Around MN: Clark would run without DFL nod? BWCA blooms, breaking a cycle of violence

Clark: Funds raised show threat to Cravaack in 8th

DFL congressional candidate Tarryl Clark isn't pledging to abide by her party's endorsement in the race to decide who'll oppose GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack in 2012.

Clark, a former St. Cloud state senator, unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Michele Bachmann last year.

Clark cited her campaign fundraising haul for the last three months as evidence that she's the DFL candidate most feared by Cravaack and fellow Republicans (Saint Cloud Times).

Some Republicans consider arts amendment money for Vikings stadium (MPR News).

Study: 28% of Minn homes lack broadband access (Pioneer Press).

Bundle up. Winter outlook: Bitterly cold, snowier for upper Midwest

Forecasters expect above-normal snowfall and below-normal temperatures, possibly including daily high temperatures below zero in December, according to Jack Boston, senior meteorologist with accuweathercom (West Central Tribune).

More brrrrr than usual (Duluth News Tribune)

Governor touts $242 million saving in state health insurance programs

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton claimed the first major success of his drive to improve government efficiency Thursday, saying a competitive-bidding process for state health insurance programs will save $242 million in the next two years (Pioneer Press).

IRRRB cuts tax refund for taconite mines

Instead of receiving the $9.67 million tax refund they expected this year, Iron Range mines will get $4.95 million. The remaining $4.72 million will go to pay for public works projects on the Range (Duluth News Tribune).

In BWCA, new growth blooms even as hot spots still burn

Months after the Pagami Creek Fire started, and more than a month after it ripped through a slice of the most popular area in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, signs of new life are beginning to show (MPR News). Despite the ravages of the Pagami Creek fire, greenery abounds, old-growth and new (Star Tribune).

Couple breaks vicious cycle of domestic violence

Chuck Switzer came into his marriage with anger bottled up inside him since childhood. He unleashed his rage against his wife, M'Liss, for 20 years before he finally accepted responsibility for his actions and got help (Alexandria Echo Press).

Minnesota redistricting plan calls for shakeup of political borders

Forty-two Minnesota legislators - more than one in five incumbents - would lose their seats or be forced to move under a plan to redraw the states political boundaries that a bipartisan citizens commission will submit to the states five-judge redistricting panel today (Pioneer Press).

Santorum, Bachmann hammer Cain on abortion comments

Republican presidential candidates Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum blasted rival Herman Cain after Cain's unclear statements on abortion Wednesday (CBS).

Bancroft polar trek will focus on water

Adventurer says 2012 South Pole expedition will teach youth about the global need for fresh water (Star Tribune).

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