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July 8 - 12, 2002
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Monday, July 8, 2002 |
A solution for global warming?
Not far from Minnesota's popular Boundary Waters canoe country lies another wilderness where almost no one goes. It's called the peatlands, and it covers one-third of northern Minnesota. It's too soggy to farm. The few trees growing there are too stunted to log. But these long-ignored lands may hold one key to our future in the age of global climate change. If the world's vast peatlands flourish in warmer temperatures, they could help slow global warming. If they wither, they could greatly aggravate the problem. No one knows what will happen, but in northern Minnesota, scientists are seven years into some of the first experiments to find out. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports.
Farmland Foods, one year later
One year ago today, fire destroyed the Farmland Foods plant in Albert Lea. Five hundred people lost their jobs, and company officials still have not decided whether to rebuild in Albert Lea. The company says it's waiting to hear about insurance claims. To complicate matters, about a month ago Farmland Industries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy filing is worrying many of the company's investors and having an impact throughout Albert Lea. Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley reports.
Sentencing expected in Pipestone corruption scandal
Sentencing is set for today in Minneapolis for seven people who've admitted guilt in a corruption scandal centered in the southwest Minnesota community of Pipestone. Many people have been directly affected by the crimes which stretch back at least fifteen years. Even more people are now being hurt as the consequences of the crimes continue to ripple through the community. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.
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Tuesday, July 9, 2002 |
Mayo develops new anti-terror tool
Many scientists and government officials say a future bioterrorist attack is likely. They say hospitals around the country should be ready for such an attack, yet only two laboratories in the United States are equipped to analyze specimens from such an attack. Now, researchers at Rochester's Mayo Clinic have developed a way for local clinics to test for viruses that could be released in a bioterrorist attack. Minnesota Public Radio's Rob Schmitz reports.
Minneapolis police say gang activity on the rise
Minneapolis police say they're seeing some disturbing trends that point to an increase in gang violence and drug dealing. Police officials told residents at two public meetings last night that seventeen of this year's twenty-one homicides stem from gang conflicts or bad drug deals. Now they hope to unleash a series of countermeasures to hold the violence in check. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Researchers investigate whether trees can lessen global warming
Scientists are growing trees in a northern Wisconsin forest-- in a bath of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and ozone. They want to know if trees can help limit global warming. Early results suggest the cocktail of pollutants produced by humans might endanger upper midwest forests. Scientists worry this may be offsetting any ability trees might have to slow an increase in world temperatures. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
Block E design features under scrutiny
The entertainment complex being built on Block E in downtown Minneapolis will have public bathrooms after all. Developers had eliminated the restrooms from their preliminary plans, but told the Minneapolis Planning Commission last night that the plans would be revised to include public bathrooms. Some commissioners have complained that the publicly-funded complex is being redesigned in ways that make it less public and more private. Judith Martin is the president of the Minneapolis Planning Commission. She's on the line now.
All Star game will be played amid talk of possible strike
Minnesota Twin Torii Hunter will start in centerfield for the American League at tonight's All Star Game in Milwaukee. Hunter is one of three Twins to make the All Star team this year. He was eliminated in the first round of last night's Home Run Derby. This year's All Star festivities are being held under the cloud of another potential labor impasse. The Major League Baseball Players Association did not announce a strike date after their meetings in Chicago yesterday, but the players did not rule out the possibility of a strike before season's end. Joining us on the line from Milwaukee is LaVelle Neal, who covers the Twins for the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
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Wednesday, July 10, 2002 |
Ventura hospitalized
Governor Ventura is under observation this morning at the North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Ventura's office says the governor was admitted yesterday for treatment of a recurring blood clot in his lung. He will be evaluated this morning. A spokesman says Ventura is in stable condition and in good spirits. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
St. Paul stadium talks at impasse
St. Paul's chances of working out a ballpark funding plan with the Minnesota Twins this year are growing dimmer. To meet the terms of stadium legislation passed this spring, city voters would have to approve local funding for a new ballpark by the end of September. City officials have been meeting with Twins executives in hopes of working out a business deal in time to get a referendum question on the September ballot. Now Mayor Randy Kelly says the talks have stalled, making it less likely the ballpark issue can be resolved this fall. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.
Roundtable on corporate misconduct
Today in Minneapolis, the Dorsey and Whitney law firm is holding a roundtable discussion on a hot topic: corporate reform. Yesterday, President Bush proposed a plan to "end the days of cooking the books and shading the truth" in corporate America. Bush recommended longer prison terms for corporate executives guilty of fraud and proposed strengthening laws criminalizing document shredding and other forms of obstruction of justice. Bush's speech comes amidst almost daily headlines about corporate misconduct by companies like Enron and Worldcom. Joining us on the line is Dorsey and Whitney's Jay Swanson, who will moderate today's discussion.
Republican senators defect to Independence Party
Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tim Penny has picked state Senator Martha Robertson as his running mate. The Minnetonka Republican says she's switching to the Independence Party in order to present a centrist alternative to Minnesota voters. Yesterday's announcement came on the same day that another Republican senator -- Sheila Kiscaden of Rochester -- bucked the GOP for the Independence Party. But Republican officials say they're not worried the announcements represent any sort of trend. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
University of Minnesota to announce new athletic director
Joel Maturi could be appointed athletic director at the University of Minnesota as soon as today. Last week, university officials named the Chisholm native as the only finalist for the position. As part of a two-day interview process, Maturi spoke yesterday at a public forum at the Minneapolis campus. If hired, Maturi would be the first person to head up a merged men's and women's athletic department. He told those at the forum he would be sensitive to issues of gender equity and would do everything possible to avoid eliminating any sports teams. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
New study says alcohol abuse treatment lowers future medical expenditures
A new, still unpublished, study by researchers at the University of Minnesota finds that treatment for alcohol abuse pays for itself within four to six years by reducing future medical expenditures. Researchers examined how often patients diagosed with alcoholism seek medical care, and compared those who were treated with those who weren't. The study was funded by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction. Dr. Robert Kane, from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health, was the lead investigator on the study. He's on the line now.
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Thursday, July 11, 2002 |
Roseau struggles with flood recovery
Seven new counties in flood-ravaged northwest Minnesota, have been added to the list of those eligible for federal disaster assistance. That brings the total to 17. The region was devastated last month by heavy rains and overflowing rivers. Damage estimates are approaching $500 million. It's left many farmers and business owners wondering if they'll be able to recover.
Bush to visit Minnesota
President Bush will be in Minneapolis today to raise money for Republican Senate candidate Norm Coleman and John Kline, who's seeking the seat in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. Bush is also scheduled to deliver a speech on the high cost of prescription drugs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
The 'other' candidates
When Minnesotans go to the polls for the primary election in September, they'll find some familiar names at the top of the ticket. The endorsed candidates face challenges from some perennial candidates. Party officials say the challengers don't pose a serious threat, but the parties also don't dare discount them completely. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
What is high-tech's future here?
Minnesota's technology economy deserves high marks according to a new report released yesterday. Minnesota Technology Inc., the state's technology-based economic development organization, says high tech is a stable anchor for the state's economy. However, the report also finds an increasing number of business executives are concerned Minnesota's technology sector is eroding and becoming less competitive.
Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
Scientists sample for the pesky zebra mussel
The summer time is breeding time for the invasive pest, the zebra mussel. Right about now millions of microscopic larvae are headed down the Mississippi River. This year scientists from St. Paul to St. Louis are studying how and where the pest is spreading.
Summertime, and the livin' is squeezy
The sounds of accordion music will fill the air at the 2002 American Accordionists' Festival beginning today. More than 500 accordionists from around the country are expected to attend. They'll hold workshops, and play concerts of polka, jazz, and other musical genres at venues in the Twin Cities, and in the Duluth area. Dee Langley, an organizer of the festival, says there are a number of reasons why they chose to come to Minnesota.
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Friday, July 12, 2002 |
Bush raises money for Coleman; Kline
Republican Senate candidate Norm Coleman, congressional candidate John Kline, and the Minnesota Republican Party together have well over a million more dollars today than they did yesterday thanks to President Bush. Last night, for the second time this year, Bush was in Minnesota raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
Bush in Minnesota to push Republican prescription drug bill
Before the fundraiser, Bush delivered a speech on the rising cost of prescription drugs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck has that story.
St. Paul stadium push dies
St. Paul's bid to become the home of the Minnesota Twins looks like it's dead for now. The Twins have refused to sign an agreement granting St. Paul exclusive rights to a new stadium, and St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly says that makes it unlikely the city will hold a referendum this fall for new stadium taxes. The mayor says the Twins refused to sign an agreement because Carl Pohlad doesn't want to hurt his chances to sell the team. He says the Twins have until next Wednesday to change their mind. Joining us on the line is DFL Sen. Dean Johnson, who was the author of the stadium bill in the Senate last session.
Independence Party to hold state convention
Delegates to the Independence Party state convention will gather in St. Cloud tomorrow to endorse a slate of candidates, including a candidate for governor. Former Democratic Congressman Tim Penny is expected to get that endorsement. Penny and his running mate, state Sen. Martha Robertson, are among a number of politicians who have moved to the Independence Party in recent weeks. That has Independence Party leaders talking about a new momentum. State Sen. Sheila Kiscaden was a Republican until she announced her move to the IP a few days ago. She's on the line now.
Buyers claim a piece of HHH legacy
Avid garage sale shoppers in the Twin Cities know that Thursday is the best day to find antique gems at a bargain price. That rule of thumb held true yesterday at an estate sale near Lake Minnetonka. What made the sale different was that many of the items had been passed down through the family of Minnesota's most famous politician. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports on the sale of mementoes from the family of Hubert Humphrey.
Recent rains hurt crops
Earlier this week, state agriculture officials announced prospects for the harvest were looking up. The recent warm and humid weather was helping make up for a frustrating spring. Corn, soybeans, and other crops were on track for an average year. Then came the rain. As much as six inches fell Wednesday in central Minnesota, most of it within an hour or two. City streets and basements suffered from the flash floods. Farmers around the region also stepped outside to find saturated fields and sudden crop losses. Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Two Minnesota health care providers battle for prime location
Two top health care providers in the Twin Cities are competing to build a new hospital in Maple Grove. North Memorial Health Care and Fairview Health Services both see the suburb as fertile ground for growth, but both companies face a complicated road ahead to be the first to build a hospital there. The competition between the two providers is the topic of an article in today's issue of "The Business Journal." Scott Smith is the reporter who wrote the article. He says there are many reasons why Maple Grove is attractive to the competing health care providers.
Rain-soaked state is drying out
University of Minnesota Meteorologist Mark Seeley discusses this week's rain and looks ahead to the weekend weather.
A roundup of Minnesota arts this week
Chris Roberts takes a look at arts around the state in this week's edition of the Word of Mouth roundup.
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