Budget bills begin march to governor’s office

Minnesota legislators have taken baby steps in passing a $38 billion, two-year budget that must be finished by midnight Monday.

• Minnesota state Rep. Paul Marquart of Dilworth
• Rep. Denny McNamara of Hastings
• Rep. Mary Sawatzky of Willmar
• State Rep. Carly Melin of Hibbing

Less abuse, but not all follow church audit

An annual report, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, says an independent audit and study found 2012 had the biggest drop in allegations of sexual abuse by priests in a decade.

• Monsignor John Thomas Folda

Truck downs power line at River Cities Speedway

A semi truck carrying more than 40,000 pounds of fuel and alcohol caught a low-hanging power line Friday night at River City Speedway in Grand Forks, causing a loss of power for about 20 homes nearby.

Minnesota bonding bill in question

The future of a public works borrowing bill to fund state Capitol work, roads and bridges and other projects is in question after it failed in the Minnesota House. Representatives voted 76-56 Friday on a bill to sell bonds to fund public works projects, five votes short of the 81 needed to pass.

• Minnesota House bonding bill highlights
• Rep. Alice Hausman explains her public works financing bill

Ragtag band of firefighters jumps into action

Kelly Elsner found his second calling Tuesday night -- amateur firefighter. As fires closed in on his Hubbard County Road 111 home and well drilling business south of Park Rapids, Elsner called his employees back to work. “Come back as fast as you can,” were his instructions.

• Kelly Elsner stands near his water truck

Higher ed official questions NDUS leaders

A commission charged with accrediting the North Dakota University System is investigating a complaint filed by a former university president about the system’s leadership.

Powerball jackpot grows to $600 million

Powerball officials say the jackpot has climbed to an estimated $600 million, making it the largest prize in the game's history and the world's second largest lottery prize.

• People line up to buy lottery tickets

Thief River Falls day care owner accused of striking boy

When James Sundstrom’s fiancée picked up their 4-year-old son at a Thief River Falls day care Tuesday afternoon, he said she found the boy waiting in the entry with tears and a bloody nose.

HOWARD KOSSOVER: Social Security numbers for baby

How do I get a Social Security number for my newborn?

• Social Security Q and A

BIZ BUZZ: Banks merge

Western State Bank of Devils Lake announced this week that it had purchased Central Arizona Bank in Scottsdale, Ariz., a bank with assets of $31 million.

• Biz Buzz

Shakira set to leave ‘The Voice’ after season

Pop singer Shakira will leave NBC’s television singing competition program “The Voice” after only one season as a judge in order to spend more time with her family.

• Shakira

CBS adds Robin Williams to fall TV lineup

Top-rated U.S. broadcast network CBS will bring comedian Robin Williams back to television next season to plug one of the few holes in its primetime schedule.

• Robin Williams

Loeffler, Grinaker earn wins in half-marathon

Soon after Hanna Grinaker crossed the finish line Saturday morning to win the Fargo Half-Marathon in the women’s division, she found out Eric Loeffler won the men’s race.

PREP NOTEBOOK: Health to be big factor in Red River boy's track meet

Health will be a key factor in Grand Forks Red River’s bid to win the East Region boys track meet. The regional will be held today in Fargo, beginning at 1 p.m. On the line are a lot of berths for next weekend’s Class A state meet in Bismarck — the top six finishers in each event, as well as all entrants who meet state qualifying standards, advance.

• GF Red River logo

UND BASEBALL: Chicago State beats UND 6-4

For whatever the reason, the second game of a Great West Conference series has given UND difficulties this season. That happened again Friday at Kraft Field, where Chicago State beat UND 6-4.

• UND sports logo

COUNTRY SCRIBE: Time warp

The latest crop of fresh-faced graduates is about to march up for their diplomas. I include college graduates in that crowd because I no longer can tell the difference between high school and college students.

• Eric Bergeson

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