Unemployment: 10.2% in October U.S. unemployment numbers for October rose more than expected, from 9.8% in September to 10.2% in October. Some 35.6% of the unemployed had been out of work for 27 weeks or longer.  The total number of officially unemployed, plus discouraged workers, people working part time because they cannot find full time jobs, and those “marginally attached” to the work force – 17.5% in October.  MORE

• Unemployment: 10.2% in October
• Finding Fort Hood news Poynter has list of places to go
• MN college funds gone Dipping into next year's allotment to keep this year's scholarship commitments
• Don't ask, don't tell on MN tax refunds State delaying business tax refunds because of cash crunch
• Pawlenty's not-so-new, not-so-good idea Moving budget decisions from legislative process to state constitution
• Bachmann Tea Party vs. MN true stories Comparing health care reform to Dachau in DC, telling individual health care stories in MNMORE »

Margaret Reinhardt writes:MORE »

"Sometimes I think that newspapers have lost their way given the competition with other news sources particularly television. Newspapers have always had something that TV news doesn't: the opportunity for readers to provide feedback via commentaries, letters to the editors, and op-ed pieces. Along comes online newspapers with a quick way to allow feedback, and publishers are back in the game of attracting readers. Indeed reader comments are popular, but are they the right thing to do?

As we delve into November, we bid adieu to any possibilities of running around sans jacket—and we've come to terms with that (the first real snowfall, however, is another matter entirely). And what better to turn our focus to than the holidays? Thanksgiving is right around the corner, followed directly by the gifty season, and the Twin Cities artsy types seem to be easing us slowly but surely into the spirit of, um, buying their cool stuff. This weekend, hit up the Northrup King Building to peruse and purchase local art and related wares during Art Attack; check out The Affair at the Convention Center for festive tastings of chocolate, wine and the like; or stop into local boutiques such as Drama and Cliche to catch deals on fancy frocks for all the swanky parties that approach.MORE »

When the leaves fall from your trees each year, consider them a resource --they contain nutrients that your lawn or garden needs!MORE »

These are some of the stories we are working on. If you would like to contribute information or opinions, please e-mail the writers!

• Freak Dancing Some high schools have been cracking down on “freak dancing”, where dancers grind against each other on the dance floor. As we work on this story, we welcome your stories and opinions: Where’s the line between freedom of expression and inappropriate behavior? Is this an issue at your local high school? Does your school have a policy, and how is it working? E-mail sheila@tcdailyplanet.net, or click here and leave a comment.

• Church suppers - Jeremy Iggers has posted a blog entry about upcoming church suppers, but he needs your suggestions of upcoming suppers to expand the story. Please post your recommendations as comments on the story or send him an e-mail at jeremy@tcdailyplanet.net.MORE »

The wise transit choice may not be the popular one...yet - Paul Nelson: Rail transit has a much greater leeway of operation and reliability over rubber tire travel in winter. This is the problem that our auto/car system suffers from. The expense to maintain roads in winter is enormous, and the accident rates in winter are high.MORE »