Unemployment disparity, suburban court safety, recreation industry blues

African-Americans three times as likely to be unemployed in Minn. than whites

WCCO: "Unemployment in the United States currently sits at 8.5 percent -- the lowest it's been in three years. That statistic, however, does not ring true for Minnesota's African-American community."

Hennepin Co. judge reassigned after citing security concerns

KARE: "Hennepin County District Court Judge Lloyd Zimmerman has been reassigned after publicly voicing concern over lack of security, and what he called dangerous conditions at suburban court facilities.:

Op-Ed: Judge is right: Suburban courts aren't safe

Sue Lantto writes in the Star Tribune: "Those of us who work in them know that the safety concerns raised by Judge Lloyd Zimmerman are warranted."

Wis. DNR: Mining bill could cost millions

WDIO: "The state Department of Natural Resources says proposed legislation that would change the way it reviews mining proposals could cost the agency millions of dollars per year. The Republican bill is designed to kick-start an iron mine in far northwestern Wisconsin."

Anoka-Hennepin's 'controversial topics' proposal draws more criticism

MPR News: "Leaders of Minnesota's largest school district are still wrestling with whether to replace a controversial sexual orientation policy with a new policy that has also drawn plenty of criticism. More than 30 people spoke at a district school board meeting Monday night in Coon Rapids that was set up to address the topic. There was no consensus from the public on how the board should act, and board members themselves seemed just as unsure."

Brown winter shuts out snowmobile recreation, businesses

MPR News: "Every January, snowmobiles are typically everywhere in much of Minnesota -- bouncing along ditches and trails, pulled on trailers or parked at hotels and restaurants. But this year is different."

Critics of taxes for Vikings stadium in Arden Hills gather signatures

Pioneer Press: "A $1.1 billion proposal to build a Minnesota Vikings stadium in Arden Hills took it on the chin from two nuns who were out for a stroll along Mississippi River Boulevard. "Mr. Wilf can pay for his own stadium," said Baya Clare, a Sister of St. Joseph."

USDA to shutter 260 offices, including Minneapolis

AP: "They wiped out the entire Midwest," says one deputy district manager.

Minnesota's weird, warm winter: FAQs

Big Story Blog: "Paul Huttner is a smart voice on Minnesota weather matters. He's been writing about the warm, weird winter on his blog. And this afternoon he answered some Frequently Asked Questions."

Food for Thought: Two more schools join food assistance program

Winona Daily News: "Food for Thought is set to expand early this year, allowing more elementary students in Winona in need of supplemental meals on weekends and holiday breaks to receive assistance."

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