So far in 2012, at least 25 people have died of nonboating-related drownings statewide, including eight in the seven-county metro area. Last year, there were 13 statewide.

The Minnesota Council on Foundations says donations fell more than 9 percent last year. Individual donations saw the biggest decline at 11 percent.

The odds of finding a job in Minnesota are getting better, the Pioneer Press reports. Job postings climbed 15 percent in the second quarter compared with the same period a year ago, the state reported on Thursday. Employers reported nearly 63,000 openings, up from 54,700 last year.

A new study prepared by the Washington-based National Partnership for Women & Families finds that Minnesota women earn 80 cents per every dollar men in the state are paid, the Star Tribune reports. The findings were made in an analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The DNR says so far this year, four people have died in hunting-related accidents -- compared to two deaths overall last year. Officials say most injuries stem from falling from deer stands.

The number of taconite jobs in 2011 was up nearly 11 percent compared to the year before, according to figures by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Wages in 2011 were also the highest since 2000 -- totaling $357 million. The Iron Range took a major hit during the recession in 2009 when all six of Minnesota's taconite plants temporarily shut down.