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The Morning Report 7/3/08 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Obama visiting Fargo-Moorhead; NYC mayor Bloomberg to boost Independence Party.

Publisher's Note: We won't be publishing a Morning Report, tomorrow, July 4. Everyone at PIM wishes all our readers a happy, patriotic and safe Fourth of July holiday with family and friends. And do respect and enjoy that 'Sewn in the U.S.A.' flag!

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Coleman's out-of-touch record: education, MN Campaign Report
Paper profits, Across the Great Divide.
Battleground states through the lens of the U.S. Senate, Smart Politics
Liberal blog busted leaving attacks on Franken Wikipedia page, MN Democrats Exposed [Joe Bodell responds]
AG matters: silly little things or a big waste of money?, MN Campaign Report
MN GOP Energy Petition - About Time, Residual Forces
Deep Thoughts with Don Huizenga, MN Publius
John Kline's energy tour, you are not welcome to attend, MN Blue

Business/Economy:

Reporter's Notebook: The Minnesota Defense Industry, The Blotter
Wal-Mart faces MN labor law trial, Bloomberg News
Got a plan to cut gas prices? Join the club, Pioneer Press
For Old Glory, sewn in the U.S.A. is the law, Star Tribune
Starbucks regulars hope their shop stays caffeinated, KARE 11
Downtown Lakeville has something new in store, Star Tribune
ATK wins $250M Air Force contract, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
UnitedHealth cuts 4,000 jobs and 2008 outlook, AP
Making friends with money, Finance & Commerce
State park visits dip but gas prices may help rebound, MPR
RV's packed up but staying close to home, KARE 11
Foreclosures have officials in Scott, Dakota pondering how to help, Star Tribune
UnitedHealth to pay over $900M to settle suits, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
NWA, Delta employees seek oil-price action, Star Tribune
Vinyl LP is back in mainstream rotation, Star Tribune
Your Friendly Neighborhood War Profiteer, City Pages

Campaigns-Senate:

Coleman, Franken trade barbs over gas-price politics, Star Tribune
Gas protesters rally in Moorhead, Fargo Forum
Starring Al Franken (as Himself), Minnesota Monthly
Energy policy is key issue in Minnesota senate race, AP
Sen. Coleman accused of ethics lapse for D.C. housing arrangement, Pioneer Press
Comedian Looks to Unseat GOP Senator in Minnesota, PBS NewsHour
Senate candidates push gas prices to front of campaign, MPR
MN Senate race will shatter spending records, KARE11

Campaigns:

Reality check: free money for political campaigns, WCCO
All about Obama, Washington Post. 'The perfectly-turned event put together by Barack Obama's team at the Xcel Center in MN was apparent to even the most casual political observer.'
Gas prices a political pit stop focus, Mankato Free Press
Pope County commissioner, Starbuck farmer endorsed as GOP candidate for House 13A, West Central Tribune
Buesgens has a challenger; others file for election, Jordan Independent
Scott County Board chair to step aside, Star Tribune

Crime/Police:

Some sacred loot found in box in archbishop's closet, Star Tribune
What is a "No Match" Letter?, La Prensa
More and more drive-offs involve stolen license plates, Star Tribune

Education:

No more pencils, no more books, City Pages
Inventing summer, MPR
The '60s Begin to Fade as Liberal Professors Retire, NY Times
Osseo school board to voters: 'We need the dollars', Star Tribune

Elections:

St. Paul instant-runoff voting question to stay off ballot, Star Tribune

Environment:

Ballast water discharge permits open for public comment, MPR
Dakota County Park goes extra super green, KARE 11

Events:

Policy and a Pint: The China tradeoff, Citizens League
Bloomberg coming to Minnesota, MPR - Polinaut
Obama's visit today, Fargo Forum
25 years of advocating for human rights, TC Daily Planet
Twins, agency team up to fight homelessness, Star Tribune

Foreign Affairs:

U of M music professor's up-close assessment of North Korea, MinnPost

Government-Local:

Nowthen, MN, I think our city has a name, AP

Health Care:

Canada looms large in U.S. health care debate, MPR

I-35W Bridge Collapse:

Toothpicks, glue, string and optimism, Star Tribune

Judicial:

Minneapolis police officer's racial discrimination case may go to trial, Star Tribune
Public defenders for CHIPS: State budget cut forces county to pay costs, Bemidji Pioneer
Judge won't recuse self; trial moved, Fargo Forum
Activist sues St. Paul, police over arrest, MPR

Labor:

Good Question: What Are Employee's Rights At Work?, WCCO
Wal-Mart violated worker rights more than 2 million times, Minnesota judge rules, Workday Minnesota
No organization: efforts to unionize local Wal-Mart workers are moribund, MN Independent
Daily Glean: Wal-Mart: always screwed workers, MinnPost

Legislature:

Hatch attack: His allegations don't fit the facts, MinnPost

Midwest:

U vets, students helping pets displaced in Iowa floods, Pioneer Press
Iowa to allow half pricing at the gas pumps, AP

Media:

Despite debt default, Strib labor talks might preserve newsroom, MinnPost

Obituary:

Minnesotan Harlyn Halvorson's legacies include marine laboratory, Pioneer Press

Opinion-Commentary:

Nick Coleman: Saluting a hero of yesterday -- and today, Star Tribune
Joe Nathan: Learning from the best schools, whatever we call them, Pioneer Press
Katherine Kersten: Navy’s SEAL recruiting finds success in heartland, Star Tribune
Lee Engerstrom: One year later: Identified needs still go unmet as state economy worsens, MinnPost

Opinion-Editorial:

State-local partnership wears thin, Bemidji Pioneer
Fight for Ford and plan for the future, Star Tribune
Gather ’round the campfire and google, Mankato Free Press

Pawlenty:

Tim Pawlenty will have his revenge on high school tormenters, The Blotter
Howard Fineman: We the people of faith, Washington Post. 'Republican strategists wonder aloud whether McCain should choose as his running mate Gov. Tim Pawlenty of MN, whose prime qualification seems that he is an active, well-connected evangelical Christian.'
Losing the mullet, angling for veep, Salon.com. 'But the real sign Pawlenty might be interested in being McCain's running mate came in a slightly subtler form late this spring: He cut his hair.'
Pawlenty takes a media break, Pioneer Press - Political Animal
Another conservative group goes after Pawlenty, MPR - Polinaut

People:

Cole in town for Bachmann and Davis, MPR - Polinaut

Public Health/Safety:

Act of civil disobedience ends in multiple arrests, The Blotter
Anti-war protester sues St. Paul over arrest, AP
Minnesota turning tide on meth, state officials say, Pioneer Press
Minnesota report shows statewide dip in meth labs, Grand Forks Herald
FBI lauds Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, AP

Republican National Convention:

RNC Host Committee uses wrestler linked to steroids in PSAs, MPR - Polinaut
RNC host committee recruits steroid user to lecture us about Minnesota Nice, City Pages
Recipe for the RNC: Kill 'em with kindness, MinnPost

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

St. Paul City Council weighs rules for sober houses, Star Tribune

The Morning Report 7/2/08 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: A time to pay: Star Tribune doesn't pay creditors; Sen. Coleman pays little D.C. rent; MN joins federal unemployment payment program.

Agriculture:

USDA Rural development loans turn dreams into realities, Rochester Post-Bulletin
CRP taxes clarified, Fargo Forum

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Top Ten House Districts to Watch: Part I, Politics in Minnesota
How the gas tax will help us, MN Campaign Report
Voters should punish the politics of greed, Wright County Republican
A fool's paradise: America's aging infrastructure and the Midwest floods, The Blotter
AG Hatch's Subterfuge, Let Freedom Ring
July 1: Does this mean there's a primary now?, A Bluestem Prairie
Strib: "We have the money, we're just not going to pay the interest," The Blotter
A pleasant exchange, an uphill battle, SCSU Scholars
Day One: Three Contested Primaries, MN Blue
Set ‘em Up, Tear ‘em Down, Shot in the Dark
CREW files ethics complaint against Sen. Coleman over questionable rental arrangement, CREW
More Bad News for AG Swanson, Ladies Logic

Business/Economy:

Wal-Mart hammered by judge, Star Tribune
Star Tribune passes on debt payment, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Survey: Midwest, Plains economy near recession, AP
UnitedHealth cuts 2008 outlook as premiums slip, AP
St. Paul jilts Ford for Toyota's 10-vehicle deal, MN Independent
Star Tribune withholds some pay to lenders, Star Tribune
Ford Ranger sales fall over 30% in June, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Sales drop clouds the picture at St. Paul Ford plant, Star Tribune
Wal-Mart faces fine in Minnesota suit involving work breaks, Star Tribune
Minnesota to join federal unemployment extension program, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Economy hurts restaurants while 'fast casual' niche soars, Finance & Commerce
Minneapolis marketing agency opens Hong Kong office, BusinessWire
Judge finds Wal-Mart violated Minnesota labor laws, Reuters
Judge: Wal-Mart owes Minnesota workers $6.5 million for off-clock work, lost breaks, Pioneer Press [includes ruling as PDF]
NWA pilots to get 2.4% equity in new Delta, AP
Survey: Minneapolis among best cities to get rich, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. [Ranked #4! --PIM staff]

Campaigns-Senate:

Sen. Coleman accused of ethics lapse for D.C. housing arrangement, Pioneer Press
Franken changes position on the gas tax, MPR
Watchdog group files ethics charge against Coleman, MPR
Will Ventura run for Senate?, KSTP

Campaigns:

Filing opens for candidates in Minnesota, MPR
Index of all state (House, U.S. House and U.S. Senate) campaigns (except judges) officially filed and processed at the Secretary of State's office and all the other races.
Obama fans sweat it out for tickets, Fargo Forum
New mayor is an old pro at city politics, Star Tribune
West St. Paul/Familiar faces in mayoral rematch, Pioneer Press
Scott County Board chair to step aside, Star Tribune
Eleven Olmsted County and Rochester candidates file on opening day, Rochester Post-Bulletin
North St. Paul councilman elected to serve remainder of late mayor's term, Pioneer Press
Abeler, who bucked Pawlenty, seeks reelection, Star Tribune
Tax vote earns Washington County commissioner a party snub, Star Tribune

Congress-Senate:

Can Congress bring order to presidential primary chaos?, MinnPost. Features Sen. Klobuchar's primary reform proposal.

Crime/Police:

Wind-power pioneer admits to inflated bills, Star Tribune

Education:

Open for business, Fargo Forum. New MN School of Business opens in Moorhead.
The new Pratt, The Bridge
School budgets gain a bit of breathing room, Star Tribune
Schools wondering where their lunch money went, Star Tribune

Environment:

Monticello nuclear plant's storage opens, St. Cloud Times
Polluted waters list grows, St. Cloud Times
Algae analysis: Study to look for cause of Little Rock Lake's woes, St. Cloud Times

Events:

Somalis mark their country's independence day with dance, food, St. Cloud Times
Minnesotans celebrate world refugee day, African News Journal

Foreign Affairs:

Ethiopian bombs land in Minnesota via cell phones, TC Daily Planet

Government-Local:

Cities compromise on thousands in sewage fees, Star Tribune
Metropolitan Council awards almost $4 million in cleanup funds, Finance & Commerce
Plan for eventual New Hope city center hits snags, Star Tribune
Ramsey County looking at raising salary cap for top staffer, Pioneer Press
Could scofflaws cover library merger's cost overruns?, MN Independent
Duluth needs to slash millions from city budget, MPR

Health Care:

Teens choose to donate blood as new law takes effect, Duluth News-Tribune

Judicial:

Attorney General's office won’t appeal ruling on violent video game sales, Finance & Commerce
A day in the life of a Minnesota public defender, MPR News Cut
Boy can’t be in church, AP. Fargo judge decides autism case.
Minnesota justices debate about cameras in courtrooms, AP

Labor:

Wind turbine workers reject union, AP

Legislature:

Capitol hearing reveals specifics of allegations against Swanson and Hatch in AG’s office controversy, MN Independent
Office on the Economic Status of Women 2008 Legislative Summary, Legislative Reference Library

Non-Profits:

United Way sidewalk ads quickly removed, Finance & Commerce

Opinion-Commentary:

Joe Soucheray: Pain at the pump? Yes, but article is more a pain in the rump, Pioneer Press
Nick Coleman: Bus-fare hike couldn't come at a worse time, Star Tribune
Sarah Stoesz: In South Dakota, a blow to abortion rights, Star Tribune
Katherine Kersten: Navy's SEAL recruiting finds success in heartland, Star Tribune
Craig Westover: A bite here, a bite there, pretty soon we're limping, Pioneer Press

Opinion-Editorial:

Why in Minneapolis?, Nogales International (AZ). A publisher's conference in June: why here?
Public defender cuts hurt everyone, St. Cloud Times
Charter schools need stronger oversight, Star Tribune
Good news for health care, Pioneer Press
Blocking democracy in St. Paul elections, MN Daily
Bachmann should explain farm funds, St. Cloud Times
Pioneer Editorial: Star Lake boosts state lakes, rivers, Bemidji Pioneer

Pawlenty:

Pawlenty talks to CBN: "I am defined by my commitment to Christ," MN Independent
Pawlenty takes over national education organization, MPR
Pawlenty to speak at GOPAC, MPR - Polinaut

Public Health/Safety:

More women cite economy as reason for their abortions, Pioneer Press
Fewer filing against MPD, MN Daily
Will Minnesota go beyond Thunderdome?, The Rake - Defenestrator. Public safety budget cuts kick in.
State abortions rates have declined; why not for teens?, Star Tribune
Abortions rise 5.6% locally, St. Cloud Times

Republican National Convention:

Activist wants Bush arrested at GOP convention in Minneapolis, LA Times. Ed Felien's writ of mandamus.
Pawlenty, Coleman spearhead RNC money hunt, MN Independent
UnConvention: Artists want voices heard during RNC, WCCO [Video]

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

St. Paul's Penfield condos canceled, Star Tribune
Making waves: proposed Mississippi River turbine stalled, MN Daily
Plans to further remake the East Bank, Star Tribune

Stadiums:

Burnsville: Dirt might get in the way of ballpark, Pioneer Press

Technology:

Wilderness goes wireless at Itasca State Park, Pioneer Press
Internet Broadcasting debuts Slantly polling tech, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Transportation:

Bicycling: an emerging subculture in Minnesota, MTN [Video]

Wisconsin:

With Obama atop Dem ticket, candidates from Mississippi to Wisconsin use race as wedge issue, AP

Z-File: Irresistible stories beyond the purview of PIM

Lullaby greets babies' arrivals, Chicago Tribune
Dry ice blasting puts a shine on historic state lighthouse in Minnesota, Finance & Commerce

The Morning Report 7/1/08 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Legislative auditor investigates attorney general office's Hatch-negotiated deal.

Agriculture:

USDA crop survey shows corn harvest down slightly, MPR

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Did Coleman pay market value for living arrangements in DC?, MN Campaign Report
Phoning it in, Ladies Logic
Pawlenty underwhelms on 'This Week,' Truth vs. The Machine
Pawlenty promotes McCain to evangelicals, The Political Animal
Minnesota: Still a good place to get rich, Across The Great Divide
Norm's sweetheart apartment deal a violation of Senate ethics?, MN Blue
Assisted living: DFL alleges that Coleman's apartment deal violates gift ban, Minnesota Independent
DFL: Coleman's $600 rent = sweetheart deal; Coleman: $600 rent = cramped space, The Political Animal
Keeping tabs on job creation results, Minnesota Brown
VP or not VP: Pawlenty 'hit a homerun' at Connecticut GOP shindig, Minnesota Independent
Will Pawlenty ever make another student appointment to the MnSCU board?, Blue man in a Red district
From Keith Ellison to Barack Obama, Power Line Blog
Peppin's No. 1 -- again, The Political Animal

Business/Economy:

Interlachen plans future in post-Open glow, Star Tribune
Best Buy closes $2.1 billion deal to buy cellphone chain, Pioneer Press
Star Tribune withholds some pay to lenders, Star Tribune
St. Paul's Penfield condos canceled, Star Tribune
Builders: Regulations keep suburban home prices unreasonably high, Pioneer Press
Sugar beet plant will close Sept. 1, AP. CA plant's owner is the Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative.
Food inflation may dodge Midwest flood bullet, AP

Campaigns-Senate:

DFL steps up to line but doesn't cross it, Polinaut - MPR
DFL keeps pressure on Coleman over rental arrangement, MPR
DFL head homes in on Coleman's D.C. housing arrangement, MinnPost
Norm Coleman on ad with wife, status in DC, WCCO
Coleman's latest ad offers same tone, same theme, same shirt, MinnPost
Minnesota Senate race will shatter spending records, KARE 11
Coleman acknowledges 'hard times' in new ad, The Crypt - Politico

Congress-House:

Peterson nixes Cabinet role; Oberstar a bit less firm, MinnPost

Crime/Police:

Audacious theft at archbishop's home nets Catholic treasures, Star Tribune

Education:

Audit: Praise for charter schools' finances but pause on academics, Star Tribune
Study: Charter schools a mixed bag, AP
UMD's take on labor law may cut pay for student journalists, Duluth News Tribune
Daily survey: U spending doesn't match student priorities, Minnesota Daily

Environment:

Mining company penalized for landfill violations, MPR

Government:

AG office queried about diverted funds, Star Tribune
Questions raised about Hatch-negotiated deal, MPR
Two new issues surface involving attorney general's office, MinnPost
First day to file for political office, MPR

Health Care:

Minnesota clinics vary in quality of diabetes care, report says, Star Tribune

Judicial:

U.S. Dist. Judge Davis makes history as new chief of MN federal bench, MPR
A day in the life of a Minnesota public defender, News Cut - MPR

Obituary:

Kenneth Macke, who led Target, dies at 69, New York Times
'Born merchant' Kenneth A. Macke helped build Target, Star Tribune

Opinion-Commentary:

Craig Westover: Government's legitimacy is grounded in restraint, Pioneer Press
Dane Smith: Government as an agent of progress, Pioneer Press
Brian Davis: Minnesotans need real solutions to gas prices, Worthington Daily Globe

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: The experiment continues -- as it should, Pioneer Press. MN's charter schools.
Editorial: Disaster aid welcome, but it only goes so far, Rochester Post-Bulletin

Other States:

Arizona state legislator arrested; appears in court, KNXV (Phoenix). The Democrat had just received a Freshman Legislator of the Year award from the AZ Chamber of Commerce.

Pawlenty:

Pawlenty takes over national education organization, MPR
Pawlenty on McCain and the evangelical vote, Star Tribune - The Big Question
Lobbying loophole funds conventions, Politico. 'MN Gov. Tim Pawlenty is trading promises of access to party bigwigs and elected officials for donations to the convention host committee.'
Romney tops McCain veep list, Politico. 'Campaign insiders say McCain plans to name his running mate very shortly after Barack Obama does.'

Public Health/Safety:

New website pools best research on rural highway safety, MPR
Attorney General's office won’t appeal ruling on violent video game sales, Finance and Commerce
U of M to house new road safety center, MSP Business Journal

Republican National Convention:

Technology:

Pawlenty appoints 20 members to broadband task force, Finance and Commerce

Transportation:

Nick Coleman: Metro Transit's bus-fare hike couldn't come at a worse time, Star Tribune

Z-File: Irresistible stories beyond the purview of PIM

Bison will soon roam in Minnesota again, MPR
Ebay fined over selling counterfeits, Wall Street Journal. $63.2M to be paid to LVMH.

The Morning Report 6/30/08 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Transit tax for five counties among measures taking effect July 1.

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Spinning as far as the yes can see, Let Freedom Ring
Norm Coleman: Wasted Opportunities For PCI Investigations, mnpACT!
Coleman's new ad takes on economic insecurity, The Political Animal
Stenerson officially announces 7B run, Minnesota Brown
Prediction: Bad week for Norm Coleman, MN Campaign Report
It's alive!, Fraters Libertas
Day to PiPress: 'I'm filing,' Bluestem Prairie
Klobuchar caved on critical FISA vote this week, The Monitor

Business/Economy:

Market forces, low support halt talks on mega-hotel near convention center, Star Tribune
Valspar puts 'green' in every can of new paint, Star Tribune
Independent gas stations feeling the pain of rising prices, MPR
Tough times in industrial sector, leasing declines by 50 percent, Finance and Commerce
From a small town, the world's smallest technology, Finance and Commerce
Oil makes millionaires in North Dakota, AP
Stonegate Growth Strategies: Found in translation, Star Tribune
Mayo-spawned weight-management company pushes ahead, Rochester Post-Bulletin
Decision on St. Paul Ford plant could come by August, AP

Campaigns-Senate:

MN earns another top spot: Most expensive Senate campaign, MPR

Campaigns:

Veteran pol, newcomer compete to take on Walz, Pioneer Press
Rumor mill churns in North St. Paul mayoral campaign, Pioneer Press
Political gas is at a premium, Mankato Free Press

Congress-Senate:

Coleman favors more domestic oil drilling, MPR

Crime/Police:

Done in by cell phone, Star Tribune

Education:

Big, yellow and putting schools in the red, Star Tribune
Student testing: Scores climb in reading; lagging math scores trouble educators, Pioneer Press
MCA II's show Minnesota students making some gains, MPR
Dinkytown bookstore to start renting textbooks, KSTP
MSU uses Facebook to attract international students, Mankato Free Press

Elections:

IRV: Dead or alive?, TC Daily Planet

Environment:

Great Lakes compact focus shifting to Congress, AP
Strib goes green with biodegradable bags, City Pages - The Blotter
The Strib claims an enviro first, but is it best?, MinnPost

Health Care:

The graduation gap, Star Tribune

Judicial:

Anatomy of a Minnesota case: The $24M railroad-crossing verdict, Dolan Media Newswires

Legislature:

2008 New Laws from MN House of Representatives

Opinion-Commentary:

Jay Benanav: Petition was sound, council's obligation clear: Let the people vote, Pioneer Press
Lori Sturdevant: The professor of policy, Star Tribune
Katherine Kersten: The real story behind the gay pride issue at St. Joan, Star Tribune

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: Don't block vote on IRV in St. Paul, Star Tribune
Minnesota within its means, at the moment, Pioneer Press
Editorial: 'U' wisely reaches out to stadium neighbors, Star Tribune
Editorial: Turning empty homes into opportunities, Star Tribune

Other States:

California could stop paying for serious hospital errors, Health Blog - WSJ

Pawlenty:

Pawlenty boosts McCain on national TV, AP
Pawlenty on This Week, Polinaut - MPR
Obama and McCain search for running mates, Los Angeles Times
Longshots in the veepstakes, Politico

People:

Ventura speaks! To a wine rag?, MinnPost
Citizen Herb: Former Duluth mayor enjoying life out of the public eye, Duluth News Tribune

Public Health/Safety:

The war over affordable housing, Pioneer Press
Minneapolis replacing lead-tainted fountains, AP
Duluth bridge renamed for American Indian vets, AP
Go inside Henn. Co.'s new juvenile supervision center, KSTP
Austin to cut short tornado sirens, AP

Republican National Convention:

GOP convention will be a highly wired act, Star Tribune
St. Paul scrambles to fill storefronts before convention, MPR
Convention countdown, Pioneer Press
U.S. military will have role in RNC security, TC Daily Planet

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

Nick Coleman: An old stack fell in St. Paul, and a hole opened, Star Tribune

Transportation:

Transit sales tax kicks in, Pioneer Press
Transit tax starts tomorrow, MPR
Central Corridor Line faces stiff opposition in St. Paul, Spokesman-Recorder
Some still prefer a loop for St. Paul light-rail route, MinnPost
MnDOT confronts bridge issues, Pioneer Press
The left-turn-on-green-arrow debate, Star Tribune - Roadguy
Transportation official to discuss highway deaths, AP

Z-File: Irresistible stories beyond the purview of PIM

U.S. a lonely place for soccer fans, NPR
What's colorless and tasteless and smells like...money?, Washington Post
New Orleans-area businesses ignore risk of showing political lean, Dolan Media Newswires. 'Geauxbama'

The Morning Report 6/27/08 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: Norm Coleman's relationship with RNC's Jeff Larson under scrutiny.

Agriculture:

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Tinklenberg video on freedom to goon, True North
Norm Coleman's landlord, MN Blue
The rumors are true: Coleman in bed with...Jeff Larson? (literally), MN Publius
Tim Walz - 'As if market fundamentals are at work here,' Residual Forces
Class in session - Case study: Norm Coleman: politician, mnpACT!
Where is the state tax dollar spent?, MN Blue
More on McPlenty, this time from C4G, True North
New state poll on presidential race calls into question whether Minnesota's a "swing state" at all, Minnesota Independent
Keeping a capitol promise, Mary's Page - TPT
RNC Protest 101 Extra Credit: Schools, churches, funerals don't need permits, Minnesota Independent
High speed Internet on the Range: Part of a national plan?, Minnesota Brown
NRSC press release on back taxes triggers admission from Team Franken, MN Democrats Exposed
NRSC: More tax debt? Franken: Nope, The Political Animal

Business/Economy:

NWA to suspend Twin Cities-Paris nonstop flights, Pioneer Press
Lund, Crestliner aren't facing cuts -- for now -- in soft boat market, Star Tribune
NWA, Delta pilots set path to seniority, Star Tribune
For St. Paul's Ford plant, hopes and caution, Star Tribune
Rural nonprofits struggle with sagging economy, MPR
U.S. Bank aims to take apprehension out of retirement planning, Finance and Commerce
Sun Country ads portray carrier as Minnesota's 'hometown airline,' Finance and Commerce

Campaigns-Senate:

Coleman friendship comes under scrutiny, Pioneer Press
Friendly dealings, National Journal. Norm Coleman's relationship with Jeff Larson.

Campaigns:

Observations on the latest Obama-McCain poll numbers for Minnesota, MinnPost
Obama leads McCain in independent Minn. poll, AP
Is Minnesota really a battleground?, KARE 11
Obama leads McCain in four key battleground states, Washington Post
Seifert voices Republican positions at Carlson fundraiser, Bemidji Pioneer
Grover Norquist has a label for Barack Obama, Los Angeles Times. Praise for Pawlenty except for one 'mistake.'

Congress-House:

Walz sees good, bad news for civil liberties, Mankato Free Press

Crime/Police:

Man killed outside Brooklyn Center hotel 'was a peacemaker,' friends say, Star Tribune

Elections:

St. Paul voters likely won't get say on runoffs, Star Tribune

Environment:

Government-Cities:

Whistleblowing and nasty small town politics, Star Tribune

Health Care:

Minnesota e-Health Summit plans for electronic records, Minnesota News Network
Cuts to have little effect at Bemidji MeritCare, Bemidji Pioneer
Regions Hospital launches campaign to raise $7.6M for new ER, MSP Business Journal
Twin Cities hospital renovations and expansions, Dolan Media Newswires

Media:

Star Tribune staff rallies against cuts, MPR

Opinion-Commentary:

Rep. Tim Walz: Congressman calls 'Big Oil' on the carpet, Worthington Globe
Katherine Kersten: Legal challenge is in line with plans to disrupt GOP convention, Star Tribune
Phil Krinkie: This legislative 'jump-start' will prove to be a shock to taxpayers' wallets, MinnPost
Joel Stein: Trading in politics? Don't sell it short, Los Angeles Times. No betting on Al Franken when you have to write about him.
David Brooks: The Sam's Club agenda, New York Times

Opinion-Editorial:

Editorial: Sun Country's treats come with a price tag, Star Tribune
Editorial: State loses three who left a lasting mark, Star Tribune
Editorial: Keep eye on 'green' construction for future, Rochester Post-Bulletin

Other States:

Feasibility of four-day work week in Oklahoma pondered, Dolan Media Newswires

Pawlenty:

Vice President Pawlenty? Questions keep coming, Red Wing Republican Eagle

Public Health/Safety:

Republican National Convention:

Fight brews over $2,500 fee to keep bars open, Star Tribune
St. Paul City Council passes 4 a.m. bar close, MPR
Calif. GOP hosting party at Guthrie during RNC, WCCO

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

Blowing its smokestack, Star Tribune

Stadiums:

U of M to finish stadium's steel structure today, AP

Transportation:

MN, WI to reimburse Winona for ferry costs, AP

Z-File: Irresistible stories beyond the purview of PIM

Weisman exhibit features New Deal art, MPR
Farmers enjoy smashing success of new demolition derby, Wall Street Journal. Crash test combines in Milroy, MN.
Un-busy bees a disaster for almost everyone, San Francisco Chronicle

The Morning Report 6/26/08 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: MPR studies business groups' lobbying spending.

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

Cato on a T-Paw pick: Sending the wrong signal to fiscal conservatives, True North
MnDOT -- Trust must be earned, mnpACT!
On the Issues: Steve Andrews (DFL) & education, Liberal in the Land of Conservative
Truthful dialog?, Ladies Logic
DOJ 'liberal' blacklist included MN organizations, Minnesota Independent
Worrisome graph of the day, SCSU Scholars
Rep. Laura Brod -- Defender of What?, mnpACT!
RNC FAQ: How many cops, dollars and dignitaries does it take to screw in a political convention?, Minnesota Independent

Business/Economy:

St. Paul Ford plant may get reprieve, Star Tribune
Reprieve possible for Ford plant, Finance and Commerce
Mayor heartened by report that St. Paul's Ford Plant could get two-year extension, MinnPost
Banged-up Hugo now sees a boom in home building, Star Tribune
Sales of vacant homes policed, Pioneer Press
Hearing on Xcel rates heated, Fargo Forum
Ethanol mixes finding way into traditional tanks, AP
How technology can help trim auto insurance, Wall Street Journal. Progressive's 'TripSense' already used in MN.

Campaigns-Senate:

Reality Check: Record amounts for US Senate race, WCCO

Campaigns:

On Obama's coattails, an uninvited rider, Washington Post. Al Franken's campaign pleading for an Obama visit.

Congress-House:

Peterson flips on FISA, gets zilch, MinnPost
Specialty hospital lobby grows on Hill, Politico

Crime/Police:

Ex-Inver Grove Heights principal sentenced for embezzlement, Star Tribune

Education:

Bethel University raises $109 million, Star Tribune
Study: Education schools do poor job preparing elementary teachers in math, AP
U law school makes a faulty case to alumni for $1 donation, Pioneer Press

Environment:

Geothermal hits home, Finance and Commerce
Dems' energy proposals stymied, Politico

Government-Cities:

Ethics complaint filed against Rochester council president, Pioneer Press
Council Member Phillips' hearing delayed, Star Tribune
Burnsville mayor in line to lead colleagues on national council, Star Tribune

Health Care:

Judge says Duluth may not change retiree health-care benefits, Duluth News Tribune

I-35W Bridge Collapse:

I-35W is most-watched bridge project in nation, Red Wing Republican Eagle

Judicial:

Faegre attorney 'shocked' by Exxon Valdez decision, Pioneer Press
Duluth lawyer named to state court of appeals, Duluth News Tribune

Legislature:

Minnesota House considers limits on bill introductions, committee referrals, Dolan Media Newswires
Business groups spend most to lobby this year, MPR
Two groups' lobbying costs exceed $1M, AP
Profiling the Minnesota Legislature: Bill Hilty, Dolan Media Newswires
Ms. Brod goes to Washington, Big Question - Star Tribune

Pawlenty:

Meet the Republican VP prospect: Tim Pawlenty, Washington Wire - Wall Street Journal

Public Health/Safety:

PRG expands foreclosure counseling services, Finance and Commerce

Bush makes disaster declaration for Minnesota, AP
Suit against dairy still seen as a rare, extreme step, MinnPost
Minneapolis church takes gay pride service outside, Star Tribune
Olmsted board vows to enforce smoking ban at fair, Rochester Post-Bulletin
Playground smoke ban considered, Fargo Forum

Republican National Convention:

Group to defy rules for RNC protest, Star Tribune
Come one, come all, ye Republican protester, MPR
Are the Republicans and Democrats ready for conventions?, MPR
GOP delegates can drink ’til dawn, Star Tribune
St. Paul city council passes four a.m. bar close, MPR

St. Paul/Minneapolis:

British magazine ranks Minneapolis in its Top 20 livable cities worldwide, MinnPost

Technology:

Smaller ISPs still pondering tracking subscriber Web use after Charter cancels test, AP

Transportation:

Minneapolis approves layout for Central Corridor Light Rail, Finance and Commerce

The Morning Report 6/25/08 - Daily Minnesota Political Stories

Top Story: MnDOT responds critically to Gray Plant Mooty I-35W bridge report.

Agriculture:

Kelley Farm plans center to teach origins of food, Star Tribune

Best of the Blogs and Think Tank Thoughts:

That Democrat can shoot, Politics in Minnesota
I'm watching Pawlenty on national TV, Political Party
Socially responsible or just plain socialism?, True North
They come here with their pinstriped suits and..., Minnesota Brown
A big-government running mate for McCain?, Cato @ Liberty
Barb Davis White can beat Keith Ellison, Wright County Republican
Gene Lyons' Obama problem and how it affects Minnesota, Minnesota Brown
RNC protests: 16 park permits issued by St. Paul, Minnesota Independent
Minnesota Presidential race update, MN Publius
MnDOT response to criticism? An elaborate CYA, mnpACT!
Scandal: Catholics being Catholics, again, Fraters Libertas
Strib guild rally, City Pages - The Blotter

Business/Economy:

Delta, Northwest pilots reach tentative deal, MPR
As travelers cut back, so does Carlson, Star Tribune
AGA Medical files a plan to go public, Star Tribune
Twin Cities ranks No. 15 for tech jobs in study, MSP Business Journal
Range boom triggers housing concerns, MPR
Iron Range study puts focus on housing crunch, Duluth News Tribune
Range needs housing to meet worker boom, AP
Coke fleet going hybrid, Pioneer Press
Study finds MN needs more high-voltage transmission capacity, Finance and Commerce
'U' pulls out of Victoria's Secret apparel deal over image concerns, Minnesota Daily
Shareholder wants new sleep number at Select Comfort, Pioneer Press
The value of small business, The Bridge

Campaigns:

Does GOP really want to run on its record of support for Xcel?, MinnPost
Muslim voters detect a snub from Obama, New York Times. Obama campaign tells Keith Ellison, 'We have a very tightly wrapped message.’
Analysis: Chiding aide, McCain forgets own remark, AP. 'Suggesting that any particular political candidate could benefit from a tragedy, particularly a terrorist attack, is inappropriate and that's obvious,' said Pawlenty.

Congress-House: