News & Features from Minnesota Public Radio

Part of Lilydale Park to remain closed after fatalities

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:44:06 -0500

Lilydale Park's fossil grounds will remain closed for investigation after two children died in an apparent landslide on a fossil hunting school field trip yesterday.

Teen pregnancies continue to decline, new report shows

Thu, 23 May 2013 20:37:42 -0500

New government figures add to evidence of a decline in teen pregnancies across the nation and point to a notably large drop in births among Hispanic teens. The overall birth rate among teens is now half what it was at its peak, two decades ago.

Gov. Dayton vetoes portion of Legacy bill

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:36:59 -0500

Two outdoor projects in the Legacy bill passed by the Legislature have been line-item vetoed by Gov. Mark Dayton: one which provides funding for habitat in the metro area and the other which targets aquatic invasive species. The governor says he responded to citizen pressure to drop funding for the two items.

Income tax hike draws complaints, praise from state's top earners

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:04:20 -0500

A key source of revenue in the Minnesota's freshly minted budget is a new higher income tax rate that the top 2 percent of earners will pay. The tax increase moves the top rate from nearly 8 percent to 9.85 percent.

Obama defends drone strikes but says no cure-all

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:28:45 -0500

President Barack Obama on Thursday defended America's controversial drone attacks as legal, effective and a necessary linchpin in an evolving U.S. counterterrorism policy.

Did climate change cause deadly OKC twisters?

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:45:00 -0500

It's not clear what relationship, if any, may exist between killer tornadoes and climate change.

Carlbom: 'Quiet,' 'brilliant' leader behind same-sex marriage law

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:36:25 -0500

Richard Carlbom led Minnesotans United for All Families to two historic victories: the defeat of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage last November, and the recent passage of the same-sex marriage bill.

Mayo Clinic celebrates state funding approval

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

With approval of taxpayer support for Mayo Clinic's "destination medical center" are questions about how the money will be spent, its effects on Rochester and a timetable for development.

Minn. records 201 flu deaths this season

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:43:28 -0500

Health officials say Minnesota topped 200 influenza-related deaths this flu season.

Minn. community banks profit, loan growth decline

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:50:47 -0500

Minnesota's community banks saw profit and loan growth decline in the first three months of the year.

SPCO announces 2013-2014 season - and starts playing catch-up

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:42:29 -0500

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra today released details of its 2013-2014 season, which includes six world premiers, a centennial celebration of the work of Benjamin Britten, a survey of Beethoven's "heroic" period and an abundance of Baroque work.

House passes Kline's student loan bill

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:39:20 -0500

In a mostly party-line vote Thursday, the U.S. House passed a bill introduced by Minnesota Rep. John Kline, R-2nd District, that would tie student loan interest rates to market rates.

Dayton vetoes projects from MN Legacy bill

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:22:33 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton has line-item vetoed two provisions from a bill that distributes sales-tax money by way of state grants for the outdoors, parks and trails and arts and cultural programs.

US Senate rejects end to sugar industry aid

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:14:54 -0500

The U.S. Senate defeated an amendment to the farm bill that would have ended government protections for the domestic sugar industry, including Minnesota sugar beet growers.

Hobby Lobby birth control coverage up for federal appeal

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:34:53 -0500

In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill.

Environmental interests see gains in legislative session

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The just-completed legislative session stands apart from others by the availability of new money for the environment. After years of budget cuts and reallocations, state agencies now get a boost in funding, and a mandate to use it effectively.

'What Maisie Knew' finds modern truths in Victorian satire

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The directorial team behind the indie hit "Bee Season" and "The Deep End" return with an updated version of the Henry James satire on bad parenting. Scott McGehee and David Siegel co-direct a number of films. For the critically acclaimed adaptation they have not only succeeded in telling a very modern story, they may have unearthed a new child star.

What Minneapolis and St. Paul won at the Legislature

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:43:05 -0500

Minnesota's two largest cities can count on millions of dollars in new state money as they plan their budgets for next year. The DFL strongholds clearly benefited from the party's total control of state government this session.

Dayton signs bill funding all-day K, early childhood education

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:29:02 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton signed an education budget bill Wednesday that boosts funding for public schools over the next two years, funds all-day kindergarten statewide for the first time and retools high school testing requirements.

Go east, young marijuana dealer

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:10:12 -0500

Chuck used to sell marijuana in California. But the legalization of medical marijuana in the state meant he was suddenly competing against hundreds of marijuana dispensaries. So he moved to New York, where marijuana is still 100 percent illegal.

Small-business owners stand up for voice in political debate

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

As the American economy slowly recovers, we look at the role of small businesses and what their owners need to succeed.

New stormwater management plan riles Minnesota cities

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Rules aim to reduce runoff pollution in bodies of water.

A look back at higher ed's successful year at the Legislature

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Legislators found money to forestall more tuition hikes at public colleges.

Tax break could make megamall bigger

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:59:36 -0500

A $250 million tax break passed in the closing minutes of the legislative session is expected to resurrect expansion plans at the Mall of America.

Target profits fall 29% in first quarter

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:04:41 -0500

Target's first-quarter profits fell 29 percent, as cool spring weather and worries about the economy curbed shoppers' spending.

IRS official on conservative targeting: 'I did nothing wrong'

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:31:14 -0500

The official at the center of the storm over the agency's targeting of conservative groups invoked her constitutional right to refuse to answer lawmakers' questions today.

US home sales highest in 3 years

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:09:17 -0500

p last month to the highest level in three and a half years, helped by a jump in the number of houses for sale.

Median CEO pay rises to $9.7M in 2012

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:48:03 -0500

CEO pay, which fell two years straight during the Great Recession but rose 24 percent in 2010 and 6 percent in 2011, has never been higher. But the numbers don't tell the whole story.

After Hurricane Sandy, Oklahoma's GOP senators in tornado aid bind

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:28:40 -0500

Sens. Tom Coburn and James Inhofe both have been consistent critics of FEMA spending and recently voted against aid to victims of Superstorm Sandy, which ravaged swaths of New Jersey and New York last year. But they're happy to get federal aid after this week's devastating tornado.

Gun control advocates aim for tougher laws next session

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 -0500

State legislators passed a public safety bill with bipartisan support that includes measures to shore up the state's criminal background check system and to fund school safety programs. However, they say the legislation falls short and they plan to try for a more comprehensive bill next session.

Wis. candidates got $758K from sand, gas industry

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:46:14 -0500

A new report says the sand mining and natural gas industries have given Wisconsin candidates nearly $758,000 since 2007, with contributions spiking last year as sand mining took off in the state.

DNR plans stepped up watercraft inspections

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:44:17 -0500

The Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the boating season for many Minnesotans. So the Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters and anglers to be extra vigilant to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Noah Baumbach and the joy of 'Frances Ha'

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:12:57 -0500

"I don't know. I try not to describe it," laughed director Noah Baumbach when asked to about his latest film. Nonetheless the director and writer of such cinematic depictions of modern angst as "The Squid and the Whale," "Margot at the Wedding," and "Greenberg," sits in a room in his Minneapolis hotel and tries.

Abdi Warsame, contender for City Council, out to change perspectives

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Abdi Warsame has never run for office before, but last month he won the DFL party endorsement over a three-term incumbent. If successful, he could be the first Somali-American elected to the Minneapolis City Council.

Vertical 'pinkhouses:' The future of urban farming?

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The idea of vertical farming is all the rage right now. Architects and engineers have come up with spectacular concepts for lofty buildings that could function as urban food centers of the future.

Agency approves 4th Magnetation plant

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:30:51 -0500

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's citizens board has approved a company's plans to build its fourth iron ore recovery plant on the Iron Range.

IRS official in charge of nonprofits declines to testify

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:52:11 -0500

Lois Lerner, the Internal Revenue Service official who handled the division that deals with nonprofit groups seeking tax-exempt status, will invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination rather than answer questions at a congressional hearing set for Wednesday.

Scientists: Don't drop fed. wolf protections

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:09:08 -0500

Groups of scientists are urging federal officials not to remove protections for gray wolves across the Lower 48 states.

Burning restrictions lifted in 32 counties

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:02:44 -0500

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has lifted fire restrictions in all or parts of 32 Minnesota counties as wet weather lowers the fire danger.

Groundbreaking set for new St. Croix bridge

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:01:31 -0500

Minnesota and Wisconsin transportation officials have scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for the new St. Croix bridge project connecting the two states.

Poll shows Franken with big leads over potential opponents

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:04:17 -0500

U.S. Sen. Al Franken is in "good shape for re-election" 18 months out from Election Day 2014 with approval ratings above 50 percent and a big leads over all of his potential opponents, according to the Democratic polling firm, Public Policy Polling.

Ask Dr. Jon Hallberg: The price we pay for drugs

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:14:52 -0500

American spend over $325 billion annually on drugs, but lately there's been a dip in pharmaceutical spending.

Status-quo transportation bill disappoints transit advocates

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:36:41 -0500

Minnesota lawmakers passed a so-called "lights-on" bill for transportation this session, which doesn't include either a gas tax increase or a metro sales tax increase for transit. The bill passed without the new revenue many transportation advocates had hoped to gain for a long list of transit projects and road improvements.

Democrats, Republicans push their take on the legislative session

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:05 -0500

DFL leaders said they'd ended years of chronic budget and financial problems for the state. Republicans called the five-month session a political blunder of historic proportions.

Are blockbusters hurting the art of movies?

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

"Iron Man 3" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness" are doing well at the box office, but the prevalence of big-budget mayhem flicks may be a detriment to the rest of the industry.

In 'The Yellow Birds,' veteran highlights emotional hardships of Iraq war

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Kevin Powers discusses his new book and how writing it helped him process and cope with his time in the Middle East.

A literary gut check from author Mary Roach

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Her new book takes readers on a tour of the alimentary canal, answering uncomfortable questions along the way.

Justice Department leak case prompts backlash from watchdog groups

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Fox News journalist James Rosen may face criminal charges as a result of classified leaks, according to new information released Monday about the Department of Justice investigation.

The Walker's Music & Movies series returns

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:49:13 -0500

The Walker Art Center unveiled its Music & Movies 2013 lineup this afternoon, which will once again feature a handful of Minnesota acts warming up for free movie screenings Monday evenings in July and August.

Futurist Jamais Cascio envisions a sustainable, resilient world

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:19:44 -0500

Internationally renowned futurist Jamais Cascio explores the potential course of planet Earth over the next 50 years, painting a picture of what a sustainable, resilient world could look like. He says the choices we make today will shape the decades to come.

Medtronic announces 500 job cuts in Minn.

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:18:08 -0500

Medtronic says it's eliminating 2,000 jobs from its global workforce, with a net 340 Minnesota positions being eliminated.

Microsoft unveils new Xbox One console

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:58:13 -0500

The company revealed the Xbox One, its next-generation entertainment console, during a presentation Tuesday at its headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

Dayton hails results of session as 'progress'

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:22:46 -0500

This morning, the governor touted results including statewide all-day kindergarten and financial support for Rochester to help with the Mayo Clinic's Destination Medical Center plan.

Best Buy reports 1Q loss of $81M

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:11:10 -0500

Best Buy Co. on Tuesday reported a loss in its fiscal first quarter as it sold its stake in Best Buy Europe and works on a turnaround plan that includes cutting costs and closing some stores.

Millennials may be growing fed up with politics, period

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

The support of voters 18 to 29, which played an important part in Barack Obama's rise, appears to be waning. But it may be nothing personal.

Former IRS chief can't say how conservative targeting happened

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:21:19 -0500

The man who led the Internal Revenue Service when it was giving extra scrutiny to tea party and other conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status told Congress on Tuesday that he knew little about what was happening while he was still commissioner.

What's cut, kept in divisive Legacy bill

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:36:16 -0500

The $496 million Legacy bill lawmakers sent to Gov. Mark Dayton on Monday received the most 'no' votes ever recorded for spending through the amendment voters approved in 2008 to send sales tax money to clean water, the outdoors, arts and parks.

Sportsmen, outdoors council: Legacy bill sets bad precedent

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:58:39 -0500

The Nature Conservancy and nearly two dozen other habitat and sportsmen's groups are asking Gov. Mark Dayton to veto part of the Legacy bill after lawmakers added projects that weren't recommended by the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.

Planting conditions improve in Minnesota

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:50:27 -0500

A miserable start to spring planting for Minnesota farmers has greatly improved with a stretch of better weather.

Wis. panel to hear bill limiting local recalls

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:42:13 -0500

The Republican-sponsored bill is up for a hearing Tuesday before the Assembly's Committee on Campaigns and Elections.

Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week begins

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:40:35 -0500

The designation is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the destructive nature of the tree pests, and to spread the word about the "three P's of EAB" -- Prepare, Protect, and Plant.

Political spin begins as 2013 session ends

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:56:05 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders will shift from policy to politics today, now that the 2013 session is over. Dayton will hold a press conference this morning, while Republican lawmakers will travel the state to give their spin on the session.

Budget in hand, Legislature adjourns

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:04:36 -0500

The last votes included the Senate's passage of a massive tax bill, and House approval of a measure to finance state government operations. Both votes were delayed most of the final day by negotiations on a new, smaller bonding bill that covers repairs on the State Capitol.

Anti-bullying bill will return next year, supporters say

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

Supporters of a move to strengthen Minnesota's anti-bullying law say they will push the issue again next session. A bill that would have required schools to track cases of bullying and better train staff to deal with bullying was pulled from consideration early Monday morning, as it faced a filibuster from Republicans who had concerns over the cost of the measure.

Eager, humble Bruce Coppock to reassume SPCO leadership

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra board today is expected to re-appoint Bruce Coppock as president and CEO. Coppock previously held the spot, but left five years ago due to health issues. Now back and in good health, Coppock is challenged with repairing the damage incurred by a bitter contract dispute.

Should we let wunderkinds drop out of high school?

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

It's one thing to say tech geniuses don't need degrees. After all, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg all dropped out of college. Which raises the question: When is it OK for a wunderkind to drop out of school?

Legislature sends pared down-bonding bill to Dayton

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:16:05 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature Monday night passed a bill to pay for State Capitol renovations. The pared-down bonding bill includes $109 million to make extensive repairs to the State Capitol, as well as funding for flood mitigation projects and the Minneapolis veteran's home.

High crop prices entice farms to expand planting

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:49:44 -0500

Clark Kelly plans to spend a lot of time on the links this spring. The Illinois farmer is plowing the Hend-Co-Hills Golf Course near tiny Biggsville into a cornfield.

Sports seem OK for many with heart-zapping device

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:43:58 -0500

New research is challenging medical guidelines that say people with a heart-zapping device in their chests should avoid intense sports like basketball and soccer in favor of golf or bowling.

More Obama aides knew of IRS audit; Obama not told

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:38:00 -0500

White House chief of staff Denis McDonough and other senior advisers knew in late April that an impending report was likely to say the IRS had inappropriately targeted conservative groups, President Barack Obama's spokesman disclosed Monday, expanding the circle of top officials who knew of the audit beyond those named earlier.

Minn. lawmakers approve State Capitol bonds, also includes flood projects

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:03:31 -0500

The Minnesota Legislature Monday night passed a bill to pay for State Capitol renovations. The new, smaller bonding bill includes $109 million to make extensive repairs to the State Capitol, as well as funding for flood mitigation projects, parking at the Capitol and the Minneapolis veteran's home. The Legislature faces a constitutional deadline of midnight to complete its business.

Half of Minn.'s corn crop planted

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:49:10 -0500

Minnesota farmers took advantage of good weather last week to plant more than half their corn crop.

Legacy bill goes with commission's parks recommendations

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:20:08 -0500

Parks in the Twin Cities metro area won't get a bigger piece of the Legacy bill's parks pie, but lawmakers decided the metro should get more outdoors money.

David Plotz of online magazine Slate on our media future

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:54:11 -0500

David Plotz, the award-winning editor of Slate, speaks to MPR's Eric Ringham as part of the MPR Broadcast Journalist Series. He says the digitial revolution is broadening audiences and creating more engaging and important journalism.

State: 25 sick from homemade queso fresco

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:42:36 -0500

State health officials say at least 25 people have become sick from Salmonella found in a Mexican-style cheese made with raw milk.

Study: Rising Lake Superior temperatures affecting fish species

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:39:34 -0500

A new study shows that climate change could mean better conditions for some Lake Superior fish species, but worse for others.

Legislature approves investment in all-day kindergarten

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

A look at education measures passed by the Legislature.

Let's learn the lessons of education reform at last, author says

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Education, says an author, is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. Crazy?

Temple Grandin explores the autistic brain

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 -0500

Kerri Miller's conversation with Temple Grandin at the Fitzgerald Theater.

Minn. House finally passes daycare union bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:55:25 -0500

The House concluded a debate that stretched over a couple of days over the unionization of two groups of government-subsidized workers.

Twin Cities gas prices reaching record highs

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:40:54 -0500

Gas prices in the Twin Cities are hitting record highs in recent days.

Tougher disclosure rules dropped from campaign finance bill

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:11:54 -0500

Three provisions have been dropped from a campaign finance bill that would have required some political groups to say more about where their money is coming from and how it is being spent.

FBI to interview ex-Bachmann staffer

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:03:23 -0500

Investigators with the FBI are expected to interview a former staffer of Rep. Michele Bachmann next week.

Meet 'Big Honza,' Montgomery, Minnesota's 12-foot Czech folk hero

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:13:35 -0500

A combination of the area's Czech heritage and a huge helping of imagination formed the character Big Honza. Locals hope this fictional folk hero will put their town on the map.

Inspiring Lakeland teen Zach Sobiech passes away

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:19:05 -0500

While most high school seniors have spent the school year looking ahead to the future, terminally ill Lakeland, Minnesota teenager Zach Sobiech has spent his time staring down the unimaginable.

Clock ticks down to end of legislative session: live coverage

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:04:17 -0500

The clock is ticking down for the Minnesota Legislature as its members work to pass a budgets and other key measures. We're live-blogging the developments

Chronic pain increasingly accompanies Minnesota veterans home from war

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 -0500

Data obtained by MPR News from the Department of Veterans Affairs show a dramatic increase in chronic back, neck, hip, knee and shoulder injuries over the past decade. Some of these injuries are caused in combat or by the dangerous jobs soldiers do overseas. But some injuries are caused by the very equipment meant to protect soldiers from harm.

Yahoo confirms purchase of Tumblr for $1.1 billion

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:25:08 -0500

If this deal pays off the way Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer envisions, Tumbler could help Yahoo finally get its stock price to $33. The deal could backfire though if Yahoo's effort to make more money alienates a Tumblr user base that so far has been subjected to hardly any advertising.

United to restart 787 flights on Monday

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:45 -0500

The planes are returning after being grounded for four months by the federal government because of smoldering batteries on 787s owned by other airlines. The incidents included an emergency landing of one plane, and a fire on another.

Budget in limbo with legislative deadline just hours away

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:02:37 -0500

Members spent most of the weekend working to pass pieces of a two-year, $38.3 billion budget -- the main work of the session. The House passed the tax bill that finances that spending earlier Monday morning after a six-hour debate by a 69-65 margin.

'Copyright trolls' target Minnesotans, accusing them of stealing online porn

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:55:00 -0500

Imagine you're accused of illegally downloading a pornographic video. Whether you actually did or not, you now face a demand to pay several thousand dollars to settle the matter. Or you could pay the legal costs of a court battle and have the allegations made public.

Mpls. schools to revive autonomy plan amid mixed results in US

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:00:00 -0500

In the latest effort to boost student performance, the Minneapolis school district wants to give more autonomy to individual schools. Under the effort schools would have discretion over budgeting, hiring, scheduling and curriculum.

Minn. vets developing wear-and-tear injuries from equipment that protected them in war

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:00:00 -0500

Thousands of Minnesota troops are returning from war to live with pain from invisible injuries that don't grab headlines, according to an MPR News report airing Monday afternoon on All Things Considered.

Gas prices up 11 cents over past 2 weeks

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:00:00 -0500

The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has jumped 11 cents over the past two weeks.

How lawmakers cope with long hours in session

Sun, 19 May 2013 18:48:06 -0500

Legislators at the Minnesota Capitol have worked marathon hours this weekend as they raced to finish work on the new two-year state budget before the mandated end of the session on Monday at midnight. We talked to one lawmaker about how he and his colleagues handle the long hours.

What do we eat? New food map will tell us

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:18:42 -0500

Until now, the only way to find out what people in the United States eat and how many calories they consume has been government data, which can lag behind the rapidly expanding and changing food marketplace. Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are trying to change that by creating a gargantuan map of what foods Americans are buying and eating.

Delta CEO plans to add jobs in NE Minnesota

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:49:38 -0500

The chief executive of Delta Air Lines says he plans to add jobs at the carrier's reservation center in the northeastern Minnesota city of Chisholm.

Dayton asks Senate to reject tax court appointee

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:47:05 -0500

Gov. Mark Dayton is asking the state Senate to reject the confirmation of a Minnesota Tax Court judge who is facing suspension and censure.

On the Minnesota River, 'paddling theater' offers entertainment and adventure

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:15:55 -0500

On May 18, 2013, performers staged a "paddling theater production" on the Minnesota River as part of Minnesota River History Weekend and Minnesota State Water Trails 50th Anniversary. The event offered stories, songs and characters from local river lore, presented both as live theater and live-action radio drama in an original production called "With the Future on the Line: Paddling Theater from Granite Falls to Yellow Medicine."

Allende finds inspiration for novel close to home

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500

'Maya's Notebook' has its roots in the author's fears for her grandchildren.