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
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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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Stopping by New Hampshire On A Snowy Evening
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With apologies to Robert Frost, local bloggers Sally Jo Soroensen and Robin Marty have adapted his poem to talk about T-Paw’s travels. Continue reading
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Teen drugs of choice
Pills are more popular than pot, and meth and booze use are trending down among teens, according to a study released Monday by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health. The study was done by the University of Michigan for NIDA. Continue reading
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Colin Peterson, Dick Day, election updates
Despite a push from the Republican National Congressional Committee urging him to retire, Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson is still running for another term, reports Eric Black in MinnPost. Why the RNCC thought they would/could/should have any influence on the 10-term Democratic representative, who currently chairs the House Agriculture Committee, is a mystery to me. Continue reading
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Census jobs – where?
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The census will hire 1,000 temporary workers in the Shakopee area, reports AP in the Pioneer Press and on MPR. Why is Shakopee such a key area? Continue reading
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Mary Turck