ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Public safety officials say Monday's confirmed tornado is a reminder for Minnesotans to be prepared for severe weather this spring. Monday's twister struck the Elysian (el-EE'-zhun) area in south-central Minnesota and was rated EF-zero, with winds of 80-85 miles per hour. The storm damaged trees and sheds, but no one was hurt.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Fire warnings were issued yesterday in North Dakota and Wisconsin, with a burn ban taking effect Monday in Minnesota. Authorities in the upper Midwest say an early start to wildfire season has already scorched thousands of acres, destroying rural homes and causing two deaths this month.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota has passed a Republican-sponsored bill to reduce and ultimately eliminate state property taxes on businesses. But Democrats criticized the bill for shifting money away from a tax credit for renters. Republicans passed the "tax relief and job creation act" yesterday on a partly-line vote of 72-62.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pork producers are giving hogs more space. But they say consumers opposed to keeping pregnant sows in tight cages can expect to pay for their clearer consciences with higher food prices. Under pressure from animal rights activists — and a shift in consumer sentiment — several major pork producers have agreed to phase out gestation crates. McDonald's recently announced its pork suppliers will have to stop using them as well. But that could lead to higher prices for sausage McMuffins.