MPR MN News

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke strongly against his former pastor Jeremiah Wright. Eminent theologian and author Martin Marty talks about religion and presidential candidates.

The proposed Big Stone II power plant today suffered a major setback.

Five years and more than $8 million into a project plagued by delays and glitches, state officials decided to abandon their first attempt to develop software for an online health care signup system and start over.

A new national report estimates more than 30 million adults in the U.S. drove under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year. The study shows the highest rates of drinking and driving are in the upper Midwest.

What do a morel mushroom, a Lake Superior agate and a blueberry muffin have in common? They're all official state symbols for Minnesota, of course.

Three eighth graders in western Minnesota were suspended this week for sitting down during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Budget talks between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Legislature are on hold, because the governor is in Pequot Lakes for the annual fishing opener.

Dr. Dog has been described as a psychedelic rock band and have drawn comparisons to bands of the 1960's, including The Beatles, The Band, and The Beach Boys.

The Mayo Clinic is announcing today that it has raised nearly $1 billion over the past three years.

A $10 million donation from Eugene and Mary Frey will fund scholarships for students at the University of St. Thomas. The award will favor students with barriers to college.

The Minnesota House has rejected a measure that would allow police to pull over and ticket unbelted motorists. The seat belt provision would have made violations a primary offense.

The Minnesota House passed a wide ranging K-12 education policy bill Thursday night that would make ice hockey the official state sport.

Rochester schools superintendent Romaine Dallemand says the district will start a new program next year to close the academic gap. The five year plan will train parents, teachers and administrators on ways to motivate students

A million anglers are expected to head out for Saturday's fishing opener, but catching a walleye may be more challenging this year. The cold spring has delayed walleye spawning, and some northern Minnesota lakes are still frozen solid.

Mankato businessman Glen Taylor and his wife Becky are donating $7 million to Minnesota State University Mankato. The money will establish an institute, a faculty position and a scholarship, all centered around nursing.

Test your knowledge of Minnesota history! MPR's Gary Eichten and Cathy Wurzer host a special Sesquicentennial quiz, with questions compiled by local historians.

It's a rough world for job seekers this summer, particularly younger ones. Author Daniel Pink offers hope in a new book that is aimed not just at new entrants into the career world, but also their parents. He says parents need to know you don't need a big plan to find a good job.

Ejiofor is a British actor, who's drawn broad praise for his stage and film work. Now he is trying something very different. He's starring in a martial arts movie called "Redbelt," written and directed by David Mamet.

It now appears the only way there will be a new farm bill this year is if Congress overrides a presidential veto.

Clinton, speaking in an airport hangar in Sioux Falls, said the Democratic Party will be stronger as the process continues.