In this month’s Minnesota Sampler, Peter Passi at the Duluth News-Tribune looks at the potential for an electrical grid disruption in northern Minnesota in the event of a major, once-in-a-century solar storm.  A study by the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that the region, because of the conductive nature of its crust and geomagnetic forces, is perhaps the most likely place…

In this month’s Minnesota Sampler, Mary Divine of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes about a St. Croix River Valley couple that is building a long-term care center for their son, who was injured in a car crash nearly ten years ago, and others living with traumatic brain injuries. Here’s the link.

The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists is disappointed in the 3-2 decision of the Minnesota Supreme Court to deny KSTP-TV access to public information regarding public safety on a Metro Transit bus. We agree with the dissenting opinion of Justice David Lillehaug and Chief Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea, who agreed with an earlier ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeals…

St. Cloud Times reporter Mitch LeClair took a closer look at the challenges people face in overcoming criminal backgrounds after two schools in his newspaper’s coverage area, the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, signed the White House Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge.  The pledge encourages schools to fairly consider applications from people with criminal records. LeClair’s subsequent…

The Minnesota Pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists held its annual meeting Wednesday night, where it counted and announced the results of its annual election. Members elected Jenna Ross, a reporter for the Star Tribune, as president-elect, re-elected Chris Snowbeck, a reporter for the Star Tribune, as treasurer and elected Joe Spear, Mankato Free Press managing editor, as…

Each month, SPJ’s Minnesota Samper highlights a work of journalism from around the state. In this month’s Sampler, Brian Arola of the Mankato Free Press shares the story of local couples that would like to treat their ailing children with cannabis now that Minnesota has legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes.  One problem: the families can’t afford medical cannabis, and their health insurers won’t cover it. See…

A newspaper confronting fear and misconceptions about refugees in its town, a veteran reporter who’s churned out countless investigative stories, and a digital journalist who teaches the next generation of news hounds were among the big winners Wednesday at the 2016 Minnesota SPJ Page One Awards. The St. Cloud Times’ wide-ranging exploration of immigration issues, which included a special fact-checking series, was…

Unwind and network with your fellow journalists at our After Deadline happy hour! This is one of many events that Society of Professional Journalists chapters are holding across the country on June 21 in order to give journalists a chance to meet others in the profession. Event is open to members and nonmembers alike, though we’d love for you to…

The following statements are from Minnesota SPJ members running for the 2016-17 Board of Directors. Electronic ballots will be mailed to all MNSPJ members currently in good standing with both the national organization and local chapter. Didn’t receive a ballot in your email but think you should have? Contact minnesota.spj@gmail.com. Ballots must be submitted no later than noon on Wednesday, June…

The Minnesota Pro Chapter of the SPJ has sent the following letter to the U.S. marshal in charge of security at the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis: The Minnesota Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is deeply troubled by the problems experienced by MPR News reporter Mukhtar Ibrahim at the U.S. District Courthouse in Minneapolis. The Twin Cities…