Ellison Backs Protestors Against Justice Department

‘I stand with the millions of struggling homeowners in Minnesota and across the country seeking justice after unfairly being kicked out of their homes,’ the 5th District congressman said.

Rep. Keith Ellison is adding his voice to those of protestors demonstrating outside the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC. The protestors—organized, in part, by Occupy Our Homes—argue that bankers haven’t been held accountable for financial misdeeds. In response to the protest, Ellison’s office released a statement Tuesday that quoted the 5th District congressman as saying: I see the devastation of the foreclosure crisis every day in towns across the Minneapolis metro area, and I stand with the millions of struggling homeowners in Minnesota and across the country seeking justice after unfairly being kicked out of their homes. Banks have paid less than half the payments they owe to homeowners since 2008, and have yet to pay a …

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This Inspiring Story Brought to You by Grape-Nuts

Minnesota Teen's Tragic Death Drives Dixits to Combat Distracted Driving

The family of teen killed in distracted driving crash is using foundation created in her name to affect change. The Dixit family tells how they are, slowly but surely, moving forward, and making their daughter proud. Sponsored by Grape Nuts.

About this sponsorship: In honor of the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, Patch and Grape-Nuts are teaming up to highlight those who inspire people around them to climb their own mountains. Shreya Dixit could have taken the bus to her parents' home in Eden Prairie that night. That was the plan when the University of Wisconsin student woke up that morning, before she learned she would be able to catch a ride with a friend who was driving to the Twin Cities that night. When she and two other friends were getting into the car for that trip, she could have gotten into the back seat instead of the front passenger seat. The driver could have, when she realized roughly a third of the way into their …

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Coming Soon! Fridley Patch Gets a New Look

Patch will soon have a brand-new design and a whole new way to connect.

Hi, everyone! I have some exciting news to share about Patch—we’re getting a whole new look! It’s coming next week and it’s going to make Fridley Patch easier to use, and a better place to connect and share. The best part? You’ll be able to see it all on your mobile phone! Here’s what you need to know:  We’re including more great stories from your neighbors, right on the homepage. So you’ll have all of our local reporting, plus the latest know-how and opinion from local bloggers. We’re adding Boards to make it easier for you to connect with each other, debate an issue or announce your garage sale, graduation or find a lost pet. More to say? It will be easier to start your own blog, too. You’ll soon be able to start your own blog anytime, …

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How to Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado

Donating money to organizations that help victims is quick and easy.

  Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a 2-mile wide Tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area. If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now. Patch will be posting stories of locals who are working to help victims from afar. If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, please contact your local editor. Memories of Fridley 1965 Tornadoes Several people on Twitter, the Oklahoma tornadoes brought to mind the tornadoes that swept through Fridley in 1965. Manual Expressions from Jekyll Island, GA (@expressionsbyme) wrote: grew up w/…

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Teachers Bring More Than Academics in Time of Tragedy: Parents Talk

As you give your child an extra hug, send out your thoughts to Oklahoma and share what makes the educators in your child’s life special.

Last week, I had the opportunity visit with a few children at the Excelsior Farmers Market. Not surprising, they knew the exact number of days left until summer break. While many of our kids in Minnesota are eyeing the calendar with anticipation for summer break, I was reminded this week how much we owe our educators. As parents, we send our children off to school each morning expecting another typical school day until we pick them up. It becomes a parents worst nightmare when unexpected tragedies and circumstances hit a school – situations that seem to have been all too common nationwide during the 2013-2013 school year. Yet, time and time again, we hear about educators that put their life on the line to save those students they are …

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Medtronic Lays Off 500 in Minnesota

Not clear how many of the layoffs are at the medtech giant's headquarters and Rice Creek campus in Fridley.

Medtronic, based in Fridley, is cutting about 500 jobs in Minnesota as part of 2,000 layoffs worldwide, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported: Cindy Resman, a Medtronic spokeswoman, wrote in an email that as Medtronic is eliminating 500 jobs in Minnesota, the company also has added 160 positions in the state. "We also currently have job postings online for around 130 positions in (Minnesota)," Resman wrote in an email this morning. Read the full article at twincities.com. Asked by email for information about where in Minnesota the company is eliminating positions, Resman responded: In addition to the 500 reductions in MN, we've also added 160 positions so the net is 340. There are also 130 jobs in MN currently posted on our website today. …

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Wednesday Public Meeting: '2013 Update on Locke Lake Water Quality and Next Steps'

The Rice Creek Watershed District will lead a panel discussion at Fridley City Hall on May 22, 2013, 3:30–5:15 p.m.

Attend a panel discussion about the water quality at Locke Lake on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 3:30–5:15 p.m. According to the City of Fridley website, the meeting will be "led by Matt Kocian from the Rice Creek Watershed District called 2013 Update on Locke Lake Water Quality and Next Steps." Related:

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Fridley Schools Pool Traditions Into New Cookbook

Stevenson and Hayes Elementary students explored their home cultures while making the book.