If the child protection system in Minnesota still seems functional to you — despite the Star Tribune’s ongoing series proving that it’s not — then consider just four paragraphs in reporter Brandon Stahl’s story today on Cynthia Kiewatt, 43, who has had several chances to prove she’s fit to care for her two-year-old son. Read more →
MPR News Reflections and observations on the news
Archives for September 2015
Nurse Susan Berger always wondered whatever happened to the baby she cared for in 1977. The badly-burned baby grew up to be Amanda Scarpinati, who always wondered whatever happened to that nurse.
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The anti-concrete-deer crowd is apparently behind a hoax in Wisconsin claiming that the fake deer are interfering with a count of real ones. Read more →
Has too much of our routine been handed over to Facebook? This story from Australia might provide a clue. Read more →
She’s been a columnist for more than 50 years, but her family says a ‘hip ailment’ is going to keep her out of the paper for a bit. Read more →
Given the way local media buried the Minnesota Lynx’ victory over the Phoenix Mercury yesterday, there’s a good chance you didn’t see the final play which propelled the Lynx to the WNBA finals.
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A driver in Melrose was minding his business on Highway 12 this month, the Minnesota State Patrol reports on its Facebook page today. That’s when this happened. Read more →
The court made its declaration in the case of a man who was not allowed to possess a firearm because of an earlier felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance. Read more →
For sheer heartbreak, few jobs can match being an elementary school teacher. Read more →
Millennials are part of the first generation that isn’t predictable, says one marketing expert. Read more →
We have no fear of the future, knowing that kids who can figure out ways to smash pumpkins will inherit it.
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How the war ruined families was on display last week when complete strangers pitched in to help fix up the house for sale in Willmar.
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Astronaut Kjell Lindgren probably caught a little friendly grief for taking a picture of Minneapolis from space but not St. Paul. He made it right on Saturday. Read more →
If the Minnesota Vikings won’t take him back, perhaps Ragnar can be the official mascot for everyone who overplayed their hand.
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A controversy at Connecticut’s Wesleyan University is symptomatic of an increasing reality. Commentary and opinion in journalism is declining as a roadmap to a healthy exchange of ideas. Read more →