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March 17 - 21, 2003
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
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Monday, March 17, 2003 |
War unlikely to be good for Minnesota economy
It is a popular notion that war is good for the economy. But as U.S. troops mass on the border of Iraq, Minnesota experts doubt war will help the state's struggling economy. Over the last two years, Minnesota has lost 57,000 jobs. Three quarters of those jobs have been in the manufacturing sector. Traditionally, manufacturers have benefited the most from military spending. But, state economists say a war in Iraq is unlikely to help them. Minnesota Public Radio's Rob Schmitz reports.
Minnesotans not preparing for terror
Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have been canvassing the nation urging Americans to take precautions in preparation for possible terrorist attacks. The message is simple: stock pile a few days worth of food, medicine, water and make an emergency plan. But most Americans are not following the government recommendations. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
State lawmakers busy with variety of issues
Minnesota lawmakers have a busy week ahead of them. House and Senate committees will take up a wide range of issues, including abortion, concealed carry of handguns, and --of course-- the budget. Senate Democrats are holding hearings around the state tomorrow on Minnesota's $4.2 billion projected deficit. Joining us now is Laura McCallum, Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief.
Lanugage of news and war
People who oppose the Bush policy on Iraq have criticized the media's use of the terms "anti-war" and "pro-troops" to describe the two sides of the war debate, arguing that such language suggests people who oppose the war do not support our troops. The media, and people who hope to get their message into the media, are becoming increasingly aware of how to characterize issues and agendas, especially as news stories get shorter and shorter. Carlin Cors Campbell is a professor of Communications Studies and chair of the speech communications department at the University of Minnesota. She's on the line now.
Monday Markets with Chris Farrell
MPR's Chief Economics Correspondent discusses the financial markets and possible war with Iraq.
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Tuesday, March 18, 2003 |
McCollum, Kline respond to Bush speech
World leaders, national leaders, and the American public are all reacting this morning to President Bush's address to the nation. Bush appeared on television last night and warned Saddam Hussein he has 48 hours to leave the country or face war. Joining us now are two members of Minnesota's congressional delegation, Democratic Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and Republican Congressman John Kline.
Labor leaders against war in Iraq
Leaders of Twin Cities labor unions are organizing a Labor Against the War campaign. Representatives of more than a dozen unions representing steelworkers, transportation and communications workers, clerical workers, hospital employees and others met yesterday in Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports.
Scandals common for new governors
Two months into his term, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has already dealt with several political landmines. He has asked one of his commissioners to resign, another one may have trouble getting confirmed, and his administration was accused of nepotism for hiring the husband of yet another commissioner. All that while the governor has been putting together a budget to erase a projected $4.2 billion deficit. Political observers say the early missteps are nothing unusual for a new governor - although one issue is still unresolved and could be problematic. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Xcel and and Prairie Island tribe agree on nuclear waste
The Prairie Island Tribal Council has reached a tentative agreement with Xcel Energy to allow additional storage casks at the Prairie Island nuclear plant. If ratified next month by tribal members, the agreement would mean one less obstacle for Xcel as it seeks approval from the Legislature to store more nuclear waste at the site. Officials say if no additional storage is granted, the plant will have to shut down in 2007. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
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Wednesday, March 19, 2003 |
Minnesota students expected to protest war
Anti-war activists at the University of Minnesota say they expect students from 26 area schools, including a number of junior and senior high schools, to walk out the day after bombing begins in Iraq. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports.
Care packages headed to soldiers overseas
One woman in Clear Lake, Minnesota may have found something that both anti-war protesters and supporters of a war in Iraq can agree upon: sending care packages and letters to soldiers overseas. Charleen Baune has been sending packages to soldiers, most of whom she's never met, for weeks. She sees it as a positive way that anyone, no matter their opinion on the war, can channel energy toward supporting troops abroad. Joining us on the line is Charleen Baune.
Spring storms critical for billion-dollar drought
Ranchers in western South Dakota are watching a storm system very carefully. The storm rolling across the plains this week is crucial. In a region that's seen two years of drought, any snow or rain in the forecast could break the billion-dollar drought. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports.
DNR says burning restrictions are coming soon
In Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources is warning property owners that burning restrictions are coming soon. Department officials say they're gearing up for what could be a busy fire season. Dave Schuller is a Firewise Program Specialist at the DNR, and he's on the line now.
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Thursday, March 20, 2003 |
Anti-war protesters react to beginning of war
Local anti-war protesters wasted little time last night reacting to news that the U.S. has begun military strikes against Iraq. The activists say they will not0 back down, and will increase the number and intensity of their protests. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Expanding Prairie Island storage passes committee
A bill to expand the storage of spent nuclear fuel at the Xcel Energy's Prairie Island nuclear plant has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Yesterday, the House Regulated Industries committee approved the measure on a 13-7 party-line vote, with Republicans in support. Xcel says without the additional capacity, the plan will be forced to shut down in 2007, depriving the state of a major source of electricity. But environmental advocates say the company should be weaned from a reliance on nuclear power and be required to develop renewable energy alternatives. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
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Friday, March 21, 2003 |
As many as 5000 march in anti-war protests
Despite the wind and rain, thousands of protesters marched through Minneapolis Thursday evening in opposition to the war with Iraq. Roads were blocked off near the federal building plaza. Helicopters circled overhead, and mounted riot police were close by. The rally turned into a two-hour march, tying up traffic downtown. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
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