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The Joe you don't know

Joe Mauer raps. He dances. He talks trash to Justin Morneau. He gets cheap haircuts and hangs with his high school buddies. And, oh yeah, he's trying to hit .400 and maybe even lead the Twins to a World Series. Updated: Feb. 8, 2012 - 12:20 PM

The Minnesota Profile highlights someone who is defining life in Minnesota, setting the agenda, or captivating the public. Past profiles have featured Arctic explorer Will Steger, U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, artist Kevin Kling, Olympian Shani Marks and Twins catcher Joe Mauer.

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Michael Holland

Michael Holland: The defense never rests
Article By: CURT BROWN ,Star Tribune Publish March 1, 2009 2:00 AM / Update February 8, 2012 12:55 PM
In today's swamped courts, public defender Michael Holland barely has time to take a breath between his cases.

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And justice for all
Article By: Richard Tsong-Taatarii , Publish / Update March 22, 2011 4:35 PM
Michael Holland is one of a dwindling number of not quite 400 public defenders in Minnesota who speak for more than 85 percent of those who charged with crimes.

Shani Marks, took off for her triple jump during a track meet University of Wisconsin La Crosse.

Shani Marks: For the love of the jump
Article By: Rachel Blount , Star Tribune Publish June 22, 2008 2:00 AM / Update February 8, 2012 1:05 PM
Triple-jumper Shani Marks has put her life on hold for four years, hoping to make it to the Beijing Olympics -- though she knows there's little chance for a medal.

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Shani Marks

Shani hits her mark
Article By: Deb Pastner , Publish / Update March 22, 2011 4:37 PM
From the moment she finished fourth in the 2004 Olympic trials, Marks, 27, vowed to pour herself into the chase for the 2008 Games. Along the way, she got married, competed internationally, won four U.S. Championships, maintained a disciplined training schedule without a full-time coach, and tapped deeply into the family support that carried her through two back surgeries.

Chasing an Olympic dream
Article By: Jeffrey Thompson , Publish / Update March 22, 2011 4:39 PM
Shani Marks of Apple Valley has been training for years for a chance to compete in triple jump on the U.S. Olympic team. She said the triple jump is a joy in her life, but added it does not define her.

The Marks file
Publish June 22, 2008 2:00 AM / Update March 22, 2011 4:40 PM

THE MARKS FILE

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Minnesota author Kevin Kling spent the lunch hour writing on his computer at Dunn Brothers on Lake Street recently. Kling said he wrote most of "The Dog Said How" at the coffee shop.

The rebirth of Kevin Kling
Article By: Curt Brown , Star Tribune Publish January 20, 2008 2:00 AM / Update February 8, 2012 1:05 PM
As his audience grows, the famed local storyteller's tales take on a greater depth after a brush with mortality.

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Kevin Kling's sense of place
Article By: Regina McCombs , Publish / Update March 22, 2011 4:41 PM
Kevin Kling's life and stories are rooted in Minnesota.

US Congresswoman Michele Bachmann takes her morning walk along the mall near the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

Michele Bachmann: Watching her step
Article By: Kim Ode , Star Tribune Publish July 22, 2007 2:00 AM / Update February 8, 2012 1:03 PM
As she settles into her new life in a Congress led by Democrats, Michele Bachmann is learning hard lessons about politics in the glare of YouTube -- and shifting to a more guarded style.

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Will Steger speaks to a group about global warming.

Will Steger: Out of the Wilderness
Article By: Rene Sanchez , Publish January 14, 2007 2:00 AM / Update February 8, 2012 1:05 PM
Will Steger is on a mission to make Minnesota a leader in the fight against global warming. He has left the North Woods to campaign nonstop around the Twin Cities.

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more from investigators

A Lethal Dose: The war on synthetic drugs

They carry names like Bliss and TranQuility, but don't be fooled: Synthetic drugs can be deadly. From a small town in Oklahoma to suburban Minnesota, these products have generated unusual violence and physical suffering. Efforts to control these substances remains a losing battlle.

Violated

State regulators have failed to protect some of Minnesota's most vulnerable citizens from being victimized by their care givers. Even known criminals have obtained state permission to work in nursing homes and other care settings.

Losing Our Lakes

Home builders are routinely allowed to break the rules on shoreline development. Polluters are allowed to keep polluting. And clean-up efforts are falling short. While public officials are trying to save Minnesota's iconic lakes, their efforts are undercut by a lack of federal mandates.