MPR News Reflections and observations on the news

By 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.

Should Minnesota add a gun rights amendment to its constitution?

Bob Collins January 20, 2011, 2:42 PM Jan 20, 2011

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Rep. Tom Hackbarth is proposing a constitutional amendment be placed on the ballot acknowledging the right to keep, bear, and use arms.

Congress and health care

Bob Collins January 20, 2011, 2:41 PM Jan 20, 2011

Does Congress get a better health care plan than other Americans with health insurance?

Fact-check: Guns and violence

Bob Collins January 20, 2011, 11:21 AM Jan 20, 2011

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How big a part did Arizona’s gun laws play in the assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson nearly two weeks ago?

Feeling alive yet? (5×8 – 1/20/11)

Bob Collins January 20, 2011, 7:17 AM Jan 20, 2011

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It’s OK to admit the cold is cool, the color white, if a bear gives birth in the woods, can you speak prairiedog, and can cheaters at the U of M be caught?

Despite warnings of cuts to child protection, House committee passes cuts in human services

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 2:20 PM Jan 19, 2011

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Despite claims it will result in less protection for victims of child abuse and trauma, House Republicans this afternoon passed a bill to make cuts in human services in Minnesota permanent.

Academically adrift

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 12:02 PM Jan 19, 2011

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What does a college education buy? For one in three students, a new book says, nothing.

Heart condition ruled out in teen’s death

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 11:18 AM Jan 19, 2011

Lance Lundsten, 18, initially was reported to have died by suicide, with his friends saying it was the result of being bullied for being gay. Then his father said his son had an enlarged heart, and claimed the county coroner said so.

Bottoms up at the ballgame (5×8 – 1/19/11)

Bob Collins January 19, 2011, 7:27 AM Jan 19, 2011

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Sports and the drunken fan, guns in school, the news from Tucson, the end of days in Wisconsin, and snowmobile trails and the interloper.

You are editor: The suicide story

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 3:00 PM Jan 18, 2011

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Is it premature to connect a central Minnesota teen’s death with suicide and bullying?

More gaffes revealed in incorrect Giffords report

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 2:13 PM Jan 18, 2011

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NPR incorrectly reporting a congresswoman’s death is bad enough. Its decision to stick with the story made it even worse.

Hands off my lightbulb!

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 1:39 PM Jan 18, 2011

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A fight may be brewing over light bulbs.

Milton Rogovin, 1909-2011

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 12:59 PM Jan 18, 2011

He concentrated his imagery on the poor, whom he called ‘the forgotten ones.’

Is high-tech business friendly?

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 11:28 AM Jan 18, 2011

5

The growth in high-tech jobs appears to have little to do with taxes.

Sign wars: What’s your sign?

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 10:15 AM Jan 18, 2011

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What sign would you post to counter Wisconsin’s ‘open for business’ signs at the state’s borders?

In school, Facebook is off limits for teachers (5×8 – 1/18/11)

Bob Collins January 18, 2011, 6:50 AM Jan 18, 2011

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Your teacher is not your friend, welcome to Fargo, back to Vietnam, the art of fun in January, and docs and suicide.