The Daily Digest: 4-2-08
Home foreclosures lead the Digest today. Minneapolis will announce a lawsuit today against a real estate firm linked to foreclosures.
Gov. Pawlenty said he would oppose a bill that would put a freeze on foreclosures.
He made those comments after announcing federal funding (which came in February) for a greater number of mortgage counselors. The House and Senate also passed foreclosure related bills. MPR and the Star Tribune have stories.
Meanwhile, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke appears before Congress today to give an economic update. The U.S. Senate votes to move forward on a mortgage foreclosure fix. GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar vote to forward the bill.
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.
State Government
The Duluth News Tribune questions Gov. Pawlenty's characterization of the layout of a proposed cemetery in northern Minnesota. It's could have a harmful impact to that parcel of the park.
The I-35W bridge compensation bill would also shelter the U of M from lawsuits.
Practice makes perfect. The House and Senate are set to vote on a bonding bill that appears headed for a gubernatorial veto. AP, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press and Forum Communications have stories.
Minnneapolis ranks among the highest in dropout rates.
Three counties approve the metro sales tax hike for transit. The Star Tribune and the Pi Press have stories.
The House passes a bill that would conduct background checks on coaches. AP and the Star Tribune have stories.
Sentence to service programs get cut under Gov. Pawlenty's state budget proposal.
The Senate gives the nod to a bill that targets the owners of dangerous dogs.
KARE says Pawlenty's JOBZ program is under fire.
The Marshall Independent has ten questions with GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert.
DFL Rep. Marsha Swails writes an op-ed saying the bonding bill is part of an economic stimulus package.
Congress
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is coming to Minnesota to meet with veterans. DFL Rep. Tim Walz asked her to make the trip. Bets on whether a fundraiser will be held?
Klobuchar gets a first hand view of the flood recovery.
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison is heading to Michigan on Sunday.
The FAA is set to testify before DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar's committee. AP and the Star Tribune have stories.
Meanwhile, whistleblowers and experts say the FAA is lax with airlines.
Federal money would protect the Koochiching County forest.
2008 Race for President
MinnPost says some state women are upset with Klobuchar's decision to back Barack Obama.
2008 Race for U.S. Senate
The latest Survey USA poll has Coleman's approval at 52%. Klobuchar is at 62%.
The Rochester Post Bulletin said Norm Coleman helped cut red tape from an adoption.
2008 Race for Congress
Missed this one yesterday. DFL candidate El Tinklenberg says in an op-ed that earmarks may be necessary. He's hoping to challenge GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann in November.
Pawlenty for VP Watch
John McCain said this morning that he's compiling a list of running mates.
U.S. News says former Ohio Congressman and former Budget Director Rob Portman is rising in the VP stakes. The magazine says an outside adviser dismisses Pawlenty as a pick.