York Times

Education:

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school board to consider changing weapons policy, Star Tribune
Minnesota private colleges see tuition increase 4.8 percent, MPR
Stillwater schools consider $15.8 million early childhood center, MinnPost
Facing deficits, some states cut summer school, New York Times

Elections:

Coleman owes Franken almost $100K in court costs, Pioneer Press

Environment:

DNR to ramp up invasives patrols on central MN lakes, KSTP

Government-Local:

Greenfield tagged 'high risk', Star Tribune

Labor:

Pension redux: Star Tribune seeks to toss machinists' contract, MinnPost

Legislature:

Booster seats, bingo and benefits, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
Legislative panel condemns governor’s unallotment plans, Session Daily

Media:

Recount denouement: KARE classy, Coleman staff not, MinnPost
Washington Post sells access, $25,000+, Politico

Opinion-Commentary:

Lori Sturdevant: Pawlenty's 'unallot' reasoning doesn’t hold up, Star Tribune
Rolf Westgard: Nuclear power must be part of energy solution, Duluth News Tribune

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: Oberstar, Obama on collision course, Star Tribune
Editorial: Franken's win comes with lessons, St. Cloud Times
Editorial: Coleman lets Minnesota turn the page, Rochester Post-Bulletin
Editorial: The 'Absentee' Senator, Wall Street Journal

Other States:

AZ lawmakers push back against federalized health care, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
State IOUs loom as foes' battle lines harden, Los Angeles Times
Strapped states play for time as fiscal year starts, Wall Street Journal

Pawlenty:

MN gets 'unalloted', St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
Pawlenty starts cutting the budget, Star Tribune
Gov. Pawlenty formally approves unallotment plan, MPR
First east, now west for well-traveled Pawlenty, AP

People:

Capitol Note Book, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
New state GOP leaders look to the future, MinnPost
The Sarah Palin chronicles mask deeper GOP troubles, Washington Post

Public Health/Safety:

Newborns' blood samples raise privacy questions, Washington Post. [See earlier PIM story for the operative contracts.]
Twin Cities cops add cell phone alerts to arsenal, Star Tribune
MN disabled veterans now eligible for free public transportation, MPR
Homelessness in Hennepin County on the rise, MPR
Report: Minnesota ranks 31st in adult obesity, MPR
Anti-gay harassment incident goes viral via YouTube, MPR

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

The fine art of parking, Finance and Commerce
Proposal to dissolve Minneapolis' oversight board advances, Star Tribune
St. Paul seeks to bar two street gangs from Rondo Festival, Pioneer Press
Urban farming finding increased interest in Twin Cities, MPR

Transportation:

Court says drainage ditches don't count as public roads, MPR

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The Morning Report 7/1/09 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Senator-elect Al Franken looks toward Washington.

Note: Please tune into a special Washington Post online Q&A with Politics in Minnesota at 10 a.m. today, July 1 (Central time). Submit questions here.

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

High court rules unanimously against Coleman, Politics in Minnesota
Coleman gracious in defeat, Politics in Minnesota
Franken also gracious ... in victory, Politics in Minnesota
Has Coleman been 'gracious'?, Politics in Minnesota
Equal protection violation requires intent, Politics in Minnesota
239 days, 312 votes and one new senator: Franken 'thrilled' and ready to go, Politics in Minnesota
Coleman bows out, concedes US Senate race to Franken, Politics in Minnesota
Pawlenty signs U.S. Senate election certificate, Politics in Minnesota
Kelliher vows Legislature will try to narrow unallotment law next session, Politics in Minnesota
Norm Coleman ends 2008 election legal fight, Smart Politics
Al Franken wins, Power Line
Franken and Coleman’s final showdown: the press conferences, Minnesota Independent
A fitting week for a new senator, Esme's Blog
Wellstone's seat back in capable Hands, mnpACT!
Tom Bakk & the perils of speaking the truth, Let Freedom Ring
How Franken won, The Fix - Washington Post
Lt. Colonel Joe Repya's leaving the Republican Party, Ron's Rants - KTLK

Business/Economy:

DFL budget plan would have cost fewer jobs, state economist says, Pioneer Press
Report: Gannett to jettison more than 1,000 workers to offset counter newspaper ad slump, AP
Bank closure part of larger state oversight program, MPR
Ethanol thirst evaporating, Star Tribune
Hecker accused of inflating repairs, skimming difference, Pioneer Press
Wells Fargo waiting for decision on subprime trial, MinnPost
New creative order emerges in Minneapolis, Ad Age

Campaigns:

For good or bad, GOP's Jim Ramstad could be the ultimate man in the middle of 2010 governor's race, MinnPost
Hann officially exploring run for governor, Polinaut - MPR

Congress-House:

Health care proposals divide Democrats in Congress, MinnPost
With something for everyone, climate bill passed, New York Times. Peterson a 'fierce defender' of ag interests.

Congress-Senate:

Kind words for both sides can't mask the stakes for partisans, Star Tribune
Franken's biggest hurdle: getting sworn in, MinnPost
Al Franken ready to begin Senate work next week, MPR
A bullet-proof majority with Franken? Senate Democrats can't bet on it, McClatchy Newspapers

Crime/Police:

New unit will not include current members of Strike Force, Star Tribune
Police agencies discuss future of gang task force, MPR

Education:

On key tests, MN students mostly hold the line, AP
More Minnesota schools fall behind in math, reading, Star Tribune

Elections:

Coleman concedes long-disputed race for U.S. senator, Finance and Commerce
Franken: ' I am thrilled and honored by the faith Minnesotans have placed in me.', Pioneer Press
State high court rules for Franken; Coleman concedes; Pawlenty signs election certificate, Star Tribune
Franken 'thrilled' over victory in Minnesota's long-running Senate race, MPR
Democrat Al Franken wins Senate race, gives Democrats filibuster-proof majority, AP
Franken wins Senate battle, Washington Post
Why Norm Coleman lost, Politico
Franken's victory bolsters Democratic grip in Senate, New York Times
Coleman bowing out of this race, but perhaps preparing for another soon, Star Tribune
The day the recount ended and the fight turned into something really nice, MinnPost
My analysis of the Supreme Court's Franken-Coleman ruling, MinnPost
Final decision in Senate races brings relief for area leaders, St. Cloud Times
Election certificate signed, Polinaut - MPR
Interactive timeline of Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, AP
Coleman's concession, Polinaut - MPR
Facts about Sen.-elect Al Franken, AP
Fixing the election imperfections, WCCO
Voters are frustrated that their votes were not counted, Pioneer Press

Environment:

Anoka approves wind turbine near high school, Star Tribune

Government-Local:

Will St. Paul City Council give green light to buying land for road?, Star Tribune
Hennepin Co. awards $4M in grants for cleanup, KSTP
Hennepin Co. employees' leave saves $4M, KSTP

Health Care

Regions Hospital finishes first phase of expansion, Finance and Commerce
Allina to build new clinic in Ramsey, Finance and Commerce
PhRMA, Families USA launch ad campaigns, Politico

Media:

St. Paul Pioneer Press lays off 11 workers, Star Tribune
After layoffs, Pioneer Press journalists ask 'Why wouldn't you let us make concessions?', MinnPost

Opinion-Commentary:

George Latimer and Ellen Brown: Court cleared the way for a vote on IRV in St. Paul, Pioneer Press
Edward B. Foley: Impressive unanimity: The historical significance of Coleman v. Franken, MinnPost

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: A gracious finish to an epic drama, Star Tribune
Editorial: Bachmann touts fear, not facts, St. Cloud Times

Other States:

11th-hour votes on state budget fail, Los Angeles Times

Pawlenty:

People:

New leader takes over at MN Republican Party, AP

Public Health/Safety:

Uniformed men in Web video were not Minneapolis police, Star Tribune
Minnesota law can help postpone home foreclosure, Star Tribune
Heroin, prescription drug use up in the Twin Cities, Star Tribune
New population stats find growing MN suburbs, AP
'U' updates map of rural crash 'hot zones', AP
Former worker sues State Fair, claims he was fired because of his age, Pioneer Press

Republican National Convention:

Months after RNC, 3 more protesters charged, AP

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

Twin Cities homebuilders avoid a June swoon as building permits rise, Finance and Commerce
Federal Register publishes Central Corridor document, Finance and Commerce

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The Morning Report 6/30/09 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Kline involved in standardized testing changes on House Education and Labor Committee.

Agriculture:

Nominees announced for two MN agricultural positions, MPR
Farm group calls attention to dairy crisis, Rochester Post-Bulletin

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Overheard at the Capitol: Dems on Zellers? Personable, sincere, not Tom Emmer, Politics in Minnesota
Bachmann's very visual universe: "False Witness" comic #1 sketches the political phenom, Politics in Minnesota
Capitol Notepad: June 29, 2009, Politics in Minnesota. Quick links & snippets.
Kelliher to run for Governor, remain speaker, MN Publius
Rep. Kline still confusing partisanship with representation, mnpACT
Dane Smith cranks up the DFL's PR machine, Let Freedom Ring
Zellers names Hamilton an assistant, Capitol Chatter
Governors honor former Chief Justice Blatz, The Political Animal
Gubernatorial Power Rankings: June '09, MN Progressive Project

Business/Economy:

Pay freeze approved for state employees, AP
State finance officials predict $4.427 billion budget deficit in '12-'13, Polinaut - MPR
Get ready to pay more for gas and goods: tax hikes hit Wednesday, Pioneer Press
Furloughs cut Stearns County staffing, St. Cloud Times
Major changes afoot with Minneapolis agencies big and small, SmartBrief
Some retailers unaware of new MN flag law, KSTP

Campaigns:

Minnesota political donor refund program dries up, AP

Congress-House:

Oberstar confident of Midwest rail plan, Mesabi Daily News
New role gives Kline voice in school law rewrite, Pioneer Press
New role gives Kline voice in school law rewrite, AP
Kline encourages Coleman to fight on, Polinaut - MPR

Crime/Police:

Gang Strike Force board to discuss temporary unit, AP
Strike Force's revival in limbo; officials to meet, Star Tribune
St. Paul PD connecting on Facebook, AP

Education:

St. Paul school board believes in superintendent even if state doesn't, Star Tribune
U of M students build solar house for international competition, MPR

Elections:

Norm Coleman: the GOP's million-dollar man, Politico

Environment:

Farm runoff blamed for town's contaminated water, MPR
Minnesota outdoors about to get some green, Star Tribune

Government-Local:

St. Cloud wants $17 million in state bonding money, St. Cloud Times

Opinion-Commentary:

Dane Smith: Many states hike taxes in crisis, St. Cloud Times
Kent Kaiser: You needn't stand up to be counted, Star Tribune

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: The need for speed in city of St. Paul, Star Tribune
Editorial: Wastewater suitable for ethanol production, Mankato Free Press

Other States:

States brace for shutdowns, Los Angeles Times
Commentary: What our legislators never learned in kindergarten, Dolan Media Newswires

Pawlenty:

Wisconsin officials yet to agree to Pawlenty's tax reciprocity request, MPR
Pawlenty says he'll follow court's ruling on Senate, Star Tribune
Pawlenty's budget cuts draw protests, AP

People:

Opperman elected to TCF board, MSP Business Journal
Mark Sanford betrayed fiscals, too, Politico

Public Health/Safety:

SE Minnesota milk processor recalls products, AP
Advocates say housing aid doesn't go far enough, MPR
'Move-over' law soon to apply to boaters, too, AP
Kandiyohi County welfare fraud case is settled, West Central Tribune
Fargo to vote on tax increase for flood control, MPR

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

Stadiums:

Twins transfer $4 million to Target Field fund, AP

Technology:

Nibi Software taps growth of e-learning niche, Finance and Commerce
Internet post a 'publication' for purposes of privacy claim, Finance and Commerce

Transportation:

MnDOT to begin survey of Winona Bridge, MPR
St. Cloud to buy 2 homes for roundabout near SCSU, St. Cloud Times

Z-File: Irresistible Stories Beyond the Purview of PIM

The alligator gar is one ugly fish, with few friends but new fans, Wall Street Journal

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The Morning Report 6/29/09 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Jim Ramstad considering a run for governor.

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Introducing Minnesota's streaming political Twitter machine!, Politics in Minnesota. Check out the new auto-updating aggregator here.
Pawlenty: It would be a dereliction of duty not to sign Senate election certificate, The Political Animal
Fed energy money arrives, Capitol Chatter
Census Bureau: We’re working with Bachmann to 'explain the rules of the census', Think Progress
A Minnesota housing market that doesn't collapse, MN 2020
State of states in health care isn't much to write home about, Health Blog - WSJ

Business/Economy:

With new biomass plant, Xcel Energy becomes electricity customer, Finance and Commerce
Economic development group presents awards, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
One-two punch hits housing market, Pioneer Press
'Room to run' at Thrivent, CEO says, Star Tribune
State shuts down Pine City's Horizon Bank, Star Tribune
State seizes property of biggest sales tax scofflaw, Star Tribune
3M cutting 40 engineering division jobs, MSP Business Journal
Duluth software engineering company keeps growing, AP
Hopf to replace McLaughlin at Select Comfort, MSP Business Journal
States consider gas and oil levies, Wall Street Journal

Campaigns:

Jim Ramstad considering a run for Minnesota governor, Pioneer Press
Ramstad is toying with run for governor, AP
Potential GOP presidential contenders weigh impact of Sanford, Ensign scandals on Republicans, AP
Fun facts to know and tell about MN guv races, MinnPost

Education:

St. Paul student placement office reaches out to parents, Star Tribune
St. Paul superintendent ends tenure this week, MPR

Environment:

Minnesota gets $21.7 million to retrofit public buildings, Finance and Commerce
Winona County dairy pays $15,000 MPCA penalty, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
Legacy Amendment tax increase takes effect this week, MPR
Metro cities turn up water rates in name of conservation, Star Tribune
Pollution agency may have cleanup solution for Winona Superfund site, MPR
Outdoors groups highlight sales tax projects statewide, AP
Sales tax cash will keep Minnesota forest wild, AP

Government-Local:

Hennepin County launches website to help track of stimulus projects, Finance and Commerce
Washington County aid programs hit hard by unallotments, Star Tribune
White Bear Lake copes with the pinch of Pawlenty's unallotment, MPR
Officials from across state say all cities to suffer from LGA decision, West Central Tribune
Ramsey buys Town Center land, seeks developers, Star Tribune
St. Louis County makes last push to sell old jail, AP

Health Care:

Battle over health data, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report

Judicial:

Determined, but short of time and money, Star Tribune
Chief justice: Cost up to go to court in Minnesota, AP

Labor:

Complaint alleges local Wal-Mart 'interrogated' pro-union workers, MPR

Opinion-Commentary:

Steven B. Young: Insider cabal’s grip on power strangling state GOP’s future, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
Deborah Appleman: Why I oppose Teach for America, Star Tribune
Lori Sturdevant: He's our man in Washington on health care, Star Tribune
Bob McFarlin: Oberstar is right to challenge Obama administration on its transportation plan, MinnPost
Jack Uldrich: State must shake up its politics, St. Cloud Times
Gail Rosenblum: Doctors kept from doctoring, Star Tribune
Tony Cuneo: Obama’s green jobs make their way to Duluth, Duluth News Tribune

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: After census dither, take a reality check, Star Tribune
Editorial: Payment is key in health care reform, Star Tribune
Editorial: Keep pushing for a second airline carrier, St. Cloud Times
Editorial: Regional economic approach a sound idea, Mankato Free Press
Editorial: Make preschool a funding priority, Star Tribune
Editorial: Download verdict screams for reform, St. Cloud Times

Other States:

Assembly Democrats OK budget package, Los Angeles Times

Pawlenty:

In Arkansas, Pawlenty emphasizes limited government, MPR
Pawlenty praises Jennifer, blasts Mark Sanford, Politico
Pawlenty says he'll sign election certificate, MPR
Pawlenty won't delay if court rules for Franken, Politico
Pawlenty criticizes climate bill in Congress, AP
Pawlenty on Sunday circuit, Polinaut - MPR

People:

Ritchie to host national 'civic summit', St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
3 city officials honored by League of Cities, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report

Public Health/Safety:

Legion posts face declining membership, West Central Tribune
New child car seat regulation takes effect next week, MPR
Roseau to begin work on $30 million flood control project, MPR
Judge denies retrial request in Anoka train deaths, AP
Minnesota tribes fight Enbridge oil pipeline, Duluth News Tribune
ACORN role in census challenged, Wall Street Journal
In Minnesota, big moment for a temple for Hindus, New York Times

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

Minneapolis council votes to start over on solar project, Finance and Commerce
$2.1 million in CDBG dollars for programs St. Paul, St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report
Minneapolis taking the lead in the green revolution, Star Tribune
Wish list: New home for Saints, Star Tribune
Minneapolis votes to sever ties with solar electic company on convention center project, Star Tribune
Somali Independence Day marked in Minneapolis, AP
Trader Joe's in Saint Paul: New store, old concerns, KARE 11

Z-File: Irresistible Stories Beyond the Purview of PIM

U.S. lets Confederations Cup slip away, New York Times
Saving species no longer a beauty contest, Washington Post

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The Morning Report 6/26/09 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Pawlenty makes some changes to unallotments.

Agriculture:

For the Farm Lobby, Too Much Is Never Enough, Washington Post
Minnesota, Iowa ag officials seek help for pork farmers, AP

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

'At this point, I am not a candidate for governor', Politics in Minnesota
Emmer for Governor?, Politics in Minnesota
State deficits and creeping pollyanna-ism, continued, Politics in Minnesota
Don't ask, don't tell: On disclosure of state legislators' financial interests, Minnesota gets 40th place and a big fat F, Politics in Minnesota
Why doesn't Amy Klobuchar run for Governor?, Smart Politics
Peterson leads climate-change bill deal, Capitol Chatter
Minnesota renters make the case why the Renters’ Credit should not be cut, MN Budget Bites
Finishing Tarryl’s e-letter off, Let Freedom Ring
Dry season, Shot in the Dark
Bachmann links Census to 1940s Japanese internment, Minnesota Independent
Pawlenty changed some items in his unallotment plan, The Political Animal
Republicans gather in Rochester, Political Party
State LGBT leaders weigh in: After 40 years, has Pride run its course?, Minnesota Independent
It's time to drop e-mail as a breaking news medium, Romenesko - Poynter Online
GOP 2012: A riveting reality show takes shape, Reliable Source - WaPo. Pawlenty is 'The Geek.'
One piece at a time, Hartbeat - KARE 11

Business/Economy:

Regulators: Northeast Bank earns 'outstanding' Community Reinvestment Act rating, Finance and Commerce
Thrivent's Nicholson announces retirement, Finance and Commerce
Thrivent chief announces retirement, Star Tribune
Supervalu shareholders approve 'say on pay', Pioneer Press
Airlines lower fares to lure travelers during recession, MPR
Macy's to lease part of its Nicollet Mall building, Star Tribune
Now batting for the Saints: Bill Murray, Pioneer Press
Leinenkugel's hits up Minneapolis' skyways, MSP Business Journa
Is Best Buy's Brian Dunn the most socially networked CEO?, MinnPost
New airline promises $9 flights, will it fly?, KSTP
Target designers succeed again with 'up and up' brand, MinnPost

Campaigns:

Coleman gets OK to use campaign funds for bills tied to 2 lawsuits, Star Tribune
More details on FEC ruling in Coleman case, MinnPost
Dem Guv's Association targets the MN 2010 race, MinnPost

Congress-House:

Rep. Bachmann won't fully comply with census, Star Tribune
Ellison says Mecca trip was within House ethics rules, MPR

Education:

Macalester plans $70 million fine arts center, Finance and Commerce
Macalester planning new arts center, MSP Business Journal
St. Cloud district to hire administration consultant, St. Cloud Times
Area schools plan to borrow to make up for unallotment, Rochester Post-Bulletin
Vallay Varro receives St. Paul DFL endorsement for school board, Pioneer Press

Elections:

Still no sign of winner in Minnesota senate race, NPR

Environment:

Zebra mussel fears now surface in Alexandria, Star Tribune
Dealing with a drought at the National Sports Center in Blaine, KARE 11
Almost clean? MPCA hopes to finish cleanup of dry-cleaning chemicals, Winona Daily News

Government-Local:

Rochester mayor picked to head statewide city group, Polinaut - MPR
LGA debate continues: group says last week's criticism was spin, not substance, MinnPost

Health Care:

Locals call for health care fix, St. Cloud Times

Judicial:

State high court reprimands County Attorney Backstrom, Star Tribune

Legislature:

Zellers says cuts could be restored if recession ends, MPR
New House minority leader shares vision, Midday - MPR
State lawmaker already promising to bring back the beer at the U of M, KARE 11

Media:

Black newspaper owners meet in Minneapolis, MPR

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: Ellison fails part of routine ethics test, Star Tribune
Editorial: Detail district finances, drop consultant, St. Cloud Times
Editorial: Extension of home tax credit is fine idea, St. Cloud Times

Other States:

Why California can't be governed, Los Angeles Times
Commentary: The risks of immediate e-communication, Dolan Media Newswires

Pawlenty:

Pawlenty opposes climate change bill, MPR
Pawlenty enters Huckabee territory with Ark. visit, AP
Gov. Pawlenty modifies unallotment plan, MPR
Pawlenty alters budget cuts, explains other moves, AP
Some programs get more money, others a bigger cut as Pawlenty revises state budget numbers, Pioneer Press

People:

Brede elected president of League of Minnesota Cities, Rochester Post-Bulletin

Public Health/Safety:

Advocates say budget cuts target most vulnerable, MPR
Miners learn more about mesothelioma study, MPR
Xcel partners with Microsoft on energy monitor, MinnPost
Beef recalled in Midwest over possible E. coli, MPR
Nonprofit offers free HIV testing, St. Cloud Times
JBS Swift recalls 41,000 pounds of beef because of possible E. coli contamination, AP
The Whistleblower: House is broke, but who'll fix it?, Star Tribune
U of M experts want mine workers to volunteer for cancer tests, Duluth News Tribune

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

'No Turn on Red' signs slowly disappearing from Minneapolis, KARE 11
It's cheers and fears as Trader Joe's opens in St. Paul, Pioneer Press

Transportation:

Hiawatha light rail marks five years; what's next for transit?, MPR
Hiawatha LRT celebrates 5 years in operation, WCCO
Beginning Friday, long trucks no longer permitted on Stillwater bridge, Star Tribune
FAA awards 5 regional aiports over $2M in grants, KSTP

Z-File: Irresistible Stories Beyond the Purview of PIM

Flickr as an interior decorating tool, New York Times. Columnist excoriated in comments section after suggesting download and display of Flickr images.
Opening up the Silk Road, Wall Street Journal
3, Wall Street Journal