");vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("HEAD")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var ctx=vwo_$(x),el; /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",""); vwo_debug*/; el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1742919897117"]'); el.revertContentOp().remove();})("HEAD")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")).html("Hello! David Brancaccio here. Do you want instant access to the free online course - “Economics 101” - to understand basic economic concepts?");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("content","[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")).replaceWith2("You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're new to economics or just want to deepen your understanding, this course covers the basics and connects them to today’s pressing issues—from inequality to public policy decisions.

Each week, you'll receive a reading guide that distills core principles, offers actionable takeaways, and explains how they affect the current world. While the full ebook enriches the experience, the guides alone provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic ideas.

You’ll find this course especially useful and unique because…"),el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']");})("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content","[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']");})("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("content",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")).replaceWith2("

You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're new to economics or just want to deepen your understanding, this course covers the basics and connects them to today’s pressing issues—from inequality to public policy decisions.

Each week, you'll receive a reading guide that distills core principles, offers actionable takeaways, and explains how they affect the current world. While the full ebook enriches the experience, the guides alone provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic ideas.

You’ll find this course especially useful and unique because…

It allows you to understand economics in action: Real-life examples and analysis of current events that show you economics at work.
There’s no prior knowledge required: Complex ideas are broken into simple, relatable explanations.
You can be flexible with your learning according to your lifestyle: Go at your own pace, with weekly guides that fit your schedule.

Are you ready to build a foundation in economics that empowers you to think critically about the world around you?

Get instant access today and keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email and your first lesson.

"),el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {})(".author,.img-wrapper,.img-wrapper img,.author-copy")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; })(".author,.img-wrapper,.img-wrapper img,.author-copy")}}, GL_940895_66_post:{ fn:function(VWO_CURRENT_CAMPAIGN, VWO_CURRENT_VARIATION,nonce = ""){}}, C_940895_66_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var _vwo_sel = vwo_$("`); !vwo_$("head").find('#1738257835657').length && vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{const DEAR_READER_HEADING_HTML="

Dear reader,

",DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML="\n

Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?

\n

You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!

\n

Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.

\n",DEAR_READER_CTA_TEXT="Get your free ebook »",DEAR_READER_CTA_LINK="https://cloud.connect.mpr.org/mprnews-cfw03-01-talking-sense?utm_campaign=cfw_talkingsense&utm_term=dearreader_co";!function(){const e=async function(r,t=100,n=1e4){t=Number.isInteger(t)&&t>0&&t<=100?t:parseInt(t);let a="Array";if("NaN"==t)return console.error("Invalid refresh interval:",t);Array.isArray(r)||"string"!=typeof r||(a="string",r=[r]);let o=e=>document.querySelector(e),i=e=>e.every(e=>!!o(e));return new Promise((l,s)=>{let c=(e,r=null)=>(r&&clearInterval(r),l("Array"==a||e.length>1?e.map(e=>o(e)):o(e[0]))),d=a=>{console.error(`${a.name}: ${a.message}`);return s(a,()=>e(r,t=100,n=1e4))};try{if(i(r))return c(r);let e=setInterval(()=>{if(i(r))return c(r,e)},1e3/t);setTimeout(()=>{try{if(!i(r)){clearInterval(e);let r=Error(`Failed to find matching elements within ${n}ms`);throw r.name="Timed Out",r}}catch(e){return d(e)}},n)}catch(e){return d(e)}})};e("article").then(e=>{e.insertAdjacentHTML("beforeend",`

\n

\n

Dear reader,

\n ${DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML}\n \n \n \n

\n

`)})}();}catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, C_940895_64_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("content","#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"),vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)").each((function(){this.__vwoControlOuterHTML=this.__vwoControlOuterHTML||this.outerHTML,vwo_$(this).vwoAttr("class",""),!vwo_$(this).find('[vwo-op-1742933835357-1=""]').length&&vwo_$(this).append('(Optional)'),vwo_$(this).nonEmptyContents().eq(0).replaceWith2(document.createTextNode("In your own words, why would an Marketplace listener choose to become an donor? "))})),el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)");})("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_64_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content","#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)");})("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_66_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var ctx=vwo_$(x),el; /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",""); vwo_debug*/; el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835657"]'); el.revertContentOp().remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{ var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","addElement","body"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835659"]')).remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, GL_940895_66_pre:{ fn:function(VWO_CURRENT_CAMPAIGN, VWO_CURRENT_VARIATION,nonce = ""){try{!function(){try{var e=function(e){return Object.keys(e).find((function(e){return e.startsWith("__reactInternalInstance$")||e.startsWith("__reactFiber$")}))},n=function(e,n){if(e&&n)return e[n]},t=function(e,n,t){var i=(i=e.nodeName)&&i.toLowerCase();n.stateNode=e,n.child=null,n.tag=e.nodeType===Node.ELEMENT_NODE?5:6,n.type&&(n.type=n.elementType="vwo-"+i),n.alternate&&(n.alternate.stateNode=e),e[t]=n},i=function(e,n){var t=Date.now();!function i(){var l=Object.keys(n).find((function(e){return e.startsWith("__reactProps$")}))||"",r=Date.now();if(l&&n[l])switch(e.name){case"href":n[l].href=e.value;break;case"onClick":n[l].onClick&&delete n[l].onClick;break;case"onChange":n[l].onChange&&n[l].onChange({target:n})}l||3e3
By submitting, you consent to receive information about MPR\'s programs and offerings. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.

'),(el=vwo_$("#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})(".hintsBelow")}}, R_940895_63_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1742589780114"]')).remove();})(".hintsBelow")}}},rules:[{"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":5}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":2}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951905},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":5}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951905}],"triggers":["8459768"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":2}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":3}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959033},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":2}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959033}],"triggers":["8536415"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"type":"g","campaigns":[{"c":66,"g":1}]},"id":"metric","metricId":0}],"triggers":["13099398"]},{"tags":[{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.66","priority":4},{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.64","priority":4},{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.48","priority":4},{"id":"runCampaign","data":"campaigns.63","priority":4}],"triggers":["10589191"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":4}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":5}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959027},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":4}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959027}],"triggers":["8536409"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":1}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":1}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951908},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":1}]},"id":"metric","metricId":951908}],"triggers":["8639604"]},{"tags":[{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":64,"g":3}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":48,"g":4}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959030},{"data":{"type":"m","campaigns":[{"c":63,"g":3}]},"id":"metric","metricId":959030}],"triggers":["8536412"]},{"tags":[{"id":"checkEnvironment"}],"triggers":["5"]},{"tags":[{"id":"prePostMutation","priority":3},{"id":"groupCampaigns","priority":2}],"triggers":["8"]},{"tags":[{"id":"visibilityService","priority":2}],"triggers":["9"]},{"tags":[{"id":"runTestCampaign"}],"triggers":["2"]},{"tags":[{"id":"urlChange"}],"triggers":["75"]}],pages:{"pc":[{"141375":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/story.*"],["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/episode.*"]]}}],"ec":[{"2183589":{"inc":["o",["pg","eq","141375"]]}},{"1625289":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i).*"]]}}]},pagesEval:{"pc":[141375],"ec":[2183589,1625289]},stags:{}}})(); ;;var commonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={valuesGetter:function(){return{}},valuesSetter:function(){},verifyData:function(){return{}}}}const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var pollInterval=100;var timeout=6e4;return function(){var accountIntegrationSettings={};var _interval=null;function waitForAnalyticsVariables(){try{accountIntegrationSettings=argument.valuesGetter();accountIntegrationSettings.visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid()}catch(error){accountIntegrationSettings=undefined}if(accountIntegrationSettings&&argument.verifyData(accountIntegrationSettings)){argument.valuesSetter(accountIntegrationSettings);return 1}return 0}var currentTime=0;_interval=setInterval((function(){currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var result=waitForAnalyticsVariables();if(result||performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout){clearInterval(_interval)}}),pollInterval)}}; var pushBasedCommonWrapper=function(argument){var firedCamp={};if(!argument){argument={integrationName:"",getExperimentList:function(){},accountSettings:function(){},pushData:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var sendDebugLogsOld=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type,data){try{var errorPayload={f:argument["integrationName"]||"",a:window._vwo_acc_id,url:window.location.href,exp:expId,v:variationId,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(errorType=="initIntegrationCallback"){errorPayload["log_type"]="initIntegrationCallback";errorPayload["data"]=JSON.stringify(data||"")}else if(errorType=="timeout"){errorPayload["timeout"]=true}if(window.VWO._.customError){window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug",url:window.location.href,lineno:"",colno:"",source:JSON.stringify(errorPayload)})}}catch(e){window.VWO._.customError&&window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug failed",url:"",lineno:"",colno:"",source:""})}};var sendDebugLogs=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type){var eventName="vwo_debugLogs";var eventPayload={};try{eventPayload={intName:argument["integrationName"]||"",varId:variationId,expId:expId,type:errorType,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(window.VWO._.event){window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload,{enableLogs:1})}}catch(e){eventPayload={msg:"integration event log failed",url:window.location.href};window.VWO._.event&&window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload)}};const callbackFn=function(data){if(!data)return;var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2],repeated=data[0],singleCall=0,debug=0;var experimentList=argument.getExperimentList();var integrationName=argument["integrationName"]||"vwo";if(typeof argument.accountSettings==="function"){var accountSettings=argument.accountSettings();if(accountSettings){singleCall=accountSettings["singleCall"];debug=accountSettings["debug"]}}if(debug){sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intCallTriggered",repeated)}if(singleCall&&(repeated==="vS"||repeated==="vSS")||firedCamp[expId]){return}window.expList=window.expList||{};var expList=window.expList[integrationName]=window.expList[integrationName]||[];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(_vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){if(experimentList.indexOf(+expId)!==-1){firedCamp[expId]=variationId;var visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid();var pollInterval=100;var currentTime=0;var timeout=6e4;var user_type=_vwo_exp[expId].exec?"vwo-retry":"vwo-new";var interval=setInterval((function(){if(expList.indexOf(expId)!==-1){clearInterval(interval);return}currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var toClearInterval=argument.pushData(expId,variationId,visitorUuid);if(debug&&toClearInterval){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intDataPushed",user_type)}var isTimeout=performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout;if(isTimeout&&debug){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"timeout",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intTimeout",user_type)}if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}if(toClearInterval){window.expList[integrationName].push(expId)}}),pollInterval||100)}}};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",callbackFn]);window.VWO.push(["onVariationShownSent",callbackFn])}}; var surveyDataCommonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={getCampaignList:function(){return[]},surveyStatusChange:function(){},answerSubmitted:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];function getValuesFromAnswers(answers){var values=[];for(var i=0;i=timeout;if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}}),pollInterval)}}window.VWO.push(["onSurveyShown",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyShown")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyCompleted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyCompleted")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyAnswerSubmitted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.answerSubmitted,"surveySubmitted")}])}}; (function(){var VWOOmniTemp={};window.VWOOmni=window.VWOOmni||{};for(var key in VWOOmniTemp)Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(VWOOmniTemp,key)&&(window.VWOOmni[key]=VWOOmniTemp[key]);;})();(function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];var pollInterval=100;var _vis_data={};var intervalObj={};var analyticsTimerObj={};var experimentListObj={};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",function(data){if(!data){return}var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(window._vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){}}])})();; ;var vD=VWO.data||{};VWO.data={content:{"fns":{"list":{"vn":1,"args":{"1":{}}}}},as:"r5.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",dacdnUrl:"https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",accountJSInfo:{"ts":1744927644,"pc":{"t":0,"a":0},"rp":30,"noSS":false}};for(var k in vD){VWO.data[k]=vD[k]};;var gcpfb=function(a,loadFunc,status,err,success){function vwoErr() {_vwo_err({message:"Google_Cdn failing for " + a + ". Trying Fallback..",code:"cloudcdnerr",status:status});} if(a.indexOf("/cdn/")!==-1){loadFunc(a.replace("cdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;} else if(a.indexOf("/dcdn/")!==-1&&a.indexOf("evad.js") !== -1){loadFunc(a.replace("dcdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;}};window.VWO=window.VWO || [];window.VWO._= window.VWO._ || {};window.VWO._.gcpfb=gcpfb;;var d={cookie:document.cookie,URL:document.URL,referrer:document.referrer};var w={VWO:{_:{}},location:{href:window.location.href,search:window.location.search},_vwoCc:window._vwoCc};;window._vwo_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window._vwo_apm_debug_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window.VWO._.useCdn=true;window.vwo_eT="br";window._VWO=window._VWO||{};window._VWO.fSeg={};window._VWO.dcdnUrl="/dcdn/settings.js";window.VWO.sTs=1744908138;window._VWO._vis_nc_lib=window._vwo_cdn+"edrv/nc-3f9594955e9158c3d78e98fc4a36811dbr.js";var loadWorker=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb: function(xhr,a){window._vwo_wt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 ||xhr.status===304){var code="var window="+JSON.stringify(w)+",document="+JSON.stringify(d)+";window.document=document;"+xhr.responseText;var blob=new Blob([code||"throw new Error('code not found!');"],{type:"application/javascript"}),url=URL.createObjectURL(blob);window.mainThread={webWorker:new Worker(url)};window.vwoChannelFW=new MessageChannel();window.vwoChannelToW=new MessageChannel();window.mainThread.webWorker.postMessage({vwoChannelToW:vwoChannelToW.port1,vwoChannelFW:vwoChannelFW.port2},[vwoChannelToW.port1, vwoChannelFW.port2]);if(!window._vwo_mt_f)return window._vwo_wt_f=true;_vwo_code.addScript({text:window._vwo_mt_f});delete window._vwo_mt_f}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a)}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker)){return;}window._vwo_wt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadWorker("https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/edrv/worker-413c17ee3e4a9a6250095279e25419c6br.js");;var _vis_opt_file;var _vis_opt_lib;if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings.isSurveyPreviewMode){var surveyHash=window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.SURVEY_DEBUG_EVENTS.HASH;var param1="evad.js?va=";var param2="&d=debugger_new";var param3="&sp=1&a=940895&sh="+surveyHash;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?param1+"vanj"+param2:param1+"va_gq"+param2:param1+"edrv/va_gq-7c7c840681fb5b7ddc0fce3da241cf55br.js"+param2;_vis_opt_file=_vis_opt_file+param3;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/dcdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode=="PREVIEW"){ var path1 = 'edrv/pd_'; var path2 = window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.EVAD.HASH + ".js"; ;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?path1+"vanj"+path2:path1+"va_gq"+path2:path1+"edrv/va_gq-7c7c840681fb5b7ddc0fce3da241cf55br.js"+path2;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else{_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?"edrv/vanj-298dbd0998f2c686c389cd1da334dba4br.js":"edrv/va_gq-7c7c840681fb5b7ddc0fce3da241cf55br.js":"edrv/va_gq-7c7c840681fb5b7ddc0fce3da241cf55br.js"}window._vwo_library_timer=setTimeout((function(){vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay();vwoCode.finish()}),vwoCode.library_tolerance&&typeof vwoCode.library_tolerance()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.library_tolerance():2500),_vis_opt_lib=typeof _vis_opt_lib=="undefined"?window._vwo_cdn+_vis_opt_file:_vis_opt_lib;var loadLib=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb:function(xhr,a){window._vwo_mt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 || xhr.status===304){if(!window._vwo_wt_f)return window._vwo_mt_f=xhr.responseText;_vwo_code.addScript({text:xhr.responseText});delete window._vwo_wt_f;}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadLib,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadLib)){return;}window._vwo_mt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadLib(_vis_opt_lib);VWO.load_co=function(u,opts){return window._vwo_code.load(u,opts);};;;}}catch(e){_vwo_code.finish();_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay();_vwo_err(e);window.VWO.caE=1}})();

Skip to Main Content
Skip to audio player to listen live

Create a Free MPR

news profile

for you

Sign up

Already have an account?

By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.

Welcome back

to news for you

Sign in to your profile

New to MPR News?

Welcome back

to news

for you

Reset Password

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?

Welcome back

to news

for you

Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Redwood Falls, Minn.

September 19, 2008 7:44 AM

Franco's attorney asks for new trial

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log in Create a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Olga Franco — Olga Franco walks to the courthouse for a hearing. Her attorney asked a judge Thursday to throw out her guilty verdict in connection with a fatal school bus accident in Cottonwood last February.
MPR Photo/Mark Steil

Attorneys for Olga Franco asked a district court judge Thursday to either throw out her conviction in the fatal Cottonwood bus crash or give her a new trial.

During the hearing in Redwood Falls, Franco's attorney Manuel Guerrero said the jury wrongly convicted her last month in the February crash which killed four students.

The jury found that Franco was driving the van when it hit the school bus. Guerrero said the panel ignored substantial evidence that her boyfriend was the actual driver.

Guerrero said a "shoddy" state investigation of the crime hurt Franco's chances of winning her case.

Turn Up Your Support

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.

The prosecutor, Lyon County Attorney Rick Maes, said he accepts that there were two people in the van at the time of the accident. But he said even if the second person was the boyfriend, there is no evidence that he was driving.

Franco was found in the driver's seat with her foot pinned near the gas pedal. Her attorneys say the force of the crash propelled her from the passenger seat to the driver's side.

Judge David Peterson will issue a ruling on the motions later. Before the hearing started, Franco told reporters she still feels her legal situation will turn around.

She's scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 8.

Gallery

1 of 1

Olga Franco — Olga Franco walks to the courthouse for a hearing. Her attorney asked a judge Thursday to throw out her guilty verdict in connection with a fatal school bus accident in Cottonwood last February.
MPR Photo/Mark Steil

Dear reader,

Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?

You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!

Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.