• Minnesota Public Radio
  • Stations
      Cancel
    • NewsMPR News mprnews.org
    • The CurrentThe Current thecurrent.org
    • ClassicalClassical MPR classicalmpr.org
    • Minnesota Public Radiompr.org
  • MPR Information
    MPR Information
    Cancel
    • Give Now
    • Archive
    • Events
      • Tickets
      • Events Calendar
      • MPR Custom Travel
    • Shop
    • About us
      • Radio Heartland
      • Wonderground Radio
      • Company Information
      • Stations
      • Public Insight Journalism
      • Contact Info
      • Press Room
      • MPR People
      • Career Opportunities
      • Partners
      • Educational Sponsors
      • Minnesotans for MPR
      • Tapes & Transcripts
      • Tower Rental
    • Members
      • Member Benefits
      • Sustaining Membership
      • More Ways to Give
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Member
    • Give Now
Search MPR
Cancel
NewsCut

MPR News Reflections and observations on the news

By Bob Collins

Bob Collins
bcollins@mpr.org • @newscut

Bob Collins retired from Minnesota Public Radio in 2019 after 12 years of writing NewsCut and pointing out to complainants that posts weren’t news stories. A son of Massachusetts, he was a news editor 1992-1998, created the MPR News regional website in 1999, invented the popular Select A Candidate, started several blogs, and every day lamented that his Minnesota Fantasy Legislature project never caught on.

Education

Maple Lake celebrates teacher signing day

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 10, 2018, 9:09 AM May 10, 2018
4

We love our sports and the people who play them, but something is a little out of whack. Football players aren’t going to change many people’s lives. Teachers? That’s another story. Read more →

Health

A MN veteran tried to get help, but was turned away. Now he’s dead

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 10, 2018, 8:08 AM May 10, 2018
15

Privacy laws are going to prevent a lot of people from talking, but the story of the death of Shannon Shaw, 49, of Waite Park, Minn., may well serve as a reality check on “supporting our troops.” Read more →

Sports

The racism at the rink

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 10, 2018, 7:04 AM May 10, 2018
8

Hockey is a sport played mostly by white people, and that’s just the way too many hockey fans want to keep it.
Read more →

What’s on MPR News? 5/10/18

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 10, 2018, 6:04 AM May 10, 2018
3

Here are the stories, topics, and guests you’ll hear today if you listen to MPR News. Read more →

Politics

It doesn’t take much to be a ‘terrorist’ in Wisconsin

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 3:53 PM May 9, 2018
16

It’s a low bar to be a terrorist in Wisconsin. Read more →

Education

Woman gets the job by literally standing out from the crowd

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 12:57 PM May 9, 2018
3

Now that commencement season is well underway, the find-a-job era begins in earnest.

The days of just throwing a resume in the mail are over, of course. You’ve got to be creative to stand out.
Read more →

Arts & Culture

Obituary advice: ‘Hug a baby sloth. Ride an elephant’

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 11:30 AM May 9, 2018
12

‘Remember: Jesus loves you, but Virginia was his favorite.’ Read more →

People are jerks

Beanbag brawl

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 10:35 AM May 9, 2018
5

You get a bunch of men together and the testosterone and alcohol can be explosive. Read more →

Newspaper employees wonder who will cover their plight

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 9:35 AM May 9, 2018
18

Journalists at newspapers are fighting a losing battle against the hedge fund that owns their papers because their point is being proven. It takes a strong local newspaper to effect change and shine a light on community evil. Read more →

Science

How much pollen is in a tree?

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 8:43 AM May 9, 2018
14

We have proof today that Americans have not lost their insatiable curiosity, at least where allergies and sniffles are concerned. Read more →

Arts & Culture

Jesus seen in Fargo flame

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 7:46 AM May 9, 2018
9

The image of Jesus has been seen in potato chips, banana peels, french toast and now the flames of Fargo. Read more →

Health · Politics

Fighting abuse of elders a tough sell at Minnesota Capitol

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 7:01 AM May 9, 2018
9

If there was one issue that seemed like a slam dunk in the Minnesota Legislature’s session, it’s that something would be done to address the elder abuse and neglect uncovered in a Star Tribune series that exposed flaws in the system to protect them.

Nope. Read more →

What’s on MPR News? 5/9/18

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 9, 2018, 6:00 AM May 9, 2018
21

Here are the stories, topics, and guests you’ll hear today on MPR News. Read more →

Education

The parents who just want a better life for their kids

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 8, 2018, 1:28 PM May 8, 2018
14

One of these days, some college or university is going to present the most insightful commencement speaker ever to take the stage. It’ll be a parent who just wanted a better life for their kid. Read more →

This or That

1,000 Words: You are here

Bob CollinsBob Collins May 8, 2018, 12:29 PM May 8, 2018
19

My airline friend snaps pictures of some of my favorite cities when he’s flying upfront in the jumpseat (I presume). This morning, he grabbed one of my most favorite communities. Read more →

‹ Older Previous 15 posts
Newer › Next 15 posts
  • Member Supported · Join Now ›
    “I love being part of such a gift to the community, free on their radio or computer, anytime!” —Shelly from Blaine, MN
  • Sponsor
  • Latest from MPR News Blogs
    • NewsCut

      Good night and good news

    • Capitol View® - MPR News

      Politics Friday: Should we stop trusting pre-election polling?

  • Sponsor
Sponsor
More MPR News
  • Listen Live
  • Audio help
  • MPR News on iOS
  • MPR News on Android
  • MPR News blogs
  • iOS Streaming app
  • Android Streaming app
  • Podcasts
  • RSS feeds
  • Program schedule
  • Station directory
  • About Minnesota Public Radio
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Become a Member
  • Volunteer
  • Fundraising Credentials
  • Terms of use
  • Your privacy rights
  • Public Inspection Files

Minnesota Public Radio ©2022. All rights reserved.