HEADLINES
Minneapolis school deficit looms–what will voters do?
by Scott Russell, TC Daily Planet
The Minneapolis school board faces difficult decisions in the coming months as a trying financial forecast butts against a desire to fund programs under its newly minted strategic plan. One option now emerging is to ask voters for an increase in this fall’s school referendum.
Single with kids, student mothers beat the odds
by Michele St. Martin, Minnesota Women’s Press
“I always wanted to go to college,” said Ona Knoxsah. “At first I didn’t know what for. And then I had my kids and I found out. I wanted to provide them with a good life. They are really my drive.
Potentially risky mining method debated at legislative hearing
by Heidi Alford, Sierra Club intern
At Friday afternoon’s legislative hearing held to address the possibility of future sulfide mining in Minnesota, there was standing room only. Concerned citizens from all over the state attended to hear testimony about this method to extract ores such as copper and nickel. Sulfide mining differs from taconite mining in that it has the potential for acid mine drainage: pollution caused by the exposure of sulfide minerals in the ground to air and water. Not only do sulfide mines pollute heavily while operational, they will continue to pollute for hundreds of years afterwards.
INSIDE THE DAILY PLANET
Theater note: Pendulum swings with ‘Importance’
by Jay Gabler, TC Daily Planet
Convincing theatergoers to suspend their disbelief is always a challenge, but the Pendulum Theatre Company had its work particularly cut out for it on a recent Sunday afternoon, when its cast had to convince a small but enthusiastic audience that we had stepped from the desolate and bitterly wind-whipped streets of downtown St. Paul into a blooming country garden. The actors didn’t shrink from their task: they took the stage full-throttle and whipped lines of dialogue back and forth like underhand curveballs.
Coming session could be promising
by Matthew Little, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
The forthcoming session of the Minnesota State Legislature could turn out to be one of the most important in years. On the other hand, it could become a complete dud.
Campaign Notebook: Presidential visits?
by Joe Bodell, Minnesota Monitor
With the early primaries over, the attention of the remaining presidential candidates now turns to Super-Duper-Tsunami Tuesday, just eight days away. This includes Minnesota, and for the first time in a very long time, the North Star State will play a significant role in deciding the nominees of both major parties.
NEW IN VOICES
The program formerly known as NRP
by Justin Eibenholzl, TC Daily Planet
That is what will be said about NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program) if the “Framework for the Future” is enacted by the City. Twenty-five people sat through the meeting last night up at East Side Services not really expecting much, and that’s what was delivered.
Voting & vision: ballots to build progressive movements
by Lydia Howell, TC Daily Planet
In the aftermath of the South Carolina Democratic Party’s primary, the February 5th primary/caucus could be summed up as a referendum that boils down to “Past or Future?” Full disclosure: I’m struggling about who to support on February 5th. Like so many on the left, it’s easier to know what one is against. But,thinking about the state of progressive movements (and the best context for moving them forward) ought to be part of the equation in Election 2008.
NEW IN BLOGS
The Walker
by Karen Larson • With many of us, including me, emerging today from a serious bacterial purging of our digestive tracts, today´s meeting at CAPESE was a welcome back to the world. We were moved and energized by our presenter´s personal story.
Comment