The Daily Digest: 3:19:08
Today is the 5th anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. Protests and memorial services are scheduled throughout the state. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press report that more Minnesota National Guard members headed to Iraq. Godspeed.
Some young vets who just got back from Iraq are having a tough time finding work.
State Government
The House Tax Committee considers a bill that would end all corporate subsidies. It also ends JOBZ, which is Gov. Pawlenty's key economic development initiative for rural Minnesota. MPR has a story on the entire bill. Finance and Commerce focuses on the elimination of JOBZ.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The showdown builds between trial lawyers and insurance companies over Good Faith. The bill would make it easier for people to sue their insurance companies. The Star Tribune, Fox9, the St. Cloud Times, AP and Forum Communications have stories.
A new law would expand the blood donor database. AP and MPR have stories.
A suspended lawyer in Attorney General Lori Swanson's office alleges ethical lapses in the office. MinnPost and MPR have stories. Swanson will make a public appearance at a news conference at 11 AM at Park Nicollet Hosptial in St. Louis Park:
What:
Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson joins leaders of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 and dozens of seniors at a news conference.
Why:
Minnesota's AG and others are urging Park Nicollet Health Services to reconsider its decision to cut off medical coverage to thousands of Minnesota seniors.
The Hennepin County courthouse and many other courthouses are cutting back on hours because of the budget.
DFL college students complain of Gov. Pawlenty's proposed budget cuts to higher education.
MinnPost asks whether the Gov. Pawlenty's budget plan will scuttle federal money for transportation. Met Council Chair Peter Bell said so earlier this week.
The Pi Press says Metro Transit train and bus fares are likely to increase.
Gov. Pawlenty will be in Worthington a week from Friday.
Congress
The NTSB won't hold an open public hearing on the bridge collapse investigation which draws DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar's ire. The Star Tribune, AP, MPR and the Pi Press have stories.
Tons of sand and rock were piled on the bridge near the time of the collapse
Education Secretary Margaret Spellings announces changes to No Child Left Behind. She also announced a new program but Minnesota isn't eligible. The New York Times and the Star Tribune say The Education Department is easing NCLB.
Lois Quam mentions in her op-ed that she took a trip to Norway with DFL Rep. Keith Ellison.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann is expected to make a stop in Forest Lake next week.
Some lawmakers are saying the new Farm Bill deal is unacceptable. Farm Bill talks continue. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson is mentioned.
Maintenance records at all U.S. airlines will be checked. Oberstar is mentioned.
FEMA tells Minnesotans to be prepared for flooding.
MPR says big decisions are ahead for ATV trails in Superior National Forest.
2008 U.S. Senate Race
Democrat Al Franken appeared on David Letterman.
The Rothenberg Political Report says a new group is airing a pro Norm Coleman ad.
Politico has a story on the race.
The Hill says DSCC Chair Chuck Schumer sees big gains this fall. Minnestota's Senate race is mentioned.
U.S Race for Congress
Politico says Minnesota's 3rd Congressional race between DFLers Ashwin Madia and Terri Bonoff mirrors the national battle for the DFL nomination.
Veterans, like DFL Rep. Tim Walz, are vying for veterans cash and an anti-war groups support.
Minnesota Legislative races
MinnPost says the "override six" are confident about winning reelection.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
Family Security Matters says John McCain should pick Mitt Romney for VP. Pawlenty is mentioned.
This South Carolina newspaper also mentions Pawlenty as running mate material.