News & Features from Minnesota Public Radio

New book documents Osmo Vanska's career

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Osmo Vanska is the subject of a new book. The pictures are a feast for the eyes, tracing the maestro's story from his early years playing clarinet to leading -- and building -- one of the finest orchestras in the world.

Democrats' health care reform bill passes House

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:56:27 -0600

The Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.

Pawlenty tests presidential waters in Iowa

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:26:10 -0600

Gov. Tim Pawlenty dipped his toes into the presidential waters on Saturday night, speaking to a group of Republican activists in Des Moines, Iowa.

Being unemployed is tougher than it used to be

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0600

When these union workers were protesting the disappearance of their jobs in 1982, the unemployment rate was months away from hitting 10 percent, as it did late last week. The difference between then and now? Americans have more than triple the debt they had then, and less than half the savings.

Questionable ethics: a textbook case

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0600

When Chris Thompson received a free textbook in his Eyes, Nose and Throat class he took a look at the logo in the corner and rolled his eyes.

Students turn fast food into fuel for learning

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:13:34 -0600

A growing school-breakfast program in St. Paul called Breakfast to Go allows students to grab a free nutritious meal in the cafeteria and take it to class, ensuring more children are eating their morning meal.

Minneapolis hosts vigil for hikers held in Iran

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0600

Families and friends of the three American hikers detained in Iran will mark the 100-day anniversary of their detention at a candlelight vigil in Minneapolis on Sunday.

Minnesota deer hunting opener will be a warm one

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0600

With high temperatures in the 50s or even 60s for Minnesota's deer hunting opener on Saturday, anyone who harvests a deer will have to make sure the meat isn't left out in the open for too long.

Letters illustrate rising tensions over Central Corridor project

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:31:40 -0600

An exchange of letters this week between top officials at the University of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council illustrate an increasingly testy relationship between the two institutions as they work to resolve their differences over the proposed Central Corridor transit project.

Rep. Tim Walz says he'll support House health care bill

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:47:28 -0600

Minnesota Congressman Tim Walz said he'll support the House health care bill that's scheduled for a vote on Saturday.

Finding a home in language

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0600

Somali immigrants face many challenges adjusting to life in America. As part of our Youth Radio Series, Sadiya Mohamed describes her search for home in America.

Novel explores the legacy of Indian boarding schools

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:45:00 -0600

Bemidji-based writer Kent Nerburn writes fictional narratives based on the real stories of people he has met on reservations in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Nerburn's latest book, "The Wolf at Twilight," explores the sad legacy of the Indian Boarding schools.

Pawlenty postpones Mexico trade trip

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:30:27 -0600

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is postponing a brief trade trip to Mexico, saying that President Felipe Calderon has a scheduling conflict.

Two indicted for allegedly growing marijuana on public land

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:41:42 -0600

A federal grand jury has indicted two men for allegedly growing 428 marijuana plants on Aitkin County land.

Field of St. Paul superintendent candidates to be narrowed to 6 next week

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:15:48 -0600

The St. Paul School District plans to narrow its list of candidates for superintendent to three by the end of next week.