Shawna and Rick and Marvin and Caroline: they're just like me. Only they can act and sing and — oh, yes — some of them have known firsthand what it's like to be homeless. I haven't.

ALSO: Bad news for the economy; racial tensions are either rising or falling in Owatonna; and lutes.

“Diversify or die!” was the mantra in 2001, when the Chanhassen company was created as a spinoff from semiconductor equipment manufacturer FSI International, so it did. When the recession hit, though, it had to learn some new tricks.

While both the Senate and House health-care bills guarantee access to health insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions, neither one will do much to improve the affordability of health coverage for moderate to middle-income Americans in the individual market, according to wonks and critics across the political spectrum.

St. Thomas Coach Glenn Caruso proudly shows off video highlights that help explain how sophomore Fritz Waldvogel has scored six TD returns this season, the second-highest total in NCAA history at any level.

Here's the second installment of my interview with columnist Katherine Kersten. I asked her about where conservatism is headed, President Obama and the role religion plays in her world view. Second of two articles.

Part One: Katherine Kersten on liberals, same-sex marriage and life at the Star Tribune

New figures released today show Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged slightly higher in October, but economists say this indicator doesn't give us the full jobs picture.

When you check out our enhanced Business Agenda section below, you’ll find two new features: a daily story from Brad Allen and twice-a-day news summaries from the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal.

While the worst of the financial crisis may have passed, Twin Cities area consumers are not ready to jump back into a shopping frenzy, according to the latest “Holiday Spending Sentiment Survey."

Members of a civilian board that reviews police complaints says of the last 21 cases they have forwarded to the Minneapolis police chief, only two have resulted in discipline.

Perhaps no columnist in town raises a liberal's blood pressure more than Katherine Kersten. I talked with Kersten about liberal rage and other topics. First of two articles.

David Brauer: The Star Tribune op-ed page's war on Kersten

Described as a showman "first and last," the colorful theater impresario ran for mayor of Minneapolis in 1933 — and won.

Arts Arena: Finally, Shubert to break ground by Camille LeFevre

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A health care bill before the Senate will cost $849 billion over the next 10 years and extend coverage to 98 percent of legal residents, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate released Wednesday that Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken praised as "very positive" and "promising."

PLUS: Norm Coleman news, the continuing Petters and Hecker sagas, and more Tea Party punking.

Lowry Hill money manager Carol Clark, a confirmed "market behavioralist," has seen firsthand how psychological factors often count for more than rational thought in influencing economic behavior.

In exchange for a lease extension, the commission is offering some new cash, some longstanding cash — but with new strings attached — and some new-stadium planning assistance.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Capitol Visitor Center prominently displays the words "In God We Trust," and House Republicans are attempting to keep it written there.

Laptop plug-ins, padded seats and an upstairs: If you'd rather be driven than drive, this train's for you.

ALSO: Bachmann and the separation of church and state; Petters prosecution rests; Brock Lesnar sick.

OKLEE, MINN. — His brother William, 98, was found dead after both became lost in the dark on their Red Lake County farm last week.

The House position was a foregone conclusion, but today's committee meeting was filled with intriguing views of future battles, including a likely legislative effort to rein in the governor's powers.

Drafting on the Hiawatha light rail line's success, Northstar trains begin shuttling passengers between the far northwest suburbs and downtown Minneapolis.

The team looked outclassed in a loss Saturday night but bounced back Sunday to beat Minnesota big — "a monumental win," in the words of coach Tom Serratore.

ALSO: House many join in lawsuit against Pawlenty unallotments; an unusual fetal murder case; deer hunting woes and worries.

In light of recent disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, institutions across the nation have updated their emergency procedures. Minnesota's legal system is no exception to this trend, and it is taking a variety of steps to deal with disaster scenarios.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The author of the cooperatives alternative to public option said today that a bill containing both co-ops and a public option might win favor in Congress yet this year.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has provided payments to farmers to take marginal land, especially land most susceptible to erosion, out of production. But as contracts expire, the program is expected to fall from nearly 40 million acres to 32 million, or even fewer.