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August 4 - 8, 2003
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Monday, Aug. 4, 2003 |
An 'outside' job: External aircraft repairs raise concerns
In tough financial times, the country's major airlines are saving money by hiring outside companies to repair their airplanes. Eagan-based Northwest Airlines now hires companies both in the U.S. and overseas to do a larger portion of its maintenance than ever before. A recent government report has raised new questions about this trend. Northwest union mechanics say it could mean lower-quality repairs, and put flights at greater risk of terrorist attack. Northwest says outsourcing is not only safe, but critical to the airline's survival. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Dentists concerned over changes in state law
Dentists who serve lower income adults say they expect a new law to make things difficult for them. The law, which takes effect in October, will cap state-subsidized payments for dental services. The change was part of the Legislature's efforts to balance the state's budget. Dentists say they're worried the law will present an ethical dilemma and could prompt many to decide against treating lower income individuals altogether. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Plan could keep NRP alive
Minneapolis residents get a chance today to comment on a funding scheme designed to keep a popular neighborhood development program up and running. Changes in the state tax law two years ago combined with new city policies and state aid cuts this year threaten the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. But officials have pieced together a way to keep NRP alive. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Kevin Kling talks "Baseball, dogs, and Motorcycles"
The Minnesota Fringe opened over the weekend; dozens of shows dotted around Minneapolis. They range from the sublime to the ridiculous, and they're proud of it. One of the more anticipated shows opens Monday. Playwright and storyteller Kevin Kling's latest foray is called simply "Baseball, Dogs, and Motorcycles." He talked with Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr.
New website designed to help smokers quit
Minnesotans who want to quit smoking now have a new tool. The Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco is launching a website today that's designed to help people kick the habit. Quitplan.com is free and offers several features, including an experts forum where smokers can get answers to questions that come up in the process of quitting. Jan Malcolm is the MPATT board chair and a former state health commissioner. She's on the line now.
Monday Markets
Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest economic news.
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Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003 |
Audit suggests Xcel employees manipulated outage data
An audit of Xcel Energy says a small number of employees recorded inaccurate information that resulted in unreliable reporting of power outages. State regulators commissioned the audit last fall. The decision to examine Xcel's records followed accusations that the company falsified the length of power outages so it would to meet state-ordered reliability standards. Xcel says it has found instances where company documentation procedures were not followed consistently. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
Pawlenty touts hydrogen power
Minnesota is already a national leader in alternative energy, thanks to the state's abundant wind power and support for corn-based ethanol. Officials also think the state can be a player when it comes to hydrogen fuel cells. The potentially pollution-free power source is being touted for cars, laptop computers, and homes. Yesterday, Gov. Pawlenty ceremonially flipped on one of the state's first industrial fuel cell generators. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
State troopers deploy to Minneapolis
Starting today, 12 officers from the State Patrol's Special Response Team will be in the Minneapolis as part of an effort to combat a surge in violent crime. Gov. Pawlenty ordered the deployment, which will be coordinated by state and city law enforcement leaders. The last time a governor sent Minneapolis this kind of help was in August of 1996. That summer, Gov. Arne Carlson deployed 15 state troopers and five agents from the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. He also made two State Patrol helicopters available for nighttime operations. Gov. Carlson joins us now.
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Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003 |
Episcopalians elect gay bishop; Minnesotans react
After several days of debate and drama at their national convention in Minneapolis, Episcopalian leaders voted yesterday to make Gene Robinson the church's first openly gay bishop. The move came after a one-day investigation cleared Robinson of accusations of sexual improprieties. The vote did not, however, end debate over whether the church should install Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire. Like the rest of the country's Episcopalians, those in Minnesota are not of one mind when it comes to the confirmation of the faith's first openly gay bishop. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
State troopers patrol Minneapolis streets
Tuesday night marked the first shift for 12 state troopers who've come to Minneapolis to help the city's police force handle a spike in violent crime. Half the troopers were deployed to the 4th Precinct in North Minneapolis, which has been the site of some of the most recent shootings. The deployment coincided with National Night Out, and the troopers got a chance to see that even in one of the most troubled parts of the city, there are many of people working for change. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
Lawmakers field questions at Farmfest
Farmers from across Minnesota are in Redwood County this week for Farmfest. The annual event features exhibits from nearly 500 farm-related companies. But it also gives farmers a chance to question lawmakers about new farm legislation. Yesterday farmers where wondering about a new requirement of the Farm Bill. It would tell consumers where their meat comes from. Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post reports.
The enthusiasts: cyclist
Minneapolis resident Gary Hoover commutes on a bicycle. Actually, a tricyle. The self-employed handyman is a common sight on south Minneapolis streets. He's the bearded fellow peddling a bright red, custom-made cargo tricycle. The Hoover family gave up their car several years ago. They rely almost exclusively on cycling to get around. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson caught up with Gary recently. They talked off the street and on while Hoover pedaled to work, with traffic swooshing by and Gary's handyman tools bouncing and jouncing around.
Entrepreneurship was focus of Rural Summit in Mankato
Some business owners and policy makers are back home this morning after three days in Mankato discussing entrepreneurship. The participants were part of 6th Annual Minnesota Rural Summit, which focused on entrepreneurship as a rural economic development strategy. Jane Leonard is the acting director of the Minnesota Rural Partners, which organized the event. She's on the line now.
Death of baby raises concerns about postpartum depression
A professor has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of her 6-month-old daughter. Mine An Ener, a history professor at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, is accused of killing the child with a kitchen knife while visiting her family in Minnesota. In her confession to police, Ener said she suffered from postpartum depression. The case has women's health advocates calling for increased awareness of that condition. Ed Taylor is a professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, and he's on the line now.
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Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003 |
Minnesota soldier wounded in Iraq is on the mend
There will be a celebration this weekend for 19-year-old Private First Class Michelle Loftus at her family farm near Rochester. Loftus was seriously injured in an attack near Baghdad two weeks ago. She is lucky to be alive. Loftus is now on the mend and recovering well. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik visited her this week and he has this report.
The cost of phones in the forest
How much is phone service worth to you? One of the state's major phone providers wants to charge some northeastern Minnesota home owners thousands of dollars each to hook up a phone line. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is expected to consider whether the spat over telephone service should be taken to the State Supreme Court. The PUC and telephone company, Qwest, agree the homeowners deserve service, but they haven't agreed who should pick up the multi-million dollar tab. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly to lay out 2004 budget proposal
St. Paul mayor Randy Kelly will present his 2004 budget proposal tonight. City council members and St. Paul residents alike will be watching to see whether the mayor proposes a levy increase for the coming year. St. Paul has held taxes flat for the past 10 years, but this year the city has seen a significant drop in state money due to cuts in local government aid. Still, Kelly has hinted that he might not call for a tax increase. Joining us now to talk about the choices facing the city is councilmember Chris Coleman.
It's Healthy Hemp Bread Day in Minneapolis
Today is Healthy Hemp Bread Day in Minneapolis. Mayor R.T. Rybak is making that declaration this afternoon at French Meadow Bakery, the only bakery in the country that makes bread using hemp seeds. Joining us on the line is Lynn Gordon, founder of the French Meadow bakery.
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Friday, Aug. 8, 2003 |
St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly presents 2004 budget proposal
St. Paul residents won't see an increase in city taxes next year, if it's up to Mayor Randy Kelly. The mayor presented his 2004 budget proposal last night in front of city council members and the public. St. Paul has held taxes flat for the past 10 years, but this year the city has seen a significant drop in state money due to cuts in local government aid. Mayor Kelly joins us on the line now.
NPS opens new Mississippi River center
The people in the cars whizzing over the Twin Cities' Mississippi River bridges this morning may not realize that they're passing over a National Park site. But they are. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area consists of 72 miles of the Father of Waters and a host of parks, trails, and historic sites along the riverbanks in the Twin Cities area. This weekend, the National Park Service celebrates the opening of a visitor center in downtown Saint Paul to help acquaint people with the attractions along the National River. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.
State cuts to child care programs affecting child care industry
State budget cuts to child care programs are beginning to reverberate through the child care industry. The Legislature cut $86 million in child care subsidies to help close a projected $4.2 budget deficit. The child care cuts took effect on July 1st and may lead to a wave of child care center closings. Joining us on the line is Scott Smith, who wrote about this issue in this week's edition of "The Business Journal."
Weather with Mark Seeley
University of Minnesota Meteorologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.
Word of Mouth
Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts provides the scoop each week on the best of Minnesota's art scene, including theater, gallery shows, music, and spoken-word events.
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