Domestic violence on the rise in Minn.

Posted at 12:15 PM on October 24, 2011 by Michael Olson
Filed under: Around MN

The number of women killed by their husbands has increased this year.

Victims' advocates told Fox 9 they have seen a slight increase in the number of deaths related to domestic violence. So far this year, 19 women have died at the hands' of an abuser, compared to 16 women in all of 2010.

The current number of deaths is about have of the peak the state reached in 2000.

Data taken from Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women [PDF]

In an article last February about Anoka Count's high rate of domestic violence that resulted in murder, the Star Tribune sought to examine the underlying causes of the abuse.

"It's a great social science question," said Paul Young, chief of the county attorney's violent crime division. "Based on our economics, based on our social histories, whatever, there's something about the message about how to act appropriately in your domestic relationships that for whatever reasons isn't as effective as it is in other places."

Cottage Grove City Council member Jen Peterson recently wrote that reducing incidents of domestic violence is a community effort:

There are many things that others can do to help with the issue of domestic violence. First and foremost, call 911 if you witness somebody being abused. If you suspect that somebody you know is in a violent relationship, ask them if they are safe, listen to them, be non-judgmental, encourage them to seek help through domestic violence programs where they can set up a safety plan, offer to babysit if they need to go to court, offer to help them move out of an unsafe place, to name just a few. It's also really important to talk to teens about what is appropriate and healthy behavior in a dating relationship.

Around MN: Bachmann digs in, American Crystal talks resume, Vikes make history with stadium request?

Posted at 8:00 AM on October 24, 2011 by Michael Olson
Filed under: Around MN

Anti-Bachmann blogger wonders what he'd do without her

A lot of people feel sad about the decline of Michele Bachmann's poll numbers in the race for U.S. president.

Perhaps the most unlikely is Karl Bremer.

For nine years, Bremer has stridently opposed Bachmann, from her term as a conservative state representative to her current run as a Republican presidential candidate. But if she drops out of the race?

He will miss her.

"I find myself in the strange position of cheering her on," admitted Bremer, 58, who lives in Stillwater (Pioneer Press).

Bachmann
Bachmann on the spot in Iowa
Michele Bachmann tried to explain her health care policy to a worried woman without health insurance on Saturday, as her campaign tried to explain the embarrassing exodus of several New Hampshire staffers (CBS News).
Bachmann's campaign relies on repeat donors (Star Tribune)
Bachmann caught unaware of New Hampshire staff departures (ABC News)
Bachmann: Iraq must 'reimburse' for war (WSJ's Washington Wire)

American Crystal
American Crystal resumes talks with union
For the first time in two months, American Crystal and its union will resume contract negotiations. Union representatives say they have made concessions in their contract proposal and hope the company will come to the table in good faith (Valley News Live).
"We are ready to fight one day longer than it takes to get a fair contract" -- Debra Kostrzewski (Fargo Forum).

Experts decry synthetic pot: 'Much worse than marijuana'
Some of the synthetic marijuana products sold at the Last Place on Earth contain a chemical that may be illegal to sell and possess, according to experts who reviewed an analysis of the drugs' ingredients -- though the store's owner says the ban is too vague and has challenged it in court (Duluth News Tribune).

Minn. delegation reacts to Obama's decision to pull troops out of Iraq
Four members of the delegation released statements on President Obama's statement (Capitol View).

Heir adds a voice to her millions
Alida Messinger is speaking out, and drawing fire, about state's direction (Star Tribune).

Drizzle can't dull drought conditions in Minnesota
Southern Minnesota still suffers, and Minneapolis urges residents to water trees, especially new ones (Star Tribune).

Vikings

"The Vikings are asking for the #1, all-time, biggest taxpayer subsidy of any sports franchise anywhere in American history!" -- DFL Sen. John Marty (Daily Planet)

Gov. speaks on likelihood of stadium in Arden Hills
The Minnesota Vikings have a right to locate a stadium in Arden Hills, despite calls for the team to build on the site of the downtown Minneapolis Farmers Market, Gov. Mark Dayton said (MPR News).