Does your family receive free/reduced lunch?
As the number of students who receive free/reduced lunch continues to rise, MPR News wants to hear from teachers, parents and students about the experience of applying for and receiving these meals. Everything you share will be kept confidential, and will not be shared publicly unless you give us explicit permission to do so.
Are you an independent voter?
Independents are often seen as the voters who can swing an election one way or another. We want to hear from independent voters about the issues that are important to you this year.
Teachers: How important should seniority be?
The Minnesota Legislature is debating a plan that would change how teachers are laid off. Instead of the "last in, first out" model that's in place now, the measure would also take job evaluations into consideration, and not rely solely on seniority to determine which teachers are laid off first.How important do you think seniority should be?
What life experience will inform your vote on the marriage amendment?
In November, 2012, Minnesota voters will be asked to decide whether the Minnesota Constitution be amended to say that "only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage" in Minnesota.
What has early spring meant around the state?
We asked sources in our Public Insight Network to tell us what changes they've noticed due to this year's early Minnesota spring. From Crookston to Winona, they tell us the early spring has meant optimism, flexibility and a certain amount of unease.
In early spring, one family's last walk
Every sign of winter's end carries significance for Terry Strack and his wife, Cynthia Smith-Strack, because they know it will likely be their last spring together.
Newcomers say Minnesota is 'nice,' but not warm
Minnesotans may take pride in their reputation for friendliness, but many others consider "Minnesota Nice" a backhanded compliment and a social critique. The locals are loyal and neighborly, yet they tend to keep outsiders at a comfortable distance. Many young transplants -- whether from South Dakota or South America -- say making friends and finding a sense of community is daunting.
Video: Adjusting to 'Minnesota Nice'
They came to Minnesota for work, for love, to be near family, to find a better place to raise children, to escape civil war. But sources in our Public Insight Network who shared their experience adjusting to life in Minnesota all said it wasn't easy.
English-only measure still divides Lino Lakes
Thai Lee and his wife left the East Side of St. Paul for Lino Lakes three years ago, for the same reasons anyone moves to the suburbs: a bigger house to raise their children, quiet neighborhoods, strong schools, and a shorter commute to his job. It surprised Lee that his city would take on what he considers such a divisive position. He said his mother, now in her 60s, still struggles with English.
A church divided, together
We explore the effect of the Aug. 21, 2009 vote allowing gay pastors to serve as clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through the stories of Lutherans in the Public Insight Network.