Metro & State

For the second time since 2003, the Minneapolis Library Board is considering closing the Southeast Community Library to free up operating funds for other libraries. The library, which serves the University community and surrounding neighborhoods at Fourth Street and 13th Avenue Southeast, was one of several smaller libraries named for possible closure at an Aug. 23 library board meeting.

Pedestrians can still walk in alleys after weeks of discussion between residents and Minneapolis City Council members. The council voted 10-3 Friday to reject a proposed ordinance that would restrict alleys to property owners and city workers. Ward 6 council member Robert Lilligren sponsored the proposal to restrict alley access to residents, emergency and public services and invitees.

Minnesota politicians campaigned near the St. Paul campus at the Minnesota State Fair this year, getting their message out through gimmicks such as temporary tattoos and even a "governor-on-a-stick." The state fair is a hot spot for political campaigning and many candidates said it's their chance to become a familiar name to voters in the November election. Volunteers for Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's re-election campaign distributed paper fans with a picture of Pawlenty to fair-goers in front of two larger-than-life nylon Pawlenty replicas that flanked the booth.

Theft, burglary and damaged property were reported at three University buildings last weekend. A window on an exit door was broken Friday at the University Child Care Center. The safety glass on the door was broken but still intact, according to a police report. Damage to three classrooms was reported Sunday at Murphy Hall. Someone attempted to pry three classroom doors open with a flathead screwdriver, according to a police report.

Since it opened in June 2004, the Hiawatha light-rail transit line has been used 10.9 million times. It has also been involved in three fatal accidents, including a car passenger in 2004, a pedestrian in 2005 and a biker in South Minneapolis on Aug. 7. With the possibility of a light-rail line crossing campus as soon as 2014, there could be safety concerns for pedestrians and bikers on campus.

Food, giant animals and rides might be the main draw for many fairgoers, but the variety of music at the state fair is sure to offer something for everyone. Dozens of bands of all types will take the stages and streets of the fairgrounds during the 12-day get-together to play everything from '80s rock to country to polka. A variety of acts will take the five free stages during the fair, but the biggest names take the grandstand at the conclusion of each of the 12 days.