Monday, October 12

This year's political campaign is boosting opposition to the Minnesota high school graduation standards. Hundreds of parents, teachers and political candidates gathered at the state capitol Sunday to speak out against the so-called Profile of Learning. Rally organizers say the profile represents a loss of local control of education, and a lot of Republican candidates for office agree. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.

Minnesota's three major party candidates for Governor discussed the most contentious education issues last night at a forum sponsored by the American Association of University Women. All supported smaller class sizes and the state's grant program for higher education, but on many issues, their philosophical differences were apparent. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.

It's been ten months since welfare reform went into effect across Minnesota. This week Minnesota Public Radio is examining the impact of the changes, and what their long-term effects are likely to be. Today we start with the basics: How does it work? The heart of welfare reform in Minnesota is something known as MFIP, the Minnesota Family Investment Program. The state of Minnesota calls MFIP tough but fair welfare reform. Critics say its a short term solution that forces people into dead-end jobs and leaves them in poverty. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson Reports.

Recovery from a natural disaster takes time. Months and years can go by before life seems normal again. Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman returned to Saint Peter to see how people are doing just six months after the tornado disaster. She met with Saint Peter resident and business owner Nancy Jordet.

The people who run the Target Center are probably wishing Garth Brooks could play 40 dates a year there and then they wouldn't have to worry about basketball. But Mr. Brooks will be moving on this week and the National Basketball Association is supposed to begin play next month. But a lockout by the NBA owners shows no sign of ending soon. MPR Sports Commentator Jay Weiner says cancellation of at least part of the regular season is inevitable.

After some very volatile trading, the Dow Industrials gained 115 points last week, and open today's trading at just under 7900. Here's how Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Farrell sees things.