When Tim Mulcahy arrived at the University of Minnesota seven years ago, he didn't realize how bad the university's relationship with the state's business leaders had become. As the U of M's vice-president of research and development prepares for retirement, that relationship has steadily improved. The university's growing track record of new business start-ups helps.

Recess is not just for kids anymore according to a business in Delano that encourages its employees to play. An adult "recess" takes place everyday at Landscape Structures, a company that makes playground equipment. The Wellness Program Director says the play time has an impact on employee's happiness and health. Thirty-two percent of employees have reduced BMIs thanks to game time.

Biologists were surprised to discover that the dwindling number of great blue herons at an Anoka County sanctuary was caused by raccoons preying on their eggs and chicks. Banding the trees with metal to keep the coons from climbing them has sparked a resurgence of herons.

The league says they will cancel the first two weeks of the upcoming season if a new labor deal isn't reached by next week. The first five games of the Timberwolves' season are scheduled at the Target Center. Without those games -- local parking ramps, bars and restaurants will suffer.

Notre Dame may be ranked No. 1 in college hockey right now, but it's just a number. Tonight they're playing the real champs at Amsoil Arena in Duluth where the UMD Bulldogs will raise their first NCAA championship banner. Going into the season, UMD is ranked No. 8

James Humphrey had a fly-fishing cast that was breathtaking. His knowledge of Upper Midwestern trout streams was equally impressive. In some circles, the two editions of Humphrey's book "Trout Streams of Wisconsin and Minnesota" are known as the old and new testament.

Thanks to the hot, dry weather this summer in Minnesota, hopes for a vibrant fall colors are fading away. In addition to lawns and crops, the weather conditions could impact trees and plants of all species, causing some of them to change color early.