Dan Haugen, Writer

In this three-part series, Minnesota Monitor examines the state’s efforts to build a greener industrial base and create new jobs in the process. Monday: When it comes to recruiting “green-collar” jobs to Minnesota, critics say Gov. Tim Pawlenty has had a lower profile than some of his peers. Tuesday: Minnesota’s point-person on wind industry economic development describes how the state is trying to generate green manufacturing jobs. Wednesday: A blown opportunity causes legislators to call for a better — and better funded — strategy for luring green manufacturers to Minnesota. MORE »

One month after peaceful demonstrations erupted into violent melees across Tibetan areas of China, Tibetans living in the Twin Cities say they have been unable to contact loved ones in their homeland. MORE »

Cat and dog owners in Minneapolis are required by law to license their pets with the city before the animals turn 4 months old. In reality few pay the fee, and it’s largely unenforced. Of the estimated 107,000 dogs in the city, only 9,007 were licensed last year, according to Minneapolis Animal Care & Control. The licensing gap for cats is even wider. Of 115,000 felines in the city, just 124 were licensed. MORE »

The number of U.S. military casualties in Iraq recently passed the 4,000 mark. According to the Web site icasualties.org, 59 of those soldiers have come from Minnesota. [Cities and soldiers listed below.] MORE »

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