The Daily Digest
The U.S. Attorneys office has charged Jared L. Loughner with five federal counts, including the attempted assassination of a member of Congress.
The gunman is charged with shooting Gabrielle Giffords, a Democratic Congresswoman from Arizona. Giffords is in critical condition. Loughner also allegedly shot and killed six others including a federal judge and a nine-year old girl.
The New York Times has a profile of Loughner.
Minnesota's delegation reacts to the shooting.
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Several members of Minnesota's delegation say they won't change how they interact with the public but they are reviewing their safety precautions in light of the shooting.
President Obama called for a moment of silence for the shooting victims at 11am Eastern today.
Expect a greater review of a report by the Legislative Auditor that says the State Capitol that said the building has significant security threats.
Congress
The House of Representatives is suspending action this week including a vote on a bill that would repeal the health care law.
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar and DFL Sen. Al Franken will travel to northwestern Minnesota to promote job creation.
Klobuchar and Attorney General Lori Swanson go after phone bill "cramming."
Klobuchar is also proposing a bill that would allow the police to ask the IRS to release a list of people who claimed missing children as dependents.
Franken says the new food safety bill will save lives.
Congressional offices prepare for budget cuts.
GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann says Democrats are welcome to attend discussion over constitutional issues.
Under the Dome
House and Senate Republicans will announce their top initiatives today. Senate Republicans will propose a bill that would streamline permitting and cut the state's corporate income tax.
The proposal shows that House and Senate Republicans are delivering on the MN Chamber wish list.
MPR says Senate Republicans intend to cut their per diem while House Republicans say they'll cut the lodging allowance.
Gov. Dayton calls for a review of the Revenue Department after an employee is charged with allegedly steering overfraud payments to herself, her sister and her niece.
Dayton also wants to reapply for federal school money.
Dayton's inaugural ball was held on Saturday.
Dayton added Bob Hume, spokesman for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, to his team.
Expect this to be a hot topic for the GOP controlled Legislature (and a potential thorn in Tim Pawlenty's 2012 bid): the Census Bureau says the state's payroll hasn't decreased during the recession.
The Minnesota DNR asks for higher fishing and hunting license fees.
The DNR will released a draft invasive species plan.
The state of Minnesota and 3M are in accord over a permit to clean up perfluorochemicals. Minnesota's Attorney General is still suing the company over cleanup costs.
MPR says the state's teacher's union faces a new political landscape.
The Minnesota Family Council will hold a marriage amendment class for legislators.
Pawlenty for Prez Watch
Tim Pawlenty hits the road this week to promote his book. He will be on Hannity tonight to promote his book. His book will hit shelves tomorrow. Pawlenty will appear on The View on Tuesday, The Daily Shows on Wednesday and will speak to the National Press Club on Thursday. He'll be signing books on Friday in Tampa, FL and will speak to the Hispanic Leadership Conference.
Mitt Romney is on a tour of the Middle East.
Bachmann for Prez Watch
When asked whether she's running for president on ABC News, GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann responsed: "I'm going to Iowa, there's your answer."
Bachmann also discussed a possible presidential run and the federal deficit with MPR News. MPR fact-checked some of her comments.
2012 U.S. Senate Race
DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar will visit 14 Minnesota communities as a part of an "Innovation Tour." Klobuchar will visit Ada, Aitkin, Alexandria, Backus, Bagley, Bemidji, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Glenwood, Little Falls, Long Prairie, Moorhead and Park Rapids.