Monday, April 21

President Clinton's "America Reads" proposal would place one-million tutors, including thousands of college students, in elementary classrooms throughout the nation with the goal of teaching all children to read by third grade. Minnesota colleges are making plans to get their students involved in the project. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.

Last fall, Roberto Sulbavaro was named the U-S National Women's Ep-pay coach for the 2000 Olympics. Ep-pay is a form of fencing, in which duelers use thin swords to attack their opponents on any part of the body. He spoke with M-P-R intern Sara Goo as part of our Odd Jobs series.

Lobbyist Judy Cook discusses flood relief proposals, property tax reform, the stadium bill and other issues still percolating at the state capitol.

Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Farrell thinks the stock market is acting RATIONALLY if you consider corporate earnings and low inflation.

The American Red Cross shelter at Grand Forks Air Force Base is preparing to take 1500 refugees displaced by flooding. Spokeswoman Eleanor Strouthman says most will stay a few days before finding room with relatives or friends, or leaving the area altogether.

The Great Apes sometimes act in ways that are strikingly similar to human behavior. But most scientists draw a line between what motivates human behavior and the behavior of other animals...calling it morality in the first case and instinct in the other. The research of zoologist and ethologist Frans De Waal blurs that line. He says chimps may not make moral judgements like us...but they do share our moral sentiments.

And on Future Tense: A recent survery by the National Computer Security Association finds that incidents of computer viruses are increasing. The NCSA says anti-virus software has been somewhat effective, but viruses tend to be invented faster than cures can be rolled out.

Tuesday, April 22

The Minnesota legislature is considering a measure which changes how rights of way are managed. Utilities can run their cables and pipes under our roads because they're part of the right of way. Some city officials say the companies leave a mess when they work on their grids. A compromise before the legislature gives cities more control over rights of way but leaves another issue unsettled. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.

The Minnesota Senate passed a bill yesterday that would allow the state's rent-to-own stores to go back to business as usual. A federal court ruled last year that the nation's largest rent-to-own chain, Rent-A-Center, overcharged its Minnesota customers. The court ordered the company to give back millions of dollars. Now...the bill moving through the legislature would legalize Rent-A-Center's business practices. Minnesota Public Radio's John Biewen reports.

Dan Gunderson provides an update on conditions in Grand Forks in advance of President Clinton's visit later today.

Minneapolis businessman and author Harvey McKay discusses the virtues, benefits and tricks of good networking... which is the topic of his latest book "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty."

Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson calls for plans to provide adequate flood relief to people who have not bought flood insurance... and to farmers who have suffered loss of livestock and cropland.

And on Future Tense: From time to time on Future Tense, we hear from author Andy Inahtko, who defines, sometimes in a humorous fashion, some techno-terms which you may come across. today, andy takes on the terms BIT, BYTE and BLOATWARE.

Wednesday, April 23

Spring planting could begin this week in some parts of Minnesota, North and South Dakota. But in other areas there is still snow or standing water and it's doubtful some crops can even be planted this year. Farmers and ag officials say so-called "Freedom to Farm" legislation passed in 1996 is both a blessing and a curse to farmers facing disaster from blizzards and flooding. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland reports.

The state will starts administering a new tougher driving test next week. Some of the new features include vehicle safety checks, risk perception and trickier parking manuevers. The Department of Public Safety is expecting that a lot more people will be failing the test. Bob Potter took the exam with Driving Examiner Gordy Pehrson to find out just how difficult it's going to be.

And on Future Tense: A poll in this morning's USA Today finds teenagers think their computers are more essential than their TV's. We hear from Jim Norman, USA Today's poll editor.

Thursday, April 24

Many families affected by flooding are relying on the Salvation Army's disaster headquarters in Fargo. A vacant building near the West Acres shopping center has been converted into a makeshift supermarket with emergency supplies. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...

For the first time in their eight-year history, the Minnesota Timberwolves will take part in a National Basketball Association playoff game tonight. The Timberwolves are not likely to win the championship -- in fact, they're underdogs in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. But, as Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports, this has been a breakthrough season for a long-struggling franchise.

The Minnesota House and Senate both finished their K-through-12 education spending bills last night. Both bills are meant to improve schools and raise slumping test scores, but they take different approaches. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports...

Contractor and home repair author Gary Branson talks about the damage that floodwater can do to a home and how much of it can be repaired.

Judge John Stanoch says the growing practice of self-representation in court is causing some problems... both for defendants who don't know much about law and for court administrators who want to protect their rights in the absence of an attorney.

Chuck Corliss, transportation director for White Bear Lake Schools, discusses how his district would use an increase in school bus safety funds included in both education bills passed by the legislature.

A new opera by Minnesota composer Stephen Paulus debuts tonight. What makes this opera unusual is that it will be staged in a church. House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul commissioned the opera which is called "The Three Hermits." It's based on a story by Leo Tolstoy. We talk with Stephen Pauus and choirmaster Tom Lancaster.

And on Future Tense: A poll in USA Today this week shows teenagers are increasingly sophisticated in their understanding and use of computers and other high-tech tools. We hear from USA Today poll editor Jim Norman.

Friday, April 25

A new exhibition of paintings by Liz Sivertson opens Saturday in Duluth: colorful, whimsical pictures she did for the children's book "North Country Spring." Sivertson comes from an artistic family. Her sister owns the Sivertson Gallery, and her father, Howard Sivertson, is a well-known painter and illustrator who grew up on Isle Royale in Lake Superior. The big lake features prominently in the family's life -- and in the artists' work. Catherine Winter reports.

Mark Seeley flew over the Minnesota and Red River valleys this week to survey the extent of flooding. He describes what he saw, discusses the tricky business of predicting floods and looks ahead to next week.

The Mayaquest team, five cyclists led by writer-explorer Dan Buettner, has returned from a month travelling through Central America by bicycle. School kids monitored and navigated the trip...communicating with Buettner's pack through the internet. Dan Buettner talks about some of their discoveries.

And on Future Tense: The continuing Apple soap opera. Larry wants to buy Apple and use it for his own evil purposes. Gil says no. Steve, the prodigal son, returns, perhaps to steal the company that threw him out on his butt. The mysterious new operating system is still missing! Apple is still a grand drama, and no one knows how it will play out.

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