TSA checkpoint closure riles

Twin Cities airport officials

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Transportation Security Administration’s decision to close one of six security checkpoints at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has riled airport officials and the operator of the hotel connected to the entry point.

The TSA says the checkpoint, which opened last year at the Intercontinental Hotel, isn’t used as much as the other entry points. TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers says only 15 people used the checkpoint Sunday, the final day it was staffed. Airport officials say the TSA has reneged on its commitment to keep security screening fully staffed.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission says the skyway connecting the hotel and airport cost $24 million. Hotel entrepreneur Jim Graves said at a news conference Monday that the checkpoint was a key factor in building the Intercontinental so that guests would have quick access to boarding gates.

Torah scrolls damaged in synagogue

fire burned in garage

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Damaged Torah scrolls and prayer books that were salvaged from a Duluth synagogue fire in September have burned again in a garage fire.

Officials of Adas Israel Synagogue say the items were being kept in the garage and were to be buried in keeping with Jewish tradition.