The FBI is bringing a gang task force to town, moving in as the investigation of corruption, mismanagement and abuses by the now-disbanded Metro Gang Strike Force continues. The FBI will operate under a whole different set of rules — or maybe the main difference is that it promises to play by the rules. Continue reading
Bachmann and Keillor – Strange bedfellows?
Michele Bachmann is co-sponsoring a resolution to protect Christmas from … well, it’s not entirely clear from whom. She wants the House of Representatives to recognize the importance of the symbols and traditions of Christmas (and NOT Hanukkah or al-Adha or Kwanzaa) and to say it “strongly disapproves of attempts to ban references to Christmas” and to express “support for the use of these symbols and traditions by those who celebrate Christmas.” Non-Christians — keep your hands off the trees and lights and gift-giving! Continue reading
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Twitter and the Iranian Cyber Army
For about an hour last night, Twitter users were redirected to a page showing a message declaring it had been hacked by the Iranian Cyber Army (which, of course, might not be Iranian at all). Continue reading
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COP15 cop-outs and challenges
President Barack Obama spoke Friday to the leaders of 193 nations gathered at the climate change summit, after a pre-speech summit with leaders of 17 other countries. China refused to attend, reports the Washington Post: Continue reading
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On a clear day, you can see the BWCA
But yesterday wasn’t a clear day in southern Minnesota, as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert: Continue reading
Homes and homelessness
Despite the relatively good news on the employment front, there are not enough beds in shelters for homeless Minnesotans. In St. Paul, reports MPR, the big two shelter providers are both coming up short. Union Gospel Mission opened a chapel to provide space for an additional 25 men, after months of having to turn away homeless men. Catholic Charities is considering converting a meeting room in an office building to sleeping space for 30 people, with the 250-person Dorothy Day Center at or near capacity. Continue reading
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Good news on jobs front for Minnesota
Argus - Fotolia.com
The state’s monthly unemployment report was released December 17, showing another slight decline in unemployment. Here are some of the most important numbers: Continue reading
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War report: Pakistan hostilities to Americans, U.S. spying on U.S. citizens
Pakistan Anti-American feeling in the Pakistani military and government is seriously hampering aid efforts, reports the New York Times: Continue reading
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Unemployment and COBRA running out December 31
Unless Congress acts, unemployment compensation benefits for many workers will end December 31. Government subsidies for COBRA health insurance extensions for unemployed workers will also end. Continue reading
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T-Paw vs. teachers
Education Minnesota, the teachers’ union, said it can’t support Governor Tim Pawlenty’s proposal for $200 million in federal “Race to the Top” stimulus money for schools. Continue reading
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Mary Turck