Ranks of homeless rising in Minnesota

The homeless rate in Minnesota has risen over 20 percent since 2006. The recession has played a large roll in not being able to get the homeless off of the street. Federal economic stimulus money has helped fund agencies but the problem isn't getting any better.

http://www.startribune.com/local/89566087.html?page=1&c=y

Nathan to have surgery on Friday

Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins Closer, will have season ending elbow ligament replacement surgery (Tommy John Surgery) Friday. After leaving a spring training game earlier this month, a large tear was found in his ulnar collateral ligament. Next in line for the Twins, finding the best replacement for the four time All-Star.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/88979717.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Story #5

The lady Golden Rams of Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) secured first place in the MCAC Southern Division with a win over Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) last Saturday, March 6^th. ARCC showed dominance over MCTC beating them all three meetings this season.

Alex Moore, point guard for ARCC, played a big role in the win on Saturday. She put up 18 points and had 8 assists, while taking over late in the game. Moore was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Women’s All-State team this season, the highest award in the Minnesota College Athletic Association. She joined her teammates, Stephanie Pilgrim and Marie Hanson.

Both teams started off the game very hot. ARCC showed that they could hit the three while in transition. Marie Hanson, All- State selection, got the scoring started for ARCC along with Alyssa Silva. Coach David Dewitt of ARCC knew that MCTC would come to play, “I knew that they would bring their size and speed, but I think the girls matched up well against them,” stated Dewitt. The three’s kept falling early for ARCC. MCTC kept their size on the bench for the most part in the first half. They diverted their game to the guards early on. There was a question about bench play with ARCC coming into the game. MCTC carried 11 players throughout the season; ARCC had two bench players to play with. The Golden Bears showed some fatigue as the game stayed close coming into half time. MCTC carried the momentum going into half time by hitting a three as time expired and bringing their lead to 34-31.

ARCC cooled down MCTC going on 7-2 run to start off the half. The Golden Rams looked like a whole new team coming out of half time. Silva scored 10 of her 12 points in the second half; she went 6 for 7 from the field. While holding onto a small lead, MCTC decided to go with their tall line up, having three six foot girls on the court at once. The Golden Bears took advantage of the tall line-up and started hitting shots all over the court. Coach Dewitt called up a different offense that played out to his advantage. Alex Moore would dribble across the court and hand the ball off to one of her forwards. A forward would then dribble away from the defender and hand the ball off again. This type of offense chewed up a lot of clock. Silva and Moore started taking over when the game got close at the end. Silva had a clutch steal off the press and then dished it to Moore to put ARCC up late in the game. Moore made two free throws with four seconds left in the game to put a comeback out of reach. MCTC desperately put up a half court shot that came up well short, giving ARCC a 78-74 win.

ARCC heads up to Rochester, Minn. to play in the national tournament. That tournament starts Thursday, March 11^th.

Man's body found near Mall of America ramp

A mans body was found on a street near the west parking ramp at the Mall of America (MOA). Bloomington police haven't released the mans name yet. Just a week ago, a man jumped to his death at MOA after a traffic stop.

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/87109337.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsA

Interview

Young college students can be very indecisive when figuring out their future career; Courtney Thompson, on the other hand, has her sights set.

Thompson, a second year student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, is striving to someday be an anchor on a show similar to Good Morning America. While in high school, Thompson got a lot of experience in front of the camera, as she was involved in a media productions class. “I learned how to look into the camera instead of talking to the camera man; I don’t know why, but that seemed to be an issue with me,” stated Thompson.

Journalists have their own opinion on what they think is most important in the field of journalism. Thompson says trying to find an interesting topic that not only the readers find enjoyable but also you is most important. “I would rather not talk about cat sweaters, even though it interests some, I want to enjoy what I’m doing and reach a broader group,” Thompson says.

Thompson has no problem talking with other people, which is key to becoming a great journalist. Daily, you must conduct interviews with many different types of people. “I like talking to new people about their experiences and seeing what their opinions are on certain subjects,” stated Thompson.

Large cities have a lot to offer when dealing with newsworthy topics. “A large city would be great but I love being able to live in the country too. So, maybe I’ll just have to fly back and forth from New York.” Look out New York; you might be looking at your new big time journalist.

interview

1. What in particular do you like about journalism?

I like talking to new people about there experiences and seeing what their opinions are on certain subjects

2. What do you find most important about journalism?

Trying to find an interesting topic that not only the readers fund enjoyable but so do you. I would rather not talk about cat sweaters, even though it interests some I want to enjoy what I'm doing and reach a broader group.

3. What type of journalism are you most interested in?

I would like to be an anchor for a show like good morning america. Im interested in talking about subject that effect many people. Stories that can be funny and and informative all at once. I just love making others laugh.

4. Is there a certain newspaper/ T.V. network/ radio station you like the most?

I answered that one... so maybe if you wanted to split it up....

5. Is there a certain city or state that you would like to move to that you think would be cool to cover?

I dont really have a preference. A large city would be great, but I love being able to live in the country too... so maybe ill just have to fly back and forth from new york.

6. What got you interested in journalism?

Im not exactly sure what got me interested. I just really enjoy talking to people and meeting new people and being on tv would definatly be a great perk.

7. Did you write for your high school newspaper/ report on your high school news?

I did more of a school news channel for my high school. It is sort of small so we didn't have a school paper. The class was called media productions and it really taught you how to work in front and behind the camera.

8. If you did, what did you take from that.

I learned how to look into the camera instead of talking to the camera man. I dont know why but that seemed to be an issue with me. Also i learned how to edit film clips.

9. How is the journalism different in Denver than it is in Minneapolis?

Im not exactly sure how it is different, since it has been so long since I've seen it. But im sure they have a lot more out doorsy type reportors that are outside with a lot of there news since it is the healthiest state in the u.s.!

James Shows Knicks Just Why He Is Their Fondest Wish

LeBron James went up against the New York Knicks for the final time this season. He put on quite a show for the New York crowd. The Knicks have cleared out many players to make room for James if they are somehow able to land him.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/sports/basketball/02knicks.html?ref=sports