A new law taking effect in Minnesota next week means gardens may be popping up in the state's medium security prisons next spring. Glencoe Republican Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen is behind what he calls a "tough-love" law for offenders. Maintained by inmates, the gardens will produce food that will go to feed minimum-security unit inmates and families who get food from local food shelves.

An international team that includes University of Minnesota scientist Gary Muehlbauer has mapped the genome of barley, one of the world's most important and genetically complex cereal crops, and a key beer ingredient. The researchers say the findings could lead to higher yields and a grain that can more easily handle climate change.

Google is now mapping shopping centers and transportation hubs in the United States and Japan, and apparently already has the floor plan for the Mall of America in its database. Though, for now, the Associated Press reports, users can only view the maps on mobile devices running Google's Android platform.

A horticulture expert at the U of M is leading an effort to compile a top-10 list of plants that transformed the state and changed how we live. Her team is asking students and the general public to weigh in. Mary Meyer says she hopes the idea spurs a conversation about plants and their impact.

The new maps update the 100-year floodplain. Residents being added to a higher risk zone are urged to contact their insurance agents. FEMA is also revising Fargo's flood maps.