Statewide Blog

Prison lockdown, bumpy start at Minn. Legislature, hookah moratorium

Federal gang investigation locks down Minn. prisons

Federal Gang Investigation Locks Down All Minn. Prisons: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Fox9: "The prison system in Minnesota was put on lockdown on Tuesday night while federal agents work to break up a major gang. Investigators tell FOX 9 News they hope the inmate restrictions will stop any prisoners from alerting suspects on the streets that they are being sought."

Virginia Police Chief Waldron suspended

Northland News Center: "The action comes following harassment and retaliation claims against Waldron."

Marshall seminar aims to raise awareness about Somalia, terrorism

Marshall Independent: "Presenters at Tuesday's all-day seminar, 'Understanding the People of Somalia,' spoke to law enforcement personnel about an alarming trend of radical imams recruiting and radicalizing American-raised Somalis to be suicide bombers for the Al Queda-affiliated Somali terrorist group Al Shabaab."

Eden Prairie OKs registry for domestic partners

Star Tribune: "Council members said the move was consistent with values outlined in the 'Eden Prairie Manifesto.'"

State of Union listeners hope for an end to D.C. gridlock

Star Tribune: "Small businesses said they want Obama to kill talk of raising taxes on the wealthy. Manufacturers want better-educated workers. And educators said they want Obama to boost federal financial aid for students."

Klobuchar: How two-year degrees can help fuel the economy

Sen. Klobuchar: "This year I invited Kevin Kopischke, president of Alexandria Technical and Community College, to join me at the State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening."

Minnesota lawmakers react to State of the Union

KARE11: "The President delievered the annual State of the Union address Tuesday night to a joint session of Congress. Here is some State of the Union reaction statements offered by Minnesota lawmakers."

Obama's tone is getting better, but still not quite there

MNpublius: "Overall, I think Obama is making progress in the right direction. When dealing with the topics of inequality and fair taxation, I think he makes a strong, clear case for why reducing inequality is all about American values."

Minnesota Legislature has bumpy start

Pioneer Press: "Bipartisanship at the Minnesota Legislature lasted about an hour Tuesday."

Dayton wants resolution and a 'people's stadium'

MPR News: "Gov. Mark Dayton said Tuesday he hopes a deal for a new Vikings stadium can be hammered by the end of next month."

Jerome Christenson: With a slip just one step away, remember those who have fallen

Christensen writes in the Winona Daily News: "At one time or another, life gets slippery for everybody.As politicians convene in St. Paul to make policy and promises, we might want to remember that, just in case they need a reminder."

Edgy posters, billboards come out against racism in Duluth

MPR News: "A 2010 survey found Duluth residents viewed the city as less hospitable to racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, young adults without children, and talented college graduates looking for work than other comparable cities."

Hunters upset after dogs killed by traps

Star Tribune: "After several deaths since fall, the DNR will consider tightening the rules to reduce risk of dogs getting caught in body-gripping devices."

Sartell-St. Stephen school district saves on project

Saint Cloud Times: "The district sold $9 million in bonds this month at an interest rate of 1.86 percent, business manager Steve Wruck said. The district was anticipating repaying the bonds at 3.2 percent. It reduces the cost to the district by $900,000, Wruck said."

Deal with Caterpillar means jobs for Superior

Duluth News Tribune: "A global alliance between an industry giant in heavy equipment manufacturing is helping a Superior-based company grow."

Gronseth to fill Duluth superintendent vacancy

WDIO: "The Duluth School District announced current Interim Superintendent William Gronseth will fill the current superintendent vacancy. The Duluth School Board made that decision at a public School Board meeting Tuesday and is entering into contract negotiations."

FF teachers still without contract

Fergus Falls Journal: "Fergus Falls District 544 negotiations between teachers and the school board are among 184 negotiations taking place across the state of Minnesota. There are 338 school districts in Minnesota."

Faribault City Council passes hookah moratorium

Faribault Daily News: "Councilors unanimously passed a moratorium, essentially a temporary ban, on licensing and planning for tobacco products shops Tuesday night."

Winona home prices down

Winona Daily News: "Home sales in Winona and Goodview rose 14 percent in 2011, according to the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors, leading some to believe the housing market is well on its way to recovery.Others aren't so sure."

Timberwolves' Kevin Love to sign four-year contract extension today

Pioneer Press: "Timberwolves all-star Kevin Love, facing the prospect of becoming a restricted free agent after the season, is expected to sign a four-year, $62 million contract extension today, according to a person with close knowledge of the situation."

Wild ends road skid, enters break with victory

Post Bulletin: "There were plenty of motivating factors Tuesday for the Wild: to enter the All-Star break inside the top eight in the West, to leap over the rival Colorado Avalanche, to end an 11-game road malaise."