Every year approximately 8,500 Minnesota babies are born effected by prenatal alcohol exposure or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The lifetime cost per individual is $2.9 million dollars.

Every now and then, I hear from people who believe our students need to "return to the basics." In some conversations, this means an emphasis on core curricular areas such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

At 8:30 p.m. local time on March 31, millions around the world will recognize Earth Hour by turning off lights.

In the coming weeks, community members will hear more about the planned budget reductions for the 2012-13 school year. As we discuss the budget reductions, it is important that we look back in order to help our community look forward.

Last Friday's Career Exploration Day at Central Lakes College was an extraordinary event. An event of this magnitude is unique to the state.

Drivers cringe as they watch the numbers roll higher on the gas pump meter. They feel even worse as they see news stories projecting gas at $4 or even $5 as the weather warms.

Special to The Washington Post President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will devote little time Monday to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in part because of Iran and election-year politics.

Recently, a group of Garfield students inspired me to revisit a couple of classic children's stories. The first is the children's book "Stone Soup." Over the years this story has been rewritten several times by several authors.

The White Earth Band of Chippewa is the latest group to propose going into business with the state of Minnesota on a Twin Cities casino.

Minnesota businesses have traditionally distinguished themselves with their ability to compete in the global marketplace. A highly trained workforce drives our success.