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.

Itching and scratching

Bob Collins April 6, 2009, 3:48 PM Apr 6, 2009

1

University of Minnesota researchers are on a bit of a roll. Last month, they got some international attention with research showing an inexpensive and common substance could halt the spread of the HIV virus in monkeys. Today neuroscientists at the U have tackled a more common problem : the itch. They report both the itch Read more →

Deep tech thoughts

Bob Collins April 6, 2009, 10:59 AM Apr 6, 2009

7

Which technology is most likely to fulfill its promise? And which is a solution in search of a problem?

Five at 8: 4/6/09

Bob Collins April 6, 2009, 7:37 AM Apr 6, 2009

3

Teaching emotional knowledge, opening day, Around the World in 80 Telescopes, misplaced mosques and Britney.

Bonuses

Bob Collins April 5, 2009, 2:00 PM Apr 5, 2009

3

There are bonuses… and then there are bonuses.

Earmarks deadline

Bob Collins April 3, 2009, 3:49 PM Apr 3, 2009

1

Only one member of the Minnesota congressional delegation has posted a list of earmarks being sought from Congress.

Where’s?

Bob Collins April 3, 2009, 3:28 PM Apr 3, 2009

5

A Champlin boy wins the state geography bee. Try your luck.

Imponderables: Why do some people escape poverty?

Bob Collins April 3, 2009, 2:52 PM Apr 3, 2009

3

A new post on TED about a woman who escaped a Nairobi slum, and pursues dreams of becoming a doctor raises an old question.

The day MLK died

Bob Collins April 3, 2009, 1:14 PM Apr 3, 2009

3

Life magazine publishes new pictures of the scene of the assassination.

The Iowa case

Bob Collins April 3, 2009, 10:34 AM Apr 3, 2009

14

Here’s the full Iowa Supreme Court decision striking down a ban on gay marriage.

Five at 8: 4/3/09

Bob Collins April 3, 2009, 7:58 AM Apr 3, 2009

2

Baseball stadiums, a crying kid, high school March madness, and the healing power of hot dish.

Flip-flopping on ethanol

Bob Collins April 2, 2009, 5:02 PM Apr 2, 2009

3

A corporate executive railed against Midwest ethanol plants, until his company bought them.

Why more people don’t have flood insurance

Bob Collins April 2, 2009, 3:51 PM Apr 2, 2009

The definitions of flood plains are expanding, and homeowners are caught between higher insurance rates, and the need for coverage.

How many sandbags?

Bob Collins April 2, 2009, 1:51 PM Apr 2, 2009

What could you do with 3.5 million sandbags, besides keeping a river at bay?

End of the icon

Bob Collins April 2, 2009, 12:48 PM Apr 2, 2009

3

This, apparently, is ‘end of the icon’ week in America.

There’s something about Pawlenty

Bob Collins April 2, 2009, 12:15 PM Apr 2, 2009

7

Tim Pawlenty is one of the few governors who enjoys more support than he did on Election Day.