By Eric Black
Friday, Aug. 29, 2008

Unless some insider to John McCain's campaign writes a very candid memoir a few years from now, we probably never will know why he didn't pick Tim Pawlenty to be his running mate. But we can't stop speculating, and here's some more.

In Friday's local news roundup, Tim Pawlenty isn't tapped, proving markets are dumb. Also: protester sweeps tonight? And: What if we didn't need the 35W bridge after all?

Two Ramsey County staffers are found guilty of taking FBI-planted cash. Also, a state Capitol hissing fit. And: Gitmo on West Seventh Street?

Wednesday's news roundup: In three separate incidents, Minneapolis cops roust folks with cameras: journalistic intimidation? Also: an elephant walks into a St. Paul bar ...

In Tuesday's local news roundup, Pastor Mac fights back, Delta goes to the bank, and crop art skews left.

In Monday's local news roundup, Obama hits Eau Claire, Tim Penny will hit Obama, and autism may have hit local Somali students.

In Friday's local news roundup, Michele Bachmann's pulpit pal gets an IRS fisking after baiting the agency. Also: Franken pulls ahead of Coleman in one poll. And: the blog of a mom accused of stabbing her daughters.

In Thursday's local news roundup, Barack Obama leads John McCain 48-38 in an MPR poll — but Tim Pawlenty would reverse things. Also: Kessler drops on-air f-bombs, and potbellied pig panic!

In Wednesday's local news roundup, a college president does damage control for questioning the 21-year-old drinking age. And: mothballing a just-built school. Also: Is Minnesota the nation's autism epicenter?

In Tuesday's local news roundup, Northwest Airlines runs interference for John McCain. Also: Do we stink at science? And: stinky bike commuters.

In Monday's local news roundup, a new poll shows the U.S. Senate race might be a contest. Also: texting 911? And: a family-medicine dream.

Unemployment hits a two-decade-high, but no one asks how it might affect the hopes of one powerful pol. Also, 911 gets competition. And: big boars emerge!

In Thursday's local news roundup, the U raises nearly $300 million and gets a Top 30 ranking. Also: St. Paul cops track the top 60 (black) gangbangers. And: Norm Coleman's artfully arranged ties!

In Wednesday's local news roundup, Norm Coleman gives Al Franken's DFL opponent a piggyback ride. And: Are Republicans pooh-poohing St. Paul? Plus: the dirty bird who's trying to bring down a cop.

In Tuesday's local news roundup, 27 percent more homeless families are on Hennepin County streets. Also, BWCA terrorists get three years. And: Snot dies.

Did someone "double-cross" a Republican who helped reverse Gov. Pawlenty's transportation veto? Also, details about Todd Bachman's Chinese murderer emerge. And: an in-Glean editorial!

In Friday's local news roundup, the Fed warns of trouble in the creamiest 'burbs. Also, Target misses the bull's eye again. And: Our guv gets a New York Times profile!

In Thursday's local news roundup, the guv channels Ronald Reagan, but the Times isn't buying it. Also, a questionable Franken ad and Olga Franco's guilty verdict.

In Wednesday's local news roundup, pork-producing Norm Coleman has the Farmfest crowd's backing. Also, Edina is failing! And: Man in thong visits beach.

In Tuesday's local news roundup, Gov. Pawlenty tops the Democrats' 'Next Cheney' hit list. Also, new controversy over RNC policing. And: texting while speeding and likely driving drunk!

Transit workers vote today on management's "final offer"; a replay of 2004's strike could hit more people in this high-gas-priced times. Also, hooker supply/demand and Tim Pawlenty's tire gauge.