Photos

MPR News photos of the week
Unusual weather and the long-awaited end of the state government shutdown dominated the news this week.
Pictures: Cooling off in the heatwave
The heat wave of 2011 rolls on, and the hottest air may be yet to come by Wednesday. Meanwhile, Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis is providing respite from the heat.
Blue Heron chicks released into wild
Almost two months after being rescued, a group of Great Blue Heron chicks displaced by the north Minneapolis tornado was released back to the wild near Coon Rapids on July 18, 2011.
Beekeepers closely watch population, productivity
July is typically a busy month for bees, and peak time for honey production in Minnesota. It's also a busy time for beekeeper Jeff Anderson, who keeps a close eye on his hives - not just to watch for honey, but also for disease.
Photos: Migrant workers in Minn. struggle with hunger
Migrant workers travel hundreds of miles every summer to work in farm fields and processing plants of Montgomery, a small town in southern Minnesota. When they first arrive, many struggle to get enough to eat.
Photos: Eve of the shutdown
The Minnesota State Capitol was the center of activity on Thursday, June 30, 2011, as Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders tried all day to come up with a last-minute budget agreement to avert a government shutdown. Their efforts failed, even as state employees and others gathered outside to urge them to reach a deal.
MPR News photos of the week
This week, we tracked the ongoing budget showdown and a rash of bad weather that moved across the state.
Photos: Barrel makers give new life to old craft
A dying craft is being preserved in a small northern Minnesota town. Black Swan barrels is one of only a few remaining wooden barrel makers in the country. Tucked away inside a nondescript industrial building in the tiny town of Osage, the shop floor of this family-run business is a busy, noisy place.
MPR News photos of the week
This week we revisited the continuing repair of Metrodome, looked at community gardens and checked in on the effort to save the golden-winged warbler.