Teacher contracts moving slowly, cellphones in Rochester schools, bonding bill banter

Minnesota teacher contracts being settled more slowly, union says

Pioneer Press: "Teacher contracts across Minnesota are being settled at a much slower pace than they were two years ago."

Op-Ed: Minnesota graduate assistants deserve a voice at work

HuffPo: "University administrators have exercised numerous opportunities to have their say against unionization."

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Rochester school board lifts ban on cellphone use

Rochester Post Bulletin: "On Tuesday, the Rochester School Board agreed to lift the prohibition against the use of cellphones during school, bringing district policy more in line with the reality of cellphone use in the schools. The vote was 7-0."

A session like no other

Politics in Minnesota: "The 2012 legislative session should be unlike any in recent memory. That's in part because there is no budget deficit to erase."

Who is MintPress and why are they doing all this hiring?

BrauBlog: "MintPress's home page reflects a site that pays attention to the Middle East, but is not fixated on it. Staff bylines included reflections on Martin Luther King's legacy, Ron Paul's media coverage, and a possible recall of Montana congressmen who backed the controversial National Defense Authorization Act."

DPS Reports On 1st 10 Road Deaths Of 2012

WCCO: "The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports that, of the first 10 people killed on the road, eight were not using their seat belts."

Deer hunters concerned about coyotes killing deer

Fergus Falls Journal: "Many hunters blame the coyote population as a major reason for a drop in the deer population. 'That's one factor, but not the only factor,' said Don Schultz, wildlife manager at the Fergus Falls Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office."

Bonding Bill

Winners, losers in Dayton's $775 million bonding plan

Finance & Commerce: "Among those that didn't make the governor's list: the $67.7 million Interchange transit hub at Target Field, and a major renovation of the oldest building on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus."

Dayton's plan: Few specifics for northwestern Minnesota

Grand Forks Herald: "The bonding proposal Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton introduced Tuesday comprises $775 million in projects spread across the state, but few specifically aimed at the northwest."

Op-Eds

Editorial: Bonding sets table for state prosperity

Star Tribune: "Dayton should emphasize investment, not short-term jobs."

Editorial: Bonding for a ballpark in St. Paul

Pioneer Press: "The governor recognized the strong case St. Paul has made for a regional ballpark. When legislative leaders consider the proposal, we think they, too, will recognize the strong public purpose it serves."

Another acronym with deplorable consequences

Pharyngula: "Along with SOPA and PIPA, our government is contemplating another acronym with deplorable consequences for the free dissemination of information: RWA, the Research Works Act. ... It's purpose is to guarantee that for-profit corporations retain control over the publication of scientific information."