The Daily Digest
Gov. Dayton and GOP legislative leaders will meet privately today at 9am to discuss the budget. The talks will be held in a conference room near the office of GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers.
The meeting comes one day after Ramsey County Judge Kathleen Gearin urged the two sides to compromise. Gearin suggested the two sides are playing a "game of chicken" and told the court she would reluctantly get involved in the budget if she has to.
Gearin held a lengthy hearing on a request by Attorney General Lori Swanson to continue some state spending if a state shutdown occurs. Gearin said she won't rule on Swanson's petition this week.
Gearin also declined Dayton's request to appoint a mediator.
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You can listen to the second half of the hearing here.
DFL leaders were on MPR's Midday on Thursday.
Tidbit: Make sure to read and bookmark MPR's Shutdown blog.
Here's a look at some of the bills that won't get paid first.
The DNR released its shutdown plans. MPR reports that state parks will start closing at 4pm on June 30th.
The shutdown could lock out thousands of medical professionals.
Hennepin County is preparing layoffs and closings in the event of a shutdown.
Child care services could also take a hit.
A Republican senator says road projects are needlessly mothballed.
The U of M will stay open in the event of a shutdown.
The Star Tribune profiles Kurt Zellers.
The Pi Press says Minnesota's HMOs report record profits.
The fate of 20 Minnesota charter schools is at risk as a sponsor deadline nears.
Congress
President Obama and other U.S. allies are tapping global oil reserves to help stabilize gas prices.
A key Republican pulls out of debt ceiling talks.
The House weighs cutting off funds for the mission in Libya. DFL Rep. Tim Walz is mentioned.
GOP Rep. John Kline is questioning a No Child Left Behind waiver.
Race for Congress
A Super PAC targets GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack.
Race for President
An AP poll Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann are picking up support from Republicans.
Politico says Mitt Romney is leading the dash for cash.
Romney's backers launch a Super PAC.
Pawlenty will deliver a foreign policy speech on Tuesday.
The speech is part of an east coast swing.
The National Journal says Pawlenty is running from his past stance on environmental policy.
A poll says Pawlenty is favored among evangelical leaders.
Pawlenty is raising money through a Florida mailer.
President Obama will visit Iowa next week.