Bob CollinsSometimes, you just have to stop and think about a sentence for a bit in order to realize just how bad things really are. Read more →
MPR News Reflections and observations on the news
By Bob Collins
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.
In a symbolic loss for the city, the owners of the last working farm prepare to auction pieces of it off. Read more →
It’s not much of a secret that next to city vs. suburb, bicyclists vs. drivers is a little steaming cauldron of hate when it comes to debates.
Nothing can stir one side up like mentioning the other side.
But here’s something surprising: it means cycling is mainstream, The Atlantic’s City Lab writes today. Read more →
The league might simply be too tone deaf already to understand that most people understand what the Vikings are up to. Read more →
If you’ve gone through airport security, gotten on your flight, and landed at your destination, can the Transit Security Administration (TSA) pull you aside for additional screening? Read more →
In May 1970, members of the National Guard in Ohio fired a volley of 67 bullets and took just 13 seconds to kill four unarmed college students because they were protesting a war.
Jeffrey Miller was standing in front of the soldiers and took a single bullet into the mouth.
No joke. Read more →
This is the time of year — every four years or so — when otherwise ethical journalists become willing participants in a presidential campaign’s strategy.
Read more →
Some parents in the Stillwater area worry that a a cellphone tower at a junior high school will harm their kids. Read more →
This Minnesota Vikings fan was doing the team proud while downing a few brews before yesterday’s game and whacking people with a switch, apparently in support of Adrian Peterson. Read more →
The online world has been really good at finding the people captured in torn or faded pictures found or possessed by strangers. Here’s another opportunity. Read more →
What NFL team has had more of its players arrested than any other franchise since 2000? Your Minnesota Vikings. But there should be an asterisk. Read more →
The Independence Party and every other third party can’t escape the reality that people think they’re wasting their vote. Read more →
A survey found no significant differences in moral behavior or judgment between religious people and nonreligious ones. But the reasons for extending kindness differ. Read more →
Big credit is going this morning to James Brown, the CBS Sports anchor for its NFL broadcasts, for his essay before last night’s Thursday Night Football game. Read more →
It’s hard not to envy North Dakota, where students loans and the state’s obligation to educate its own are an issue. In the race for agriculture commissioner. Read more →