am.mn logoFord still plans to shut its plant in St. Paul that makes light trucks. But now city leaders are asking the company to consider turning the plant into a fuel-efficient small-van factory. Besides, via an exclusive promotional contract signed last year, the city is on record as liking Toyota trucks best.

Elsewhere in Minnesota news this morning …

ST. PAUL: Unallotment details due today. The specifics of the governor’s unilateral cuts to state agencies will soon be made known to all. [Associated Press]

COHASSET: Al Franken tours power plant today. The U.S. Senate’s rising star is becoming a more common sight outstate than a night-sky falling star. [Duluth News-Tribune]

ST. PAUL: Minnesota Senate to talk national health care reform. Do town hall-erers come out at 10 a.m.? [MinnPost]

DULUTH: Frequent walker struck, killed. Howard Edward Nelson was widely recognized for strolls throughout the city. [Duluth News Tribune]

ALEXANDRIA: City swallows more land. Still a ways to go though before it rivals its Egyptian namesake. [Alexandria Echo Press]

WILLMAR: Local lads near New Orleans on raft. All on trip down Mississippi River are from Willmar; they kicked Huck Finn off the raft in Memphis. [West Central Tribune]