The Associated Press

Republican U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen has ruled out a run for the U.S. Senate or for governor of Minnesota, saying he plans to seek a fourth term in the House instead. Paulsen, whose district includes the western suburbs of Minneapolis, said in a statement Monday that he believes the House is where he can be most effective and best represent the people of his district and the state.

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Minnesota state senators have started their debate on gay marriage as the bill to legalize it here gets close to its last step in the legislative process.

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Minnesota tourism officials say a longtime tradition promoting one of the state's most popular pastimes will be hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber in 2014. The 67th annual Governor's Fishing Opener will be on Gull Lake next year with the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa serving as the event's headquarters.

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Legislation mandating that Minnesota's big utilities get some of their electricity from the sun is moving closer to becoming law. The solar energy mandate will mean cleaner energy, less burning of coal and probably higher utility bills for many Minnesotans.

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The driver of a semi that collided with a freight train in western Minnesota last week has died. St. Cloud Hospital spokeswoman Jeanine Nistler says Eric Westin, of Pine City, died early Monday morning.

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A new study finds that chemicals from household products, prescriptions and illegal drugs are common in Minnesota lakes. MPCA scientists chose 50 lakes at random and tested the water for 125 chemicals.

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The bill to make gay marriage legal in Minnesota is taking its last step in the legislative process. The Senate is scheduled to take up the bill Monday at noon for a debate and vote.

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Minnesota lawmakers are bearing down for the legislative session's homestretch. Monday marks one week until the mandatory adjournment deadline. Much is left to do

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A Bloomington man walking his two dogs was injured after falling into a sinkhole.

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Two Minneapolis police officers who were wounded in a shooting are in satisfactory condition at a local hospital. The Minneapolis Police Department released the officers' condition Saturday on Twitter, and said no additional information would be released until Monday.

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