Bringing some bang to the Capitol

by Nikki Tundel, Minnesota Public Radio

How do you make yourself heard at the state Capitol? Try firing a cannon.

St. Paul, Minn. — Nearly every day, Minnesotans from across the state head to the Capitol to make their voices heard.

Some march with signs demanding tax cuts or immigration reform. Others express themselves through rhyme -- using short chants to call for things like school prayer or universal health care.

Then there are the guys from the New Ulm Battery. They set up two Civil War-era cannons and fire away.

Reporter Nikki Tundel caught up with the crew to find out the motivation behind the blasts.