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Today's Question Blog

Should patents be allowed for human genes?

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that could stop the patenting of human genes. Advocates for the biomedical industry assert that patents drive medical discoveries. The multibillion-dollar industry performs critical research in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Opponents of gene patents, including Nobel Prize-winning scientists and medical groups say the…
by Michael Olson

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Do you know where your pet came from?

This toy poodle was rescued from a breeder in Ramsey County. Its legs were deformed because it was confined by the breeder in a small carrier. Supporters of a bill to regulate pet breeders in Minnesota use cases like these as evidence of the need for such regulations. (Photo courtesy of Second Chance Animal Rescue)…
by Michael Olson

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Who is your favorite artist from Minnesota?

Bob Dylan made his debut in New York this week in 1961 when he opened for John Lee Hooker at Gerde’s Folk City. During the show he unveiled Blowing in the Wind: The song was based off the old Negro spiritual “No More Auction Block” (a song in Dylan’s live repertoire at the time), and…
by Michael Olson

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How concerned are you about North Korean military threats?

Tension continues to escalate on the Korean peninsula. North Korea may test fire another missile in the next few days. North Korea is “skating very close to a dangerous line. … Their actions and their words have not helped defuse a combustible situation,” U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters at the Pentagon. “Our country…
by Michael Olson

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Should Social Security benefits be used to reduce the federal deficit?

President Barack Obama’s budget is the first from a Democratic president to propose cuts to Social Security benefits. Source: CNN Money The smaller payments to seniors are conditional. Obama says he will agree to the cuts only if the U.S. Congress passes a budget that includes new revenue. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said the…
by Michael Olson

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Are background checks an important part of reducing gun violence?

The Minnesota Legislature and the U.S. Congress are considering gun violence legislation. Opinion polls have consistently shown strong support for measures such as expanded background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons and large ammunition clips. Neither state or federal lawmakers seemed to think they had the votes to pass an assault weapons ban, but…
by Michael Olson

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Do you prefer hospitals that ban unhealthy foods from their campuses?

In the last few months, several hospitals in northeast Minnesota have stopped selling soda and other beverages that are sweetened with sugar. They are at the forefront of a growing national trend among health care facilities that are trying to combat the nation’s obesity problem. Health administrators says hospitals need to reinforce that message, Other…
by Michael Olson

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What limits should exist on marijuana use?

For the first time in four decades of polling, a majority of Americans support legalizing the use of marijuana. A Pew poll released Thursday found that 52 percent of those polled said marijuana should be legal. Forty-five percent said it should remain illegal. Yet, more than half of the respondents said they would feel uncomfortable…
by Michael Olson

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Do you have the skills you need to succeed in today’s job market?

Many employers complain they have difficulty filling jobs. Sometimes that’s because workers don’t have the right skills; other times wages and other factors are at play. Today’s Question: Do you have the skills you need to succeed in today’s job market?
by Michael Olson

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Is a $500 million investment in public infrastructure for the Mayo Clinic a good use of tax dollars?

Minnesota lawmakers are weighing whether to approve the Mayo Clinic’s request for $500 million to support its $3 billion expansion plan. Supporters of the project say state financing for roads, bridges, parking garages and other improvements would ensure that the hospital and clinic system cements its future in the Rochester area. Lawmakers say they want…
by Michael Olson

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