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Campus & State
Judge finds Qwest in violation of law; hefty fines possible
A Minnesota judge has ruled that Qwest Communications has deliberately violated federal laws by blocking local telephone competitors. Qwest could face fines up to $50 million if the ruling is upheld. The ruling could also hurt Qwest's chances of approval to sell long-distance services in Minnesota.
An administrative law judge found that Qwest violated federal law as much as 25 times through 12 secret agreements that favored some of its telephone competitors over others.
Minnesota's Public Utilities Commission has the authority to accept, modify or disregard the judge's findings and can set penalties.
Qwest is also facing investigation from federal authorities regarding accounting practices.
Frost forecast for state this week
The year's first frost is scheduled to arrive in Minnesota this week. The National Weather Service is forecasting statewide temperatures from the lower 30s to upper 60s through early next week.
The temperature is estimated to drop to 35 degrees tonight and the low 30s Wednesday night. Today also has a 40 percent chance of showers.
St. Cloud's September rainfall of 5.98 inches is nearly 4 inches more than normal. Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay said the six- to 10-day outlook shows below-normal temperatures and precipitation.
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