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How much will the state help broadband?

Minnesota’s broadband task force is recommending a variety of actions for the Legislature to expand high-speed Internet access, from paying for computers in libraries to tax breaks for Internet providers.
by Dave Peters

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Is it cheesecake? Do we like it?

Is it cheesecake? Do we like it?

A wave of hospital consolidation brings with it an air of inevitability in rural Minnesota. There can be benefits, but some worry that standardization brings loss of local control.
by Dave Peters

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Cheap thrills at Barter Fest in Hewitt

Cheap thrills at Barter Fest in Hewitt

At Barter Fest this Saturday, attendees can camp for free, listen to bands, trade produce for musical instruments and engage in good, old-fashioned conversation.
by Jennifer Vogel

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It’s the streets, stupid

Minnesota’s state auditor has started encouraging cities and counties to survey their residents to help get a better handle on priorities when it comes to local services. Street conditions get the lowest marks so far.
by Dave Peters

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Community paramedics, one solution to growing rural doctor shortage

The rural primary care doctor shortage could get worse under federal healthcare reform, causing people to rely more on midlevel providers like community paramedics.
by Jennifer Vogel

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Self-employment climbs slowly in latest report

Self-employment climbs slowly in latest report

Recent U.S. Census Bureau figures show that, again, as Minnesota job totals fell in 2009 and 2010, the ranks of the self-employed rose slightly.
by Dave Peters

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Virginia’s hospital becomes latest to affiliate with Essentia

Virginia’s hospital becomes latest to affiliate with Essentia

After years of controversy, the city council in Virginia, Minn., voted Tuesday to affiliate the city’s financially troubled hospital with Essentia Health in Duluth, a growing outstate Minnesota health care organization.
by Dave Peters

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