Minnesota News Digest
Here's a look at AP's general news coverage in Minnesota. Questions about coverage plans go to News Editor Doug Glass at 612-332-2727 or [email protected]. Jeff Baenen is on the desk.
This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.
For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.
Some TV and radio stations will receive broadcast versions of the stories below, along with all updates.
TOP STORY:
SUPER TUESDAY-EARLY MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota voters on Friday became some of the first in the country to cast ballots in the presidential primaries as early voting began for the state's Super Tuesday contest. Eligible Minnesota voters can now vote at county courthouses across the state, and early voting stations in some cities, and they can also request absentee ballots for the March 3 primary. SENT: 200 words, photos. May be updated.
AROUND THE STATE:
EXCHANGE-100th HABITAT HOME
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Ahmed Abdi and Ubah Kahlif welcomed visitors this month into their brand-new East Side home for food, socializing and prayer — and to dedicate its completion as Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity's 100th home. Dozens of people — friends, family, neighbors and volunteers from more than 20 churches and mosques, some still in painting clothes from other Habitat for Humanity projects — showed up to the Jan. 8 dedication. "I have no words, I'm just speechless," Abdi said as he addressed the group gathered in his family's new garage. Abdi and his family will join 99 others in Central Minnesota who have moved into affordable housing built by Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. By Erik Newland, St. Cloud Times. SENT IN ADVANCE: 832 words, photos.
EXCHANGE-TRUCE CENTER
ST. PAUL, Minn. — There have been a lot of stories about the concerning spike in gun violence and homicides in St. Paul last year. This story is about a potential act of violence that was prevented — thanks to a St. Paul nonprofit, the 8218 Truce Center. The nonprofit effort launched last month, aiming to eliminate violence and achievement gaps in the community. It’s located inside of a rented house that used to be a neighborhood market at the corner of Selby Avenue and Lexington Parkway. The grocery sign still hangs out front. That’s why the outside didn’t make a lot of sense to 29-year-old Jason Page. But he went inside because the nonprofit’s founder, Miki Lewis-Frost, was someone he trusted. Page was there to meet Darren Neal, 33, who he recently had a disagreement with. They both were invited by Lewis-Frost, who heard about their dispute and asked them to come to the center to sit down and talk. By Nina Moini, Minnesota Public Radio News. SENT IN ADVANCE: 928 words, photos.
IN BRIEF:
POWER PLANT, WINTER WEATHER, SNOW STORM-UPPER MIDWEST, MEDIAN BODY
SPORTS:
TIMBERWOLVES-PACERS
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves square off Friday, for the second time this week. Indiana has won three straight. Minnesota is trying to avoid a season sweep after losing at home Wednesday. UPCOMING: 650 words, with photos. Game time is 6 p.m. CT.
BIG TEN THIS WEEK
Rutgers hosts Minnesota in one of the top games in the Big Ten this weekend. The Scarlet Knights have won seven of their last eight games and are off to their best start since 1982-83. By Eric Olson. 500 words, photos.
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