Congressman Keith Ellison is circulating a resolution opposing a voter ID requirement and is urging Democrats to adopt it at their precinct caucuses Tuesday. Republicans in the Legislature hope to put the issue on Minnesota's ballot in November. Ellison says Americans who don't have photo IDs should still be allowed to vote.

According to the Bismarck Tribune, the number of baby births is setting new records at hospitals in central and western North Dakota. Hospitals are reportedly constructing new rooms and increasing staff to accommodate the current baby boom.

For many, North Dakota may never be a top winter vacation destination. In fact, The Weather Channel named Fargo "America's Toughest Weather City." However, that hasn't kept the Peace Garden State from having a successful 2011. According to the Fargo-Moorhead Forum, several magazines and websites praise NoDak for its booming economy and security.

State election officials have rejected a challenge from Wisconsin Democrats that phony "protest" candidates should not be allowed to run in the Democratic Party primaries. A nonpartisan elections board said the government cannot investigate or make subjective judgements about candidates' political beliefs.

... at least for northern states, that is. Smart Politics writes "a Barack Obama victory in Minnesota in 2012 would give the Gopher State the longest consecutive Democratic winning streak in presidential elections outside of the south."