Protester Blocks Morning Traffic

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minneapolis police have arrested one person after a protest temporarily blocked morning rush-hour traffic near downtown.

Police also cited three drivers.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jesse Garcia says the protesters demonstrated at Highway 55 and North Seventh Street northwest of downtown.

Garcia says dispatchers got more than 50 calls about the traffic disruption.

The protest was organized by Minnesota State Baptist Convention pastors and parishioners. They say the state transportation department hasn't met goals for hiring minority workers and contracting with minority businesses.

MnDOT spokesman Kevin Gutknecht says the department has started programs to increase minority hiring and is working with groups concerned about the issue.

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