Minnesota

A fire at the former home of Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton in Minneapolis was deliberately set and investigations are underway to determine if the incident was a result of public rage over the government shutdown, said Minneapolis police sergeant Steve McCarty.

The fire was reported at about 2 a.m. Saturday at the home near Lake Harriet, but according to the officials, the home’s current owners were able to put it out before firefighters arrived. The fire did little damage.

That it was no accident was confirmed as investigators found gasoline and lighter fluid at the scene. more >>

Hundreds of “closed” signs posted on the gates of Minnesota's state parks, campgrounds, public recreation sites, and permit offices are a stark reminder this holiday weekend that the state government is in shut down.

Instead of fireworks, picnics, and celebrations this weekend, most of the five million residents of Minnesota will remember this Fourth of July as somber, reflective, and disappointing.

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Mark Dayton blames the Republican majorities in both legislative bodies, and the GOP majorities blame the governor for the failure to reach a budget deal before this week’s deadline. more >>

Evangelical minister Leith Anderson announced on Wednesday that he will retire from the pulpit of Wooddale Church, which GOP presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty attends.

After nearly 35 years, Anderson – who also heads the National Association of Evangelicals – feels it is the right time to step aside and pass the baton to a younger generation.

"My decision to retire at this time is the culmination of lots of prayers, thinking and planning," the 66-year-old said in his note to the church. "Wooddale Church is thriving. God is blessing. These are good days. I prefer to conclude my pastorate when all is well and turn leadership over to a new generation." more >>

Minneapolis-based retailer Target announced it will not take sides on the marriage amendment slated to appear on Minnesota’s 2012 ballot.

During a Wednesday shareholders meeting, company officials told investors that it would take a neutral stance on the referendum that, if approved next year by Minnesota voters, would define marriage as between a man and a woman.

"Our position at this particular time is that we are going to be neutral on that particular issue, as we would be on other social issues that have polarizing points of view," announced CEO Gregg Steinhafel. more >>

Same-sex marriage is illegal in Minnesota but 70 United Methodist clergy in the state have signed a statement saying they will marry gay couples.

"We joyfully affirm that we will offer the grace of the Church’s blessing to any prepared couple desiring Christian marriage," reads the statement introduced this week at the 2011 Minnesota Annual Conference.

"We are convinced by the witness of others and are compelled by Spirit and conscience to act. We thank the many United Methodists who have already called for full equality and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the life of the Church." more >>

Minnesota speaker of the House, Rep. Kurt Zellers, issued an apology to fellow lawmakers and, in a sense, restarted the session from scratch on Friday, after guest chaplain Bradlee Dean’s invocation questioned President Obama’s Christian faith.

Dean is the founder and executive director of the non-profit ministry, You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International, and he hosts a nationally syndicated radio show, The Sons of Liberty.

“It’s not about the Baptists, it’s not about the Catholics alone, or the Lutherans or the Wesleyans or the Presbyterians, Evangelicals or any other denomination,” Dean prayed, in part, as reported by KARE Channel 11 in Minneapolis-St. Paul. “But rather the head of the denomination, and his name is Jesus, as every President up until 2008 has acknowledged, and we pray it in Jesus’ name.” more >>