The Daily Digest (Plan B flops, Franson switches website, Same-sex marriage push begins)
The Mayan prophecy of the Apocalypse hasn't come to be but there's a growing sense of urgency that Congress doesn't have it's act together.
The U.S House flopped on passing the so-called Plan B alternative to avert the fiscal cliff. For those not paying attention, the House didn't have the votes to pass the legislation even though they said they had the votes to pass the legislation. To top things off, the House doesn't meet again until after Christmas.
Roll Call quotes one GOP member comparing the House GOP caucus to "an insane asylum."
The National Journal says a deal is still possible.
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The Obama Administration approved Minnesota's state-based health exchange. MPR says insurers are scrambling to meet the requirements.
DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says he does not favor a new ban on assault weapons.
DFL Rep. Tim Walz says Congress could act soon on gun control legislation.
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek talked with Vice-President Biden about gun violence.
The New York Times says milk prices may rise as the Farm Bill stalls.
The Star Tribune reports that GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack is prepared to leave politics and Minnesota behind. He says he'll likely move to New Hampshire to be reunited with this wife and children.
The Wall St. Journal says partisan politics played out over the Benghazi hearings.
Under the Dome
Minnesota's unemployment dropped to 5.7 percent.
Minnesotans United for All Families says they will begin lobbying to legalize same-sex marriage in Minnesota.
House Republicans want a redo on the state's social studies standards.
MPR says GOP Rep. Mary Franson's petition was a violation of campaign finance law. She changed her website after being contacted by MPR News.
MPR says a budget shortfall at the Twin Cities Boys and Girls Clubs has forced the clubs to close over the next two weeks. The organization's staffers will also be put on unpaid furloughs.
Special Election
Parties are seeking candidates to replace DFL Rep. Terry Morrow, who is leaving his position in the Legislature to take a job in Chicago.
The New Ulm Journal says former GOP state Rep. Allen Quist, who lost his bid for Congress in November, is considering a run.
Finally
The Digest is taking a break through the New Year. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. Be safe heading into the New Year.