Strange bedfellows oppose wind energy, rebuilding Minn. GOP, Duluth gay marriage vote

Wind projects prompt fight in Congress over subsidies

"Fused together by political necessity," farmers Ann and David Buck "have been joined by an improbable mélange of worried farmers, subsidy-averse Tea Party activists and environmentalists worried about the potential effect on bald and golden eagles that nest along the river gorge," reports the Star Tribune.

Minn. counties struggle to pay for empty jail cells

In the last decade, a boom in jail construction and dropping crime rates have left thousands of jail cells empty around Minnesota. The combination has left many counties in the state trying to figure out how to make money on this unused space (MPR News).

Duluth city councilors push for vote on gay marriage issue

"The issue of gay marriage will come before the Duluth City Council tonight when Councilors Jeff Anderson and Sharla Gardner introduce a resolution opposing an amendment to the state Constitution that would allow Minnesota to legally recognize only opposite-sex unions," reports the Duluth News Tribune.

Minn. GOP looks for path forward

Minn. GOP left shaky after Sen. Koch steps down

Republicans in the Minnesota Senate are reeling following Sen. Amy Koch's announcement Thursday to step down as majority leader, after GOP senate leaders confronted her about allegations that she engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a male staffer (MPR News).

State GOP staggered by debt, scandal

"Beset by big debts and sudden scandal, Minnesota's Republican Party is in the throes of extraordinary turmoil on the cusp of a pivotal election year," reports the Star Tribune.

Sen. Geoff Michel on Koch, Brodkorb's resignations

WCCO: "After Sen. Amy Koch and Senate Republican Caucus spokesman Michael Brodkorb announced their resignations, rumors have swirled around a possible inappropriate relationship between the two. Sen. Geoff Michel is now the interim leader of the Minnesota GOP, Esme Murphy reports."

Senjem considers run for majority leader

Rochester Post Bulletin: "Rochester GOP Sen. Dave Senjem said on Sunday he is considering running for Senate majority leader.'I am considering it. I am getting a fair amount of encouragement -- a number of calls over the last several days to do it,' he said."

Also on MN Today

Lake Superior research center making progress in Superior

"A Lake Superior research center is acquiring its first lakeshore facilities as the University of Wisconsin Regents approved leases this month with the city of Superior," reports the Duluth News Tribune.

South Dakota Hutterite colony to build in Traill County despite protests

"Despite protests from some neighbors, a Hutterite colony likely will start construction in the spring in southern Traill County," reports the Forum of Fargo Moorhead.

Oil boom leads to demand for more officers

"North Dakota's economy continues to churn, but energy isn't the state's only boom industry. ... Lake Region State College sets new record with 92 law enforcement graduates in 2011," reports the Forum of Fargo Moorhead.

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