Stories you'll find only in your Sunday Star Tribune newspaper

The collapse in real estate values is taking a deep toll on Minnesota’s small banks and credit unions.

Regulators have seized and closed two banks since 2008, and have ordered another 16 to clean up their balance sheets. Another 65 of the state’s 430 banks and thrifts are on a secret watch list, and state banking officials say more will fail.

That could have big implications for Minnesota’s economy.

In Sunday's paper, read the first story in a three-part series examining the price that's being paid for the decade-long over-indulgence in risky loans.

Other stories you'll find only in your Sunday Star Tribune newspaper:

VARIETY: Sunday is the 25th anniversary of the premiere of “Purple Rain.” Star Tribune pop critic Jon Bream was there that day, and gives his account of the under-the-radar gamble that made Prince a megastar and put Minnesota on the music map. Local musicians say that achievement continues to inspire them.

SPORTS: Brad Childress punches up a series of clips on his laptop and begins playing video he shot from a recent fishing trip to Alaska that included one of his sons and Eagles coach Andy Reid. The video rolls as Childress enthusiastically recounts fishing for Sockeye salmon on the Kenai River, halibut on the Seldovia River and the single-engine John Deere airplane ride his group took.
Childress laughs that the pilot turned out to be a woman from Hopkins who had no idea he was the head coach of the Vikings. Learn more about the rarely seen private side of the man you see pacing the Vikings sidelines.

BUSINESS: New rules governing the role of appraisers in home sales were welcomed as a much-needed firewall between lenders and appraisers who often felt pressured to meet the sale price. But critics say they’re making it harder to buy, sell and refinance at a time when sales are already dismal.

Recent National Politics stories

Stupak won't be joining the race for Michigan governor; Democrat wants to return to Congress - July 24, 2009

Stupak won't be joining the race for Michigan governor; Democrat wants to return to Congress - U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak says he won't seek the Democratic nomination for Michigan governor this year and instead will run for re-election. More