<![CDATA[MinnPost - MinnPost.com: Region]]> http://www.minnpost.com/region/ Regional stories and posts from MinnPost.com en-us Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:55:13 -0500 Clockwork Active Media Manager <![CDATA[CQ downgrades Franken's chances in Senate race]]>

In its latest review of Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, Congressional Quarterly has downgraded DFLer Al Franken's chances of beating incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman. CQ, which rates all Senate races, had listed Minnesota as "no clear favorite," its term for a toss-up. Now CQ lists it as "Leans Republican," which means it is still a close race but that Coleman is favored. Read more...

By Eric Black

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:12:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/21/2640/cq_downgrades_frankens_chances_in_senate_race#69-2640 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/21/2640/cq_downgrades_frankens_chances_in_senate_race <![CDATA[Collin Peterson: Farmers fear McCain]]> Collin Peterson: Farmers fear McCain
McCain: REUTERS/Joshua LottU.S. Sen. John McCain and U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson


By Catharine Richert
Monday, July 21, 2008

People living in rural communities tend to be socially conservative, but farmers are nevertheless fiercely protective of the New Deal farm subsidies. Bad-mouthing those subsidies tends to make rural voters run in the other direction.

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:24:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/catharinerichert/2008/07/21/2624/collin_peterson_farmers_fear_mccain#52-2624 http://www.minnpost.com/catharinerichert/2008/07/21/2624/collin_peterson_farmers_fear_mccain <![CDATA[Meet the Dems' key convention planner; Iowa GOP snubs Sen. Grassley as convention delegate]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:23:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/21/2638/meet_the_dems_key_convention_planner_iowa_gop_snubs_sen_grassley_as_convention_delegate#69-2638 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/21/2638/meet_the_dems_key_convention_planner_iowa_gop_snubs_sen_grassley_as_convention_delegate <![CDATA[Daily Glean: Pioneer Press chronicles pain in the asphalt]]> Pioneer Press chronicles pain in the asphalt
By David Brauer | Monday, July 21, 2008

In Monday's local news roundup, an asphalt shortage puts a pothole in local roadbuilding. Also, rude Metro Transit drivers stalked! And, David Carr's Twin Cities cokehead days hit the national stage.

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:42:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/21/2636/daily_glean_pioneer_press_chronicles_pain_in_the_asphalt#73-2636 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/21/2636/daily_glean_pioneer_press_chronicles_pain_in_the_asphalt <![CDATA[Monetary roadblocks lessen nuclear prospects]]> Monetary roadblocks lessen nuclear prospects
By Ron Way | Monday, July 21, 2008

Without increased government subsidies, many observers see little likelihood of new building, even if Minnesota's ban is removed.

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:18:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/21/2623/monetary_roadblocks_lessen_nuclear_prospects#4-2623 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/21/2623/monetary_roadblocks_lessen_nuclear_prospects <![CDATA[At this point, Tinklenberg is a lot more confident than national Dems about his chances against Bachmann]]>

A month ago, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann said she's on board with a campaign plan to get gasoline prices back to $2 a gallon. This scheme, which Republicans have dubbed the "No More Excuses Energy Act,'' works like this: Just announce that the United States will starting drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and off U.S. coasts, throw in some new nuclear power plants, and prices will start falling toward $2, which is what they were just two years ago. Read more...

By Doug Grow

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/douggrow/2008/07/21/2617/at_this_point_tinklenberg_is_a_lot_more_confident_than_national_dems_about_his_chances_against_bachmann#13-2617 http://www.minnpost.com/douggrow/2008/07/21/2617/at_this_point_tinklenberg_is_a_lot_more_confident_than_national_dems_about_his_chances_against_bachmann <![CDATA[Happy Birthday, Minneapolis: City Hall event brings out familiar (if forgotten) faces]]>

Truth be told, the present was kind of a dud, at least from a flash-and-wow perspective. Oh, the spirit was there—if indeed it's the thought that counts, then this counted for a lot. Read more...

By G.R. Anderson Jr.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:43:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/granderson/2008/07/18/2635/happy_birthday_minneapolis_city_hall_event_brings_out_familiar_if_forgotten_faces#16-2635 http://www.minnpost.com/granderson/2008/07/18/2635/happy_birthday_minneapolis_city_hall_event_brings_out_familiar_if_forgotten_faces <![CDATA[That's a wrap: Upper Mississippi Jazz Band plans final gig]]>

Jazz fans will gather Monday night to say goodbye to an old favorite band: the Upper Mississippi Jazz Band. Read more...

By Joe Kimball

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:40:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/joekimball/2008/07/18/2631/thats_a_wrap_upper_mississippi_jazz_band_plans_final_gig#7-2631 http://www.minnpost.com/joekimball/2008/07/18/2631/thats_a_wrap_upper_mississippi_jazz_band_plans_final_gig <![CDATA[Finance chair named for RNC host committee]]>

As U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken knows, it's important to have somebody with some financial smarts handling the money. So the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee — which is raising money and volunteers for the 2008 Republican National Convention — just named Robert Wood (Woody) Johnson IV to serve as National Finance chair. Read more...

By Joe Kimball

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:56:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/18/2629/finance_chair_named_for_rnc_host_committee#69-2629 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/18/2629/finance_chair_named_for_rnc_host_committee <![CDATA[Blogging and talking about mainstream media]]> Blogging and talking about mainstream media
Jason DeRusha and Eric Black
MinnPost photo by Corey AndersonWCCO reporter Jason DeRusha speaks with MinnPost journalist Eric Black at WCCO's inaugural Bloginar.


By Eric Black
Friday, July 18, 2008

A few dozen independent bloggers and your humble ink-stained wretch gathered last night with WCCO reporter/blogger Jason DeRusha to talk about the contrast between working for mainstream traditional news media and blogging. I tried to shock the crowd, but couldn't.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:30:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/18/2621/blogging_and_talking_about_mainstream_media#4-2621 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/18/2621/blogging_and_talking_about_mainstream_media <![CDATA[Lawyers offer help to DNC protesters; mortgage giants plan a party]]>

A group of Denver lawyers has joined together to provide protesters at the Democratic National Convention with pre-confrontation training and post-arrest legal services if necessary, DenverPost.com reports. Read more...

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:02:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/18/2618/lawyers_offer_help_to_dnc_protesters_mortgage_giants_plan_a_party#69-2618 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/18/2618/lawyers_offer_help_to_dnc_protesters_mortgage_giants_plan_a_party <![CDATA[Daily Glean: Kessler-Coleman Round 3: WCCO draws blood]]> Kessler-Coleman Round 3: WCCO draws blood
By David Brauer | Friday, July 18, 2008

In Friday's local news roundup, WCCO gets a hot doc on a Coleman switcheroo. Also, will locals fork over enough RNC convention cops? And, how to spy on iPhone buyers.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:52:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/18/2613/daily_glean_kessler-coleman_round_3_wcco_draws_blood#73-2613 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/18/2613/daily_glean_kessler-coleman_round_3_wcco_draws_blood <![CDATA[Dark stars: Light pollution fills metro sky]]> Dark stars: Light pollution fills metro sky
By Julie Wilbert | Friday, July 18, 2008

It's almost impossible to clearly see stars in the night sky from within the Twin Cities and nearby suburbs. The reason? Light pollution, and some cities are now trying to do something about it.

]]> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:02:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/18/2605/dark_stars_light_pollution_fills_metro_sky#4-2605 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/18/2605/dark_stars_light_pollution_fills_metro_sky <![CDATA[Minneapolis turns 150: Leaders gather to ... uh, hold a meeting]]>

On July 20, 1858, the people of Minneapolis voted to become a town, though in those days we only needed five council members rather than today's unwieldy 13. So Friday at 9:30 a.m., almost 150 years to the day, there's a little celebration at City Hall. Read more...

By G.R. Anderson Jr.

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:31:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2609/minneapolis_turns_150_leaders_gather_to_uh_hold_a_meeting#69-2609 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2609/minneapolis_turns_150_leaders_gather_to_uh_hold_a_meeting <![CDATA[IP Senate candidate Uldrich wastes no time releasing 'viral' ad]]>

Jack Uldrich, an Independence Party candidate for the U.S. Senate, promised a high-tech, low-cost campaign when he announced his candidacy Tuesday. Read more...

By Doug Grow

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:25:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2607/ip_senate_candidate_uldrich_wastes_no_time_releasing_viral_ad#69-2607 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2607/ip_senate_candidate_uldrich_wastes_no_time_releasing_viral_ad <![CDATA[Vikings stadium debate takes a decidedly new turn]]>

It would be incorrect and hyperbolic to say the Vikings stadium debate was stood on its head this morning. Read more...

By Jay Weiner

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:11:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/jayweiner/2008/07/17/2601/vikings_stadium_debate_takes_a_decidedly_new_turn#10-2601 http://www.minnpost.com/jayweiner/2008/07/17/2601/vikings_stadium_debate_takes_a_decidedly_new_turn <![CDATA[A new home for Vikings? How about $853 million retractable-roof stadium that re-uses part of Metrodome?]]>

In an effort to jump-start the lagging Vikings stadium debate, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which owns and operates the 27-year-old Metrodome, unveiled today a new $853 million retractable-roofed concept that re-uses some of the Dome's foundation. Read more...

By Jay Weiner

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:31:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2600/a_new_home_for_vikings_how_about_853_million_retractable-roof_stadium_that_re-uses_part_of_metrodome#69-2600 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2600/a_new_home_for_vikings_how_about_853_million_retractable-roof_stadium_that_re-uses_part_of_metrodome <![CDATA[New surveillance cameras will keep watch on Dem events; calculating economic impact of GOP gathering far from easy]]>

During next month's convention, "a string of electronic eyes will be tuned in to any problems," The Denver Channel.com reports. The new surveillance cameras will expand the existing High Activity Location Observation system (known as HALO) already in use. Read more...

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:27:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2599/new_surveillance_cameras_will_keep_watch_on_dem_events_calculating_economic_impact_of_gop_gathering_far_from_easy#69-2599 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2599/new_surveillance_cameras_will_keep_watch_on_dem_events_calculating_economic_impact_of_gop_gathering_far_from_easy <![CDATA[Zoo's IMAX projectionist shines light on dark 'Knight']]> Zoo's IMAX projectionist shines light on dark 'Knight'
Heath Ledger as the Joker in "The Dark Knight."
Warner Bros. PicturesHeath Ledger as the Joker in "The Dark Knight."


By Rob Nelson
Thursday, July 17, 2008

Rodney Johnson sees "The Dark Knight" as a milestone in giant-screen history because of the half-dozen scenes that were actually shot on pricey 70mm IMAX celluloid.

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:46:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/robnelson/2008/07/17/2596/zoos_imax_projectionist_shines_light_on_dark_knight#9-2596 http://www.minnpost.com/robnelson/2008/07/17/2596/zoos_imax_projectionist_shines_light_on_dark_knight <![CDATA[Daily Glean: DFL calls Norm a 'liar' -- and WCCO pulls a punch]]> DFL calls Norm a 'liar' -- and WCCO pulls a punch
By David Brauer | Thursday, July 17, 2008

In Thursday's local news roundup, a DFL official calls Norm Coleman a "liar," but WCCO stuffs an earlier conclusion that statements like the senator's are "false." Also, Oberstar keeps whanging on Pawlenty, and who would lie about a rabbi?

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:18:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/17/2593/daily_glean_dfl_calls_norm_a_liar_--_and_wcco_pulls_a_punch#73-2593 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/17/2593/daily_glean_dfl_calls_norm_a_liar_--_and_wcco_pulls_a_punch <![CDATA[Dave Hage, Klobuchar communications director, leaving post]]>

Dave Hage, communications director for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, will be giving up that job by the end of the summer. Read more...

By Doug Grow

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:12:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2594/dave_hage_klobuchar_communications_director_leaving_post#69-2594 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/17/2594/dave_hage_klobuchar_communications_director_leaving_post <![CDATA[Nonprofits learning how to measure costs and benefits]]>

As nonprofits face increased pressure from funders to show results, the latest buzzword is "return on investment." Read more...

By Scott Russell

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/scottrussell/2008/07/17/2590/nonprofits_learning_how_to_measure_costs_and_benefits#74-2590 http://www.minnpost.com/scottrussell/2008/07/17/2590/nonprofits_learning_how_to_measure_costs_and_benefits <![CDATA[Ex-pitcher brings Negro League exhibit -- and some controversy -- to town this week]]>

Dennis "Bose" Biddle, who brings his exhibit of Negro Leagues memorabilia to the Mall of America Thursday through Saturday, tells wonderful stories. Read more...

By Pat Borzi

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:23:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/patborzi/2008/07/16/2591/ex-pitcher_brings_negro_league_exhibit_--_and_some_controversy_--_to_town_this_week#37-2591 http://www.minnpost.com/patborzi/2008/07/16/2591/ex-pitcher_brings_negro_league_exhibit_--_and_some_controversy_--_to_town_this_week <![CDATA[This might interest Pawlenty: VP nominees who later run for president]]>

If Tim Pawlenty gets on the McCain ticket and the ticket loses, there's an excellent chance Pawlenty will run for president in 2012 (or thereafter). Read more...

By Eric Black

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:23:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/ericblack/2008/07/16/2589/this_might_interest_pawlenty_vp_nominees_who_later_run_for_president#57-2589 http://www.minnpost.com/ericblack/2008/07/16/2589/this_might_interest_pawlenty_vp_nominees_who_later_run_for_president <![CDATA[Secretary of State Ritchie foresees massive Election Day turnout]]>

Given the large number of people filing to run for political offices and the overflow crowds at caucuses this year, Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is predicting a massive voter turnout this fall. Read more...

By Doug Grow

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:12:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/16/2587/secretary_of_state_ritchie_foresees_massive_election_day_turnout#69-2587 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/16/2587/secretary_of_state_ritchie_foresees_massive_election_day_turnout <![CDATA[Bus hailing Bush's legacy to stop in St. Paul today (hint: it's an ironic tribute)]]>

A 45-foot-long, 28-ton "clean, bio-diesel-powered museum on wheels" is coming to St. Paul tonight to promote the legacy of President Bush. Read more...

By G.R. Anderson Jr.

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:27:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/16/2586/bus_hailing_bushs_legacy_to_stop_in_st_paul_today_hint_its_an_ironic_tribute#69-2586 http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2008/07/16/2586/bus_hailing_bushs_legacy_to_stop_in_st_paul_today_hint_its_an_ironic_tribute <![CDATA[Most-hated bird in the world: Sanctioned killing of cormorants continues unabated in Minnesota]]> Most-hated bird in the world: Sanctioned killing of cormorants continues unabated in Minnesota
By Mike Mosedale | Thursday, July 17, 2008

Little Pelican Island, which is owned by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, is the site of the state's largest colony of double-crested cormorants. And for the last four years, it has also been ground zero for a burgeoning conflict between the fish-eating birds and fish-loving Minnesotans.

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:35:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/16/2581/most-hated_bird_in_the_world_sanctioned_killing_of_cormorants_continues_unabated_in_minnesota#4-2581 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/16/2581/most-hated_bird_in_the_world_sanctioned_killing_of_cormorants_continues_unabated_in_minnesota <![CDATA[Daily Glean: Filings close, primaries bust out all over]]> Filings close, primaries bust out all over
By David Brauer | Wednesday, July 16, 2008

In Wednesday's local news roundup, state Supreme Court justice gets a double challenge, Dean Barkley gets let go, Tim Pawlenty bundles his way into McCain's heart, and Minneapolis votes on rubber bullets.

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:35:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/16/2577/daily_glean_filings_close_primaries_bust_out_all_over#73-2577 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/16/2577/daily_glean_filings_close_primaries_bust_out_all_over <![CDATA[How (and why) to invite a SWAT team into your home]]> How (and why) to invite a SWAT team into your home
By Susan Perry | Wednesday, July 16, 2008

On a recent gray, rainy morning, Jon and Barbara Scoll calmly sipped coffee on their private dock while 100 feet away a SWAT team broke down the front door to their Edina home. The Scolls are among a small number of area homeowners who have donated their houses to police or fire departments to use for training. But donating a house isn't as easy as it sounds, and if it's not done right, taking a tax deduction could put you in hot water with the IRS.

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:07:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/16/2556/how_and_why_to_invite_a_swat_team_into_your_home#4-2556 http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/07/16/2556/how_and_why_to_invite_a_swat_team_into_your_home <![CDATA[Daily Glean: Jesse the Diva gives way to bravado-lite Barkley]]> Jesse the Diva gives way to bravado-lite Barkley
By David Brauer
Tuesday, July 15, 2008

In Tuesday's local news roundup, only an act of God will get the apostate ex-guv into the race. Also, Franken tops Coleman in one poll. And: Are you ready for a Metro Transit strike?

]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:56:00 -0500 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/15/2566/daily_glean_jesse_the_diva_gives_way_to_bravado-lite_barkley#73-2566 http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/15/2566/daily_glean_jesse_the_diva_gives_way_to_bravado-lite_barkley