betty mccollum

A decades-old debate over a new St. Croix River bridge is drawing U.S. Sen. Al Franken to Stillwater. The Democrat from Minnesota visits the city on Saturday to meet with local officials and tour the 80-year-old lift bridge. Franken hasn't taken a position on a long-delayed proposal.

Construction crews are starting a $243 million renovation that will turn St. Paul's historic Union Depot back into a hub for trains and buses. Demolition begins Tuesday after a groundbreaking ceremony with elected officials including U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. Crews will start clearing space for train tracks and bus lanes.

Some Minnesota Democrats are saying they won't let the shooting of a congresswoman in Arizona keep them from their constituents, but it might discourage those voters from coming to town halls.