Life from Minnesota Public Radio

MN lottery players win nearly $3.9 million

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:52:50 -0500

The run ended with a single $590.5 million winning ticket sold in Florida. But two tickets sold in Minnesota for the drawing are worth $10,000.

$590M-plus Powerball: 1 winning ticket sold in Fla

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:07:33 -0500

It's all about the odds, and one lone ticket in Florida has beaten them all by matching each of the numbers drawn for the highest Powerball jackpot in history at an estimated $590.5 million, lottery officials said Sunday.

Photos: Almanzo 100 gravel road race

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:42:33 -0500

One of the nation's premier gravel road events, the race gets its name from Almanzo Wilder, the husband of "Little House of the Prairie" author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Organizers expect 1,300 riders to participate in this year's event.

Minn. cycling race gives athletes a rough ride

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:54:00 -0500

Cyclists often hunt for smooth, rural roads to ride on. Emphasis here on 'smooth.' This weekend, more than 1,000 cyclists from around the country and Europe will pound the winding, backcountry roads just south of Rochester in a 100-mile race called Almanzo. The event has become one of the nation's premier gravel road events and the route will take riders on some of the region's most rugged and unforgiving roads.

Minn. gypsy moth trapping program begins

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:36:15 -0500

Officials will set more than 14,000 gypsy moth traps across Minnesota this spring as part of the state's annual monitoring program for the destructive tree pest.

Hello muddah? Not everyone loved sleepaway camp

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

When the school year ends a few weeks from now, millions of kids will head off to sleepaway camp for a summer filled with color wars, kayaking and bunk life. Most will have a great time, some will make friends for life, and many will look back on the experience fondly.

Religion, politics and the common good

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

When political discourse is marked by bitter partisanship, how and where can people of different faiths and political ideologies find common ground?

Pope blasts 'cult of money'

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:14:47 -0500

Pope Francis has denounced the global financial system, blasting the "cult of money" that he says is tyrannizing the poor and turning humans into expendable consumer goods.

Joe Coleman to transfer from Minnesota

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:52:50 -0500

Joe Coleman is the first player to transfer after the coaching change at Minnesota.

Twins lose to White Sox 9-4

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:51:23 -0500

Adam Dunn homered twice, doubled and drove in five runs, powering the Chicago White Sox past the Minnesota Twins 9-4 on Wednesday afternoon at Target Field.

MPR documentaries: 'Song Catcher: Frances Densmore of Red Wing' and 'Artist Charles Biederman.'

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:26:31 -0500

Two people from Red Wing, Minnesota who are important figures in Minnesota history, culture and the arts are featured in separate documentaries by Minnesota Public Radio's Stephen Smith. Part 1: "Song Catcher: Frances Densmore of Red Wing" and Part 2: "Artist Charles Biederman."

Survivor of 1987 NWA plane crash breaks silence

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:10:48 -0500

Cecelia Crocker's body provides her with a constant reminder of the most traumatic event of her life -- one that she doesn't otherwise remember.

New Vikings stadium design in 12 photos

Tue, 14 May 2013 07:18:42 -0500

Here's a look at the imagery that HKS Architects offered for the new Vikings stadium envisioned for downtown Minneapolis on the site of the Metrodome.

Same-sex marriage opponents, supporters say they will remember how legislators voted

Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Thousands of people flooded the Capitol to witness that historic moment the state Senate passed the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Some came to celebrate it. Others came to protest.

Checking more than one box: A growing multiracial nation

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:46:35 -0500

For the first time in modern history, the 2000 Census allowed us to check off more than one box for race. The last Census showed 9 million people, about 3 percent of the population, reporting more than one race. That's an increase of one-third from the decade before.

Report: Boogaard family sues NHL for son's death

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:30:05 -0500

In the lawsuit, the family says the NHL is responsible for the brain damage that Boogaard sustained during six seasons as an enforcer in the league, and for his addiction to prescription painkillers.

Icy lakes greet anglers on Minnesota's opener

Sat, 11 May 2013 13:26:42 -0500

Anglers who flocked to northern Minnesota were greeted by icy lakes on Saturday, making for an unusual fishing opener that matched the unusually cold spring.

What Mother's Day means to me: A second chance, unconditional love and a life-saving hug

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:13:10 -0500

It turns out that just one hug doesn't save a life. It takes a village to hug. A village of unconditional love and second chances.

Big Twin Cities road closures this weekend

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:55:25 -0500

Some major interstate routes through the Twin Cities will be closed for roadwork this weekend.

Facebook 'friend' mom for Mothers' Day?

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:57:50 -0500

As Mother's Day approaches, 1 in 3 mothers are connected with their teens over Facebook, according to the social networking giant's review of how users self-identify.

Weather slows sales of fishing licenses

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:24:05 -0500

Saturday is opening day across the state for walleye fishing, and fishing license sales are down by about a third.

King, Messiah: New baby names suggest high hopes

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:27:05 -0500

Talk about high expectations for a newborn: King and Messiah are among the fastest-rising baby names for American boys. They're just a little behind Major, the boy's name that jumped the most spots on the Social Security Administration's annual list of popular baby names.

Photos: North Shore thaw brings world-class kayaking

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:29:23 -0500

Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, streams like the Lester River in Duluth are roaring, full of chocolate-brown, frothy, churning spring runoff. It's that time of year when hikers are warned to stay away from the creeks -- and when kayakers like Chris Baer flock to them.

With spring comes world-class kayaking at North Shore

Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

MPR historical documentary, 'No Jews Allowed'

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:19:00 -0500

In the 1930s and 1940s Minneapolis was considered one of the most anti-Semitic cities in America. John Biewen and Beth Friend produced an historical documentary about these times, called "No Jews Allowed." It was originally broadcast in 1992.

Lake ice complicates Minn. Governor's Fishing Opener

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:30:39 -0500

Lake ice will play a role in the Governor's Fishing Opener for the first time in recent memory.

Coach cleared of charges no longer at MSU, Mankato

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:44:16 -0500

A former head football coach for Minnesota State University, Mankato, who was cleared of child pornography charges last year but reassigned to an administrative position, is no longer employed at the university, the school said Wednesday.

Minneapolis locks reopening to rec boats

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:32:10 -0500

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reopening its three Minneapolis locks to recreational boats.

Chris Kluwe says equal rights are more important than football

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:13:00 -0500

Released punter Chris Kluwe says he doesn't know what role his politics may have played in his departure, but he has no regrets.

Wis. Assembly eyes junk food stamps bill

Tue, 07 May 2013 07:19:09 -0500

The proposal up for a vote Tuesday would require people enrolled in the state's food stamps program to spend at least two-thirds of their monthly benefits on items such as milk, bread and vegetables.

Deborah Tannen on the ways human beings communicate

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:45:44 -0500

The best-selling author of "You Just Don't Understand" and "Can We Talk?" and Georgetown linguistics professor Deborah Tannen talks about gender, age and cultural differences in the ways people communicate and suggests ways we can make ourselves better understood.

Kluwe: 'So long Minnesota, and thanks for all the fish!'

Mon, 06 May 2013 10:50:19 -0500

Long-time Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe has apparently been released by the team. The 8-year veteran of the team said "So long, Minnesota, and thanks for all the fish!," via his Twitter account Monday.

Building a bridge between skeptics and believers

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:39:08 -0500

Among the most divisive issues in American life - guns, abortion, same-sex marriage - no gulf seems quite so deep as that between religious believers and nonbelievers.

Missing Minn. child found safe in Vermont

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:39:32 -0500

Authorities say family members were concerned about Alyssa Mariel-Lorraine Lafountain because she requires a feeding tube and a special diet.

Wisconsin takes up state-wide invasives plan

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:07:39 -0500

A Wisconsin task force is planning to host a summit later this month to discuss implementing the first statewide plan for dealing with invasive species.

Dog of trucker who died in crash is found safe

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:05:34 -0500

A missing German shepherd has been found safe after its owner died in crash on Interstate 94 near Menomonie during Thursday's snowstorm.

Bill tackles destiny of I-35W bridge remains

Mon, 06 May 2013 06:02:35 -0500

Historians, safety officials, educators and victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse would have six months to claim remnant steel from it under a bill the Minnesota House is set to vote on Monday.

Wild's 3-2 win over Blackhawks keep playoff hopes alive

Sun, 05 May 2013 17:36:52 -0500

Jason Zucker scored at 2:15 of overtime to give Minnesota a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, pulling the Wild within 2-1 in the Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Paleo diet echoes physical culture movement of yesteryear

Sat, 04 May 2013 06:00:00 -0500

The paleo diet is sometimes ridiculed as a fad that relies on an overly rosy view of our primitive past. But it turns out that popular health movements that advocate going back to a more natural way of living are nothing new.

Game 2: Wild 2, Blackhawks 5

Fri, 03 May 2013 22:30:00 -0500

Patrick Sharp and Michael Frolik had two goals apiece, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 5-2 on Friday night in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

Flip Saunders returning to Timberwolves

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:16:39 -0500

The Minnesota Timberwolves hired Flip Saunders as the team's new president of basketball operations on Friday, bringing him back eight years after he was fired as the head coach.

When it comes to guns, how young is too young?

Thu, 02 May 2013 21:30:00 -0500

While no one favors the idea of 5-year-olds using weapons without supervision, there is no consensus on the appropriate age to start hands-on training with firearms.

Author speaks up for the introverts among us

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Susan Cain, author of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," believes that introverts are simply people who find stimulation in a quiet place.

Kahn out as Wolves president, Flip in, sources say

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:57:06 -0500

David Kahn is out as president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Flip Saunders is coming in. Three people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press that team owner Glen Taylor has decided not to pick up the option for next season on Kahn's contract.

Teen with Down syndrome takes Miss Minn. to prom

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:09:55 -0500

A Wisconsin teen with Down syndrome will have a dream date to his junior prom Saturday: He's taking Miss Minnesota USA Danielle Hooper.

Confederate flags yanked from VA hospital

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:21:32 -0500

Veterans Affairs officials have once again removed two Confederate flags from a display at a VA hospital in the southwestern South Dakota city of Hot Springs.

Appetites: Twin Cities home to numerous vibrant farmers markets

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:30:00 -0500

It's time to talk farmers markets with Beth Dooley here on Appetites. She is the author of "Minnesota's Bounty: The Farmers' Market Cookbook."

Ten morsels from Michael Pollan

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Don't let yourself be intimidated by raw vegetables.

Fans already want Metrodome souvenirs

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:34:21 -0500

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, which operates the Metrodome, says it's received more than 50 requests for seats, signs, turf and other mementoes. Authority chairwoman Michele Kelm-Helgen says the requests vary.

Blackhawks beat Wild 2-1 in Game 1

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:13:52 -0500

Bryan Bickell scored in overtime on a two-on-one rush, and the Chicago Blackhawks started the playoffs on a winning note after dominating the regular season, beating the Minnesota Wild 2-1 Tuesday night.

A master gardener offers spring tips

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

As the weather finally starts to warm up, gardeners in Minnesota may be eager to get their hands in the dirt.

Minn. Zoo hosts Amer. Sign Language Day

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:54:18 -0500

Hundreds of students are expected to participate Today in the Minnesota Zoo's second annual American Sign Language Day.

Anglers spent $2.4 billion in Minn.

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:50:40 -0500

Anglers who enjoy Minnesota's sky blue waters are still a powerful engine for the state's economy, according to new data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

New Vikings stadium might take cue from Beijing Olympics

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:28:10 -0500

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority has posted a draft Environmental Impact Statement for a new Vikings stadium up on its website, and it refers to the potential usage of ETFE, a polymer made famous as the translucent exterior of the aquatics center built in Beijing for the Olympics.

Blackhawks wary of Wild ahead of playoff series

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0500

For all their accomplishments so far -- the record-breaking start, the Presidents' Trophy, the individual honors -- the Chicago Blackhawks know this is the time of year that will define their season. They said the same thing all along.

Bicycling advocates look to further improve safety in Minneapolis

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Minneapolis is often held up as an example of a bicycle-friendly city that is taking steps to improve safety. Advocates for the community met with government representatives to identify innovative ideas for further improving safety.

Big sibling's big influence: Some behaviors run in the family

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Until pretty recently, the role siblings play in determining the trajectory of each other's lives hasn't been a particularly hot topic in psychological research. Psychologists, very understandably, have focused on the influences they see as more important -- such as parents and peers and genetics.

Duluth mountain bike trail network expanding

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:40:46 -0500

Duluth is forging ahead this summer with its plan to become a premier mountain biking city.

NBA veteran Jason Collins comes out as gay

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:42 -0500

The 34-year-old Collins has played for six NBA teams in 12 seasons. He finished this past season with the Washington Wizards and is now a free agent. He says he wants to continue playing.

Bicycle safety: Minnesota's efforts held up as model for US

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:48:08 -0500

When U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood picked Minnesota to host one of two bicycle safety summits, he held the state up as a model of how a place can increase the number of bikes on the road without increasing deaths.

Photos: First warm spring day brings people outdoors

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:19:59 -0500

It was a long wait, but Minnesotans were rewarded today with a sunny, warm day that actually felt like spring. And many took advantage of the chance to get outside and enjoy the weather. Our photographers captured some of those scenes.

Friday Festival: Cheese shop raises money for cheesemonger scholarship

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:56:33 -0500

Local cheesemonger Benjamin Roberts is raising money for a cheesemonger education fund this weekend at the two cheese shops he runs -- France 44 in Minneapolis and St. Paul Cheese Shop in St. Paul. A portion of the proceeds will go for a cheese scholarship in honor of the woman he describes as his "cheese mentor." Benjamin Roberts spoke with MPR's Tom Crann.

Report: T-wolves close to hiring Saunders

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:51:50 -0500

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly close to firing its president and bringing back Flip Saunders.

'Valhalla Club' in new Vikings stadium?

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:34:05 -0500

The new Vikings stadium may feature four themed club seating areas named the Valhalla, Fire, Ice and Vikings clubs.

Vikings select Shariff Floyd, Xavier Rhodes

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:24 -0500

Rick Spielman stepped to the podium with a big smile on his face, elated that his Minnesota Vikings were able to land Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night.

Vikings poised for tonight's NFL draft

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 06:43:16 -0500

General manager Rick Spielman said the Vikings have been inundated by trade talk for the 23rd and 25th overall selections they'll have on Thursday night. "Whether you believe me or not, I'm telling you it's been the most active it's been in a while because of where we're picking," Spielman said.

Students travel to Arctic to collect stories of climate change

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:50:24 -0500

A Minnesota group is traveling across the Arctic region of Canada this month to gather stories about the effects of climate change.

Minnesotans cope with non-spring

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:25:59 -0500

Minnesotans woke up to yet another April morning of scraping snow and ice off their windshields, and braving another snowy commute to work. The cold non-spring is affecting people and businesses around the Twin Cities. Will we ever get to enjoy the outdoors?

First look at new design for St. Paul's Lowertown ballpark

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:31:29 -0500

The City of St. Paul has an update to its Lowertown Ballpark project and has released an image showing a new design for the park. The rendering shown here shows the downtown St. Paul skyline in the background. It's the latest in a series of developments on the $54 million ballpark project, which will be the new home of the St. Paul Saints baseball team.

Florida dad saves son from alligator attack

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:05:30 -0500

A 6-year-old boy's day off from school Friday left him with a vivid story to tell his classmates, after he was seized -- and eventually released -- by an alligator in South Florida. The attack occurred at a wildlife refuge near Boynton Beach, Fla., where Joseph Welch had taken his son, Joey, for a canoe ride.

Fargo moves cleanup week as flood looms

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:29:41 -0500

The annual event allows residents to put most items -- large and small -- on the curb for pickup by city garbage crews. It had been scheduled for early May.

Want more gender equality at work? Go to an emerging market

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 -0500

A White House report puts it bluntly: "Today, younger women are more likely to graduate from college than are men and are more likely to hold a graduate school degree."

What does modern prejudice look like?

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:00:00 -0500

Harvard psychologist Mahzarin Banaji was once approached by a reporter for an interview. When Banaji heard the name of the magazine the reporter was writing for, she declined the interview: She didn't think much of the magazine and believed it portrayed research in psychology inaccurately.

Como Zoo & Conservatory reaches milestone in 10-year expansion

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The 100-year-old Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul has opened a new $2.8 million wing, and visitors got their first look over the weekend. The completion of the wing leaves just one more phase in a project that has taken a decade to complete.

Step-parenting from the child's perspective

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

When researchers from Brigham Young's School of Social Work realized that most research on stepfamilies focuses on adults rather than children, they set out to make up for that gap.

Gardeners make plans with no certainty in forecast

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:00:25 -0500

April is a planning month for gardeners throughout the middle of the country, and many are trying to figure out what to do amid rapidly shifting weather conditions.

Across America, a week of chaos, horror -- and hope

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:58:24 -0500

Moment after nail-biting moment, the events shoved us through a week that felt like an unremitting series of tragedies: Deadly bombs. Poison letters. A town shattered by a colossal explosion. A violent manhunt that paralyzed a major city, emptying streets of people and filling them with heavily armed police and piercing sirens. But beneath the pain, horror was counteracted by hope.

Denver pot holiday bringing crowds, tight security

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0500

As tens of thousands of people gather to celebrate and smoke marijuana in Denver, police will be out in full force. But it's not the pot smoking they're concerned about at the yearly event, billed as the nation's largest April 20 celebration.

USA Today founder Al Neuharth dies

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:55:03 -0500

USA Today founder Al Neuharth died Friday in Cocoa Beach, Fla. He was 89.

Two Minn. teens among growing number of girls competing in science

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:32:52 -0500

The trend of more girls participating in high level science competitions has been demonstrated over the past several years.

Once-lost Minn. Indian portraits on display

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:23:41 -0500

Once-lost images have now gone on display at Bemidji State University, where they'll be part of the permanent collection at the American Indian Resource Center.

Interfaith service in memory of Boston bombing victims

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

President Barack Obama will speak at an interfaith service in memory of the bombing victims at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston today.

Drug czar speaks at National Press Club

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:50:00 -0500

The director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowski, speaks live at the National Press Club about Obama administration drug policies, and is likely to address the legalization of marijuana.

Pat Summerall, sports announcer, dead at 82

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:31:38 -0500

Pat Summerall, the NFL player-turned-broadcaster whose deep, resonant voice called games for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 82.

Twin Cities Marathon organizers eye Boston

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:20:25 -0500

The people who run Minnesota's largest marathon say they're watching events unfold in Boston with an eye on what it might mean for their race, scheduled for this fall.

Video: Chris Kluwe's view from a wheelchair

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:35:38 -0500

Minnesota Viking Chris Kluwe spent a day in a wheelchair to support efforts at the Legislature for a $4 million appropriation for research to discover a cure for paralysis.

Lawmaker ready to throw out electronic gambling rules

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:22:03 -0500

The chair of Minnesota's House Commerce Committee said he will initiate discussions about changing electronic gambling rules Tuesday, aiming to improve revenues that are falling far short of the amount needed to fund the state's share of the $1 billion Vikings stadium.

Psst. Tax deadline not much of a deadline for most

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:22:49 -0500

Here's a little secret for all you procrastinators on Tax Day: The Internal Revenue Service doesn't like to talk about it, but as long as you don't owe any additional taxes, there is no penalty for filing a few days late.

Surly Brewing to build new facility in Minneapolis' Prospect Park area

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:48:46 -0500

Surly Brewing Co. has purchased a site in the Prospect Park area of Minneapolis to build a new brewery and taproom.

Science of empathy continues to evolve

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Evidence shows that empathy is wired into our brains evolutionarily, biochecmically and neurologically. Two scientists join us to discuss the latest research on empathy.

Pope supports crackdown on US nuns

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:54:44 -0500

The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis supports the Holy See's crackdown on the largest umbrella group of U.S. nuns, dimming hopes that a Jesuit pope whose emphasis on the poor mirrored the nuns' own social outreach would take a different approach than his predecessor.

Duluth's Goucher 6th in Boston Marathon

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:49:51 -0500

Distance runner Kara Goucher, who grew up in Duluth, finished in sixth place in the Boston Marathon Monday morning.

Video: SCSU hockey players donate long hair

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:18:12 -0500

The St. Cloud Times reports that the teammates' flowing tresses were destined for Locks of Love.

Pet breeders play defense as activists press for licensing bill

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0500

After six failed attempts, a bill that would require dog and cat breeders in Minnesota to obtain licenses could begin to move through the Legislature this year, thanks to the efforts of animal welfare advocates who contend it is far too easy for breeders to peddle animals online.

Jenna Bush Hager gives birth to 1st child

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:45:12 -0500

Former President George W. Bush has become a grandfather. His daughter Jenna Bush Hager gave birth to her first child, a daughter, on Saturday night in New York City.

Nice Ride rentals set to return after storm

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:13:33 -0500

The fourth season for the Nice Ride bike rental program should be back on track this weekend after a snowstorm last week temporarily shut it down.

When media mention a woman's appearance, her chance of being elected falls, study finds

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0500

Any mention of a female candidate's appearance in the media - be it positive, negative or even neutral - hurts her chance of being elected, according to a new study.

Lao New Year unites groups to celebrate together for first time in Minn.

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 09:16:04 -0500

Organizers of the Lao New Year's event in Crystal on Saturday say they brought the region's Hmong, Burmese and Laotian communities to celebrate together for the first time.

Brits, Americans feud over smallest park

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:06:25 -0500

The British and the Americans are quarreling -- albeit with tongues in cheek -- over territory again, this time over who has the world's smallest park.

News Cut: News quiz

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:00:00 -0500

Here are 10 questions based on news events this week. Let's see how well you've paid attention. Please report your score in the comments section.