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August 11 - 15, 2003
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Monday, Aug. 11, 2003 |
Did Minnesota make a right turn politically in 2002?
There is change afoot in Minnesota. Long considered a safe state for Democrats, the state seemed to embrace a new politics last November when Republicans swept all but one of the statewide races, picked up a seat in Congress, and padded their majority in the state House. Just one legislative session later, the new GOP ascendancy is beginning to bear fruit. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo surveys the new political landscape in the first part of our five-part series, "Minnesota's Right Turn."
County jails under pressure to house more inmates
Many reports indicate that U.S. inmate populations are hitting record high levels. Minnesota's incarceration rate remains low compared to other states. But the numbers are rising. That's putting pressure on state prisons. A new law will shift some of the burden to county jails. Mainstreet Radio's Annie Baxter reports.
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Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003 |
Hockey coach Herb Brooks dies in car accident
Herb Brooks, former men's hockey coach at the University of Minnesota and U.S. Olympic coach in 1980 and 2002, is dead. The Minnesota State Patrol says Brooks was thrown from his car when it rolled over, yesterday, just north of the Twin Cities. They say it appears the 66 year-old Brooks over corrected his steering while driving on Interstate 35. The St. Paul native is known throughout hockey circles as an innovator who could get the most out of his players. He's best known for using those motivational techniques in the famous "Miracle on Ice" game in 1980, in which the U.S. team defeated a stronger and faster Soviet Union team. The win put the U.S. in the gold medal game against Finland in Lake Placid, NY which the Americans won. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Gov. Pawlenty: moderate or right-winger?
Two of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's most important assets are his winning smile and his easy disposition. Even his biggest critics say it's hard not to like him. But political opponents are quick to charge that behind the friendly demeanor lurks a radical agenda that is steering Minnesota off course. Pawlenty and his allies, however, point to crushing victories at the ballot box last year as evidence that their roadmap is exactly what Minnesotans want. As part of our "Minnesota's Right Turn" series, Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this report.
Issues of sexuality discussed among Lutherans
The General Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, or E.L.C.A. is meeting this week in Milwaukee. Today, the Assembly is planning to release findings from a continuing study of homosexuality in the church. The full report on human sexuality is not scheduled to be completed until 2005, when the churchwide assembly is expected to vote on such issues as whether to bless same-sex unions or ordain practicing homosexuals. Last week, the Episcopal Church installed a gay bishop and allowed the blessing of same-sex couples. The E.L.C.A. has a full communion agreement with the Episcopalians, allowing clergy from each denomination to preach to congregations of the other denomination. Joining us on the line from Milwaukee is Peter Rogness, Bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod of the E.L.C.A.
Aphids a problem for soybean farmers
Later today, the U.S. Agriculture Department will issue the first field-based soybean crop estimate of the season. It's expected to show a decent year, although there are concerns about dry weather and insects. Minnesota soybean producers are worried about damage from an emerging pest: the soybean aphid. The bug has spread rapidly since it was first found in the state three years ago. It's an economic concern for farmers and it also demonstrates the danger of new organisms brought to the U.S. from overseas. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.
Warnings not present on Ephedra web sites
A new study finds some Web sites advertising products containing ephedra fail to disclose potential adverse effects of the supplement, and some make misleading statements about its safety and effectiveness. The study is published in the August issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Millions of Americans use dietary supplements containing ephedra to lose weight, build muscle and boost energy. It has been linked to some well-publicized cases, including the death of a 23-year-old Baltimore Orioles pitcher who died this year after taking an over-the-counter drug that contains ephedra as its primary ingredient. Dr. Bimal Ashar is a physician and assistant professor of medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He's the senior author of the study, and he joins us on the line now.
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Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003 |
Minnesota unemployment hits 18 year high
Minnesota's economy continues to struggle. The latest unemployment statistics show more Minnesotans are out of work than at any time in 18 years. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Is Minnesota still No. 1 on quality of life?
Minnesota's new budget has been law for barely a month, too soon for nonprofits, local government officials and health care professionals to know its full impact. Earlier this year, led by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Republican-controlled House, the Legislature passed a two-year budget that erased a $4.2 billion deficit without raising taxes. Critics warned that approach would threaten Minnesota's high quality of life. In the final installment of our series, "Minnesota's Right Turn," Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that the impact on the state's quality of life may not be known for some time.
Status of La Crosse Ten Commandments uncertain
The La Crosse, Wisconsin city council plans to appeal a recent court ruling which calls for the removal of a Ten Commandments statue. The decision to appeal was made at a special city council meeting last night. The monument has been displayed on a piece of public land since it was dedicated to the city of La Crosse back in the 1960s by a local Eagles Club. Two years ago, the monument became a source of controversy when the city was sued by an organization charging that the statue violates the separation between church and state. Now, it's likely the case will advance on to the federal court of appeals in Chicago. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally has this report.
Another National Guard Unit leaves for duty
Another Minnesota National Guard Unit leaves today for active duty. The 1st Battalion of the 125th Field Artillery will go first to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for training before heading overseas. Farewell ceremonies have been held for the unit throughout southern Minnesota, including one Tuesday afternoon in New Ulm. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.
Judges back from Kosovo
Several Twin Cities area judges say they have a renewed passion for the American judicial system after serving as the first U.S. judges to take part in the United Nation's mission in Kosovo. Judges from Hennepin, Ramsey and Dakota counties ruled on cases too sensitive for local judges: war crimes, ethnic disputes and organized crime. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki checked in with the judges who recently returned to the United States.
Southwest Minnesota in drought-like conditions
Some areas in southern Minnesota are experiencing drought-like conditions, and farmers are beginning to worry about their crops. Weather patterns have left the southwestern part of the state especially dry. Joining us on the line is Jeff Strock, a soil scientist with the University of Minnesota's Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton, Minnesota.
Enthusiast: Norwegian Elkhound breeder
There are dog lovers and then there are dog lovers. Karen Elvin, who lives in Marine-on-Saint-Croix, is crazy about about Norwegian Elkhounds. Her family has been raising that breed, known in its native country as the elg-hund, since 1943. She helped write the breed standard for the American Kennel Club, published a book about the thick-coated canines, and serves as the secretary of the Norwegian Elkhound Association of Minnesota.
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Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003 |
Racial gap in Minnesota high schools highlighted in study
Minnesota has the biggest gap in the nation between black and white students when you compare how those groups do on high school graduation tests. Nineteen states require high school students to pass tests before graduating from high school. The gap between black and white students in Minnesota is highlighted in a study from the Center on Education Policy in Washington, D.C. The study finds that just 33 percent of black students in Minnesota, compared to 78 percent of white students, passed the math basic skills tests on the first try. A similar gap was found on the reading tests. Joining us on the line is Cheri Pearson Yecke, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education.
Hatch won't cooperate with GOP investigation
A behind-the-scenes feud between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and DFL Attorney General Mike Hatch has spilled out into the open. Yesterday, House Republicans called for an investigation of Hatch. In response, Hatch released letters detailing sharp disagreements between his office and the Pawlenty administration over how to appoint an independent counsel to investigate possible campaign finance abuses. The spat is the latest round in an ongoing series of conflicts between DFL and GOP officials at the state Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Blandin Foundation head to retire
The President of the state's largest rural-based foundation is retiring. Paul Olson has announced that he will step down from his position as the head of the Blandin Foundation after 25 years. Under his guidance, the foundation has worked to strengthen Minnesota's rural communities, providing more than $100 million in statewide grants and more than $7 million in grants to local communities. Olson also led the development of the Blandin Community Leadership Program, which by the end of 2003, will have trained more than four thousand public and private sector leaders from rural communities. Mr. Olson joins us now.
Trees at risk in dry weather
It's going to be another warm, sunny day across the state, with no rain in the forecast until Saturday. While that's good news for Minnesotans who want to enjoy the state's short summer, it's not so good for the trees. Forestry officials in Minneapolis are encouraging people to water their trees during this dry spell. Ralph Sievert is the director of forestry for the city, and he's on the line now.
Missouri river levels lowered
For the last three days Missouri River levels have decreased by as much as a foot-and-a-half. In July, a federal judge ordered the change in level for the river in Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. The Army Corps of Engineers complied with the order just this week. Environmentalists call it a victory for endangered species. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports.
Pro sports teams talk about managing their clubs
The Minnesota Vikings are in training camp. The Twins are in a pennant race, and the Wild and Timberwolves are bullish on their upcoming seasons. But in a languid economy, some business people have wondered if the Twin Cities can financially support all four of its major pro sports teams. The Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce put that issue before a panel of top executives from each of those teams yesterday. The chamber heard a group that sounded optimistic about the chances of each team meeting its needs in Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.
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Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 |
U of M expert discusses power outage
Power is slowly being restored from New York City to Detroit and Ottawa, Canada after a massive power failure yesterday afternoon. Parts of all five New York boroughs now have power, but subways and other services are not yet operating. Bruce Wollenberg is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Minnesota. He says the grid, which distributes power, is designed to prevent massive failures.
Minneapolis mayor gives 2004 budget proposal
As the Minneapolis city budget continues to drop by millions of dollars, Mayor R.T. Rybak says he sees some reason for optimism. Yesterday, Rybak delivered his $1.24 billion budget proposal for 2004, saying there will be no more layoffs. In fact, he says the city will hire more police and firefighters. But the strain of debt and the second round of cuts from the state mean property taxes for Minneapolis homeowners will continue to rise. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Nonprofit organization sells refurbished computers to schools
If you're looking to get rid of an old computer, today's your day. The nonprofit organization Minnesota Computers for Schools is collecting old computers in Minneapolis all day long. The group refurbishes the computers, recycles the parts it can't use, and sells the final product to educational organizations at a reduced price. It also employs inmates at the Stillwater prison in Bayport to help with the refurbishing. Tammy Gillard is the operations manager for Minnesota Computers for Schools. She says the first thing they do with a computer is clean it up.
Weather with Mark Seeley
University of Minnesota Meteorologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.
Rocks must be thrown
Thousands of "rock hounds" are converging on the Twin Cities this weekend. The Minnesota Mineral Club is sponsoring a convention. The subject is: Rocks of the Great Lakes. At the same time, thousands of tourists will be on the beaches of Lake Superior's north shore. But most of them will be enjoying rocks in a less scientific way. They'll be throwing them into the lake. Chris Julin has this Mainstreet Radio report.
Buying power of black Minnesotans increases significantly
The buying power of African-Americans grew faster in Minnesota than anywhere else in the country from 1990 to 2003. That's according to a new study from the University of Georgia, which is reported in this week's edition of "The Business Journal." The study found that the increase in African-American buying power in Minnesota well outstripped increases in population. It also found that the buying power of Hispanics and Asian-Americans in the state has increased dramatically. Mark Reilly covered the story for "The Business Journal." We began by asking him to define buying power.
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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