The Minnesota Health Department reports the growth in health care spending was just 2.2 percent in 2010. That's the smallest increase in more than a decade. The health commissioner says it could be the result of cash-strapped Minnesotans putting off medical procedures. If so, the figure may soar as those deferred medical needs demand attention.

A new federal analysis of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other medical providers ranks Minnesota's health care system the best in the U.S. The Star Tribune reports the state was first in care at medical clinics, fourth in care at hospitals, eighth in nursing homes, but 43rd in home health care. Wisconsin fell to second after it was ranked first last year. Iowa ranked sixth, North Dakota eighth and South Dakota 11th.

The Star Tribune takes a look at where Minnesota's Board of Medical Practice falls short compared with regulators in other states. The paper says the board does not disclose malpractice information, though this data is readily available in many other states. In fact, patients sometimes find they can learn more about doctors practicing in Minnesota by querying agencies in other states where the same physicians are registered.

The new “smart” meters that accept credit cards that now regulate about 75 percent of the city’s paid parking spaces have led to fewer parking tickets and increased revenue, the Southwest Journal reports. The city made about $7.5 million from parking last year, up $1 million from 2010, when the new machines were first installed.

The Pioneer Press reports federal officials are looking into whether a state agency wrongly received federal funds in the course of operating the state's Medical Assistance insurance program.