Topic: University of Minnesota

What's an American Indian? Warren case stirs query

Native Americans have a high rate of intermarriage with other groups. Many are not identifiable by appearance, which has made it possible for almost anyone to assume a Native persona. That seems to have been the case with US Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren.

Ron Paul beat Mitt Romney in 10 states! Kind of.

Ron Paul fell short in the vote count, but he has edged out Mitt Romney in campaign contributions in at least 10 states – and counting. From the start, the GOP 'money primary' has been a two-man race.

Are crop yields the Achilles heel of organic farming?

Organic agriculture can't compete with conventional in terms of crop yields, according to a new study.

How student-built solar homes can help solve US housing and energy crisis

Few of the homes created by university teams in the Solar Decathlon are ever lived in – despite their extraordinary expense and tax on the environment. Instead of building temporary show houses, schools should build energy-efficient homes for local people who need them.

Iowa caucuses confirm evangelicals reject Romney. What else do they show?

Entrance polls to Iowa caucuses reveal the likes and dislikes of various GOP factions. They show, for one, that Republicans who care about 'electability' prefer Mitt Romney, but that evangelicals and die-hard conservatives do not. 

What kind of leaders do we need?

Leadership used to be associated with gut instinct and my-way-or-the-highway command. Today's leaders know that they have to build teams -- and let teams build the future.

Leadership: The myth of the maverick

Does our love affair with mavericks – from Ronald Reagan to Steve Jobs – make sense?

The world can feed itself without ruining the planet, study says

Author Jon Foley says feeding a growing world presents a huge challenge. But employing many strategies simultaneously can meet the problem.

Big squeeze for grads: Student loans rise, job opportunities dim

College grads have to pay back ever bigger student loans. But job opportunities are slim. Is US competitiveness at stake?

Lessons from the Minnesota shutdown: Was it even necessary?

The Minnesota shutdown ended Wednesday after the Democratic governor and Republican Legislature came to a budget deal. But neither side was declaring victory.

Minnesota government shutdown: What could end it?

Republican lawmakers last week rejected the proposals offered by Gov. Mark Dayton (D). The Minnesota government shutdown is now in its 10th day.

Finding a way to live with wolves

David Mech has studied Canus lupus since the 1950s, beginning in the unique natural laboratory of Isle Royale. He knows there's trouble when they collide with human habitats.

Who owns 'SEAL Team 6?'

The Navy created the SEAL Team 6 squad that killed Osama bin Laden earlier this month. Now Disney is trying to trademark SEAL Team 6 for future commercial use.

National Day of Prayer a testament to America's uniqueness, backers say

National Day of Prayer activities include speeches and gatherings of many different faiths. Controversial to some, the National Day of Prayer has roots in the earliest days of the nation.

At rally, Tim Pawlenty adds tea party style to conservative credentials

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a likely Republican candidate for president with strong credentials but a rap for being 'unexciting,' sought to show a little flair at a tea party rally in Friday.

Is Obama's tough talk enough to help Iran's protesters?

President Obama on Tuesday chastised Iran for seeking to stifle protesters with beatings and tear gas. Some critics say he needs to act more forcefully against Iran's theocratic government.

What if the US shut down the Internet like Egypt did?

For starters, you wouldn't be reading this article.

Top 10 You-can’t-write-this-stuff moments from the NFL season

From mind-blowing plays to 8 head coaches given the axe to Randy Moss wearing out his welcome with two teams inside a month, the 2010 NFL season was full of unexpected moments. Here is our top ten.

Green energy first: New York firm seeks tidal power plant in East River

Verdant Power seeks license to build a plant with 30 underwater turbines in New York's East River. It would be the first of its kind in the US, expanding the nation's green energy resources.

Ice Bowl II? Vikings vs. Bears in rare outdoor home game

The NFL is preaching player safety, so how is the Vikings vs. Bears game outdoors – with wind chill predicted to be below zero – the smartest idea? While purists love 'real man' football played outdoors, Monday's Ice Bowl conditions may dictate future decisions on a possible new stadium in Minnesota.

Money can't buy you love – or social skills

To read other people's emotions, it helps to be poor, a study finds.

Saul Bellow: Letters

Saul Bellow’s letters may not be stylistic gems – but they reveal much about the man who wrote them.

Gay marriage will be an issue in several state races next month

Gay marriage and gay rights could play a part in a number of state races across the country, including a Supreme Court judicial recall initiative in Iowa.

Florida panther comeback a success story with many asterisks

The population of Florida panthers has increased from 25 adults in 1995 to 100 today thanks to human intervention. But without continued intervention, the species will become extinct.

5 famous pork projects: Beer museum and more

Coined from an 1863 story called “The Children of the Public,” pork-barrel spending referred to any public funds spent to benefit the public. Over time, the term has evolved, referring to projects seen as wasteful, or that may only benefit a small group but the costs are spread out between all taxpayers. Of course, often, one politician's pork is another politician's legitimate expense.

The Citizens Against Government Waste puts out an annual "Congressional Pig Book" that listed 9,129 projects at a cost of $16.5 billion in 2010..

Here a selection of US "pork" projects from recent years: