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.

When a newspaper dies

Bob Collins December 27, 2007, 7:36 PM Dec 27, 2007

1

One hopes it will never happen here. The odds say it will.

On the ground in Pakistan

Bob Collins December 27, 2007, 10:18 AM Dec 27, 2007

What bloggers are saying about the assassination.

We’re #26!

Bob Collins December 27, 2007, 8:18 AM Dec 27, 2007

Population estimates are released. At least we’re not Michigan.

Science!

Bob Collins December 27, 2007, 7:33 AM Dec 27, 2007

Bibles and an alcohol-ravaged liver dominate today’s great accomplishments.

Panic mode

Bob Collins December 27, 2007, 7:01 AM Dec 27, 2007

4

From the threat of avalanches to food poisoning to identity theft, it’s tough just getting out of bed in the morning.

How bad is it… really?

Bob Collins December 26, 2007, 1:15 PM Dec 26, 2007

1

Does a housing price survey sound worse than it really is?

When one person can lead many lives

Bob Collins December 26, 2007, 1:07 PM Dec 26, 2007

The holidays bring a plethora of organ donation stories.

The most intriguing person of the year

Bob Collins December 26, 2007, 5:28 AM Dec 26, 2007

2

The reluctant hero seems like a worthy candidate.

Timewasters: Christmas lights

Bob Collins December 24, 2007, 6:42 PM Dec 24, 2007

3

Yule log? Who needs a yule log?

The oddest Christmas present I ever got

Bob Collins December 24, 2007, 2:05 PM Dec 24, 2007

3

Can you top these?

Childhood obesity: Do you see what I see?

Bob Collins December 24, 2007, 2:03 PM Dec 24, 2007

1

A study says many parents don’t see their children as obese, even though they are.

Winter’s wrath

Bob Collins December 23, 2007, 7:16 PM Dec 23, 2007

1

On days like Sunday, you can’t thank first responders enough.

Saved by the coffee shop

Bob Collins December 23, 2007, 2:05 PM Dec 23, 2007

2

A riches-to-rags story.

Binge drinking – Minnesota style

Bob Collins December 22, 2007, 9:44 AM Dec 22, 2007

14

We’re developing a new twist on the old tradition. Dying.

Today’s dispatches from Planet Pooch

Bob Collins December 21, 2007, 11:37 AM Dec 21, 2007

1

You can never go wrong with a dog story.