Today on the MPR News Update we take a look at the next police chief of Minneapolis, learn about the rebirth of Duluth, hear more details from the shooting that claimed the lives of two teenagers near Little Falls and talk about a new trial for a priest who had an affair with a parishioner.
Minnesota Today from MPR News
November 27, 2012
Commission OKs frac study draft
“The city of Winona’s planning commission on Monday approved a draft of a comprehensive frac sand study.
“All commissioners voted to send the draft report to a public hearing except commissioner Brian Buelow, who voted no on three of four separate votes on different issues that effect the growing local industry,” via Winona Daily News.
Recount begins in state Senate District 20
“A recount of more than 41,000 ballots cast in Minnesota Senate District 20, which includes most of Le Sueur County, will begin Wednesday and is expected to conclude by Friday afternoon.
“At stake is former state Sen. Kevin Dahle’s return to the Legislature two years after losing by fewer than 900 votes in his first re-election bid and three weeks after winning an even slimmer victory in his comeback attempt,” via The Free Press.
Rep. Kriesel: I would never rule out a run for governor
“Retiring State Representative John Kriesel lit up his large following on Facebook when he posted a photo showing a Kriesel for Governor logo,” Real Capitol View.
In the wake of Little Falls: Rural crime numbers
The shooting death of two apparent burglars in Little Falls provides an opportunity to note that rural crime rates aren’t what some think.
Taopi incumbents re-elected to positions they did not run for
“This November, citizens were presented with another opportunity to make a change. The ballot was devoid of local candidates, meaning write-in votes were required for the positions of mayor, clerk and council member. Huntley and Kiefer declined to put their names on the ballot in order to serve as the community’s only two election judges after no one else stepped forward to do so. State law says it’s illegal to formally run for office while also serving as an election judge,” Post Bulletin.
How to: Build a birch bark canoe
Follow us through the process in making an 1860s replica of a birchbark canoe. (Lakeland Public Television)
Top 5
- No blanket immunity for self-defense killings in Minn. (KARE11)
- Minnesota educators push to end high-stakes math exam (Star Tribune)
- 3M, Met Council agree that Mississippi is not ‘impaired’ (Pioneer Press)
- Best Buy’s holiday sales off to good start (MPR News)
- December weather in Twin Cities will decide if 2012 is a record-breaker (Pioneer Press)
Read a good Minnesota-centric story today? Share it here with a Tweet to @mntoday.
Apollo Mission moon rocks find home at Minnesota Historical Society
Photo: Bootprint from Apollo 11 mission via NASA
Missing moon rocks found in Veterans Service Building will now be on public display.
(more…)
State DFLers consider forming progressive caucus
“As the 2013 legislative session approaches, some Democratic-Farmer-Labor legislators are talking about forming a progressive caucus.
Though still in the early stages, the caucus would be part of a broader national movement headed by the Progressive States Network, a group that works to organize state and national leaders to advance progressive public policy,” via The Minnesota Daily.
Anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist launches Minnesota group
“National anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist is looking to strengthen his grip on Minnesota’s tax debate as the state heads toward a dramatic budget showdown.
“Norquist’s Washington-based group, Americans for Tax Reform, created a separate Minnesota political-action fund early this month to support like-minded candidates, campaign finance records show,” via Star Tribune.
Bemidji Brewing Co. pours first beer
Small craft breweries have been on the rise in Minnesota in recent years, a wave of popularity that has recently reached the shores of Lake Bemidji.
“Minnesota is 26th in the nation in breweries per capita, with one for every 147,331 people, according to the Boulder, Colo.-based Brewers Association. Vermont, Oregon and Montana topped that list.
While the craft brewing industry grew by 13 percent in volume in 2011 nationwide, they remain far behind the juggernauts of the industry. Craft beers represent only about 6 percent of national beer sales, according to the Brewers Association,” via DL-Online.
Duluth showing signs of economic revival
“After years of economic struggles and budget deficits, Duluth may be poised for a new era of prosperity. The city has announced several major industry investments in the area, the unemployment rate has dropped to 5.9 percent and the local economy is diversifying,” via MPR News.
