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February 16 - 20, 2004
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
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Monday, Feb. 16, 2004 |
Dean campaign vows to go on past Wisconsin
Howard Dean says he will stay in the Presidential race regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's primary in Wisconsin. The former Vermont governor is hoping to revive his sputtering campaign with a win in Wisconsin. After leading in the polls before the voting started, Dean has not won a single state. Still, some Democrats in Northwestern Wisconsin say they will stick with Dean until the end. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
General Mills in trouble over "loading"
Golden Valley-based General Mills is facing the possibility of civil charges by securities regulators in connection with its sales practices. A former employee has accused the company of improperly shipping excessive amounts of cereal to supermarkets in order to show higher sales. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin has this look at a common business practice that is coming under greater scrutiny by regulators.
Gay marriage constitutional ban proposal expected
A bill is expected to be introduced in the Minnesota House this week that would allow voters to decide whether to amend the constitution to ban same-sex marriages. Republican Mary Liz Holberg proposed the amendment after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that gay couples have a constitutional right to marry in that state. Supporters of the amendment say it would make sure that Minnesota judges don't interpret the law to allow same-sex marriages. That's just one of the issues coming up at the Legislature this week. Joining us now for a look ahead is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief, Laura McCallum.
Minnesota transportation history exhibit opens
The new transportation exhibit at the Minnesota History Center shows the state's railroad and street car history. There is a look at aviation and even bicycles. It is the exhibit's section on automotive history that contains some of the most intriguing details. Did you know the state once had dozens of car manufacturers? Did you know there was once a Farmer's Anti-Automobile Society? Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
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Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004 |
Bus drivers authorize strike
Union leaders for Metro Transit bus drivers have been given the authority to call a strike, after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject the latest contract offer from the Met Council. The main sticking points are wages, and health insurance costs for current and retired workers. The bus system provides about 220,000 rides a day. Riders would get some warning before a strike would begin. The union must file an intent-to-strike notice and wait at least 10 days before hitting the picket lines. The Met Council says they have put their best offer on the table. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with president of the bus driver's union Local 1005 Ron Lloyd, and Met Council chairman Peter Bell.
Asylum rules changing
A Bulgarian couple in Plymouth that sought asylum here is now facing deportation. They are the most recent example of how the U.S. Justice Department has changed it is enforcement and appeals process since September 11th. Critics are concerned that the changes will cost asylum seekers a fair hearing of their cases. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
Revolt is brewing over "No Child Left Behind"
A revolt against federal education law is brewing at the state capitol. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 brought tough new accountability measures to schools and expanded student testing requirements. But several state lawmakers in both political parties are growing frustrated with what they view as an unfunded and intrusive mandate. The Senate Education Committee will take up two bills today that express that frustration. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
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Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004 |
Kerry wins in Wisconsin; Edwards surprises
Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts is the winner of the Wisconsin Primary. Kerry received 40 percent of the vote. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina finished second with 34 percent and Gov. Howard Dean of Vermont came in a distant third with 18 percent. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Joe Heim, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse to analyze the results.
McManus sworn-in as Minneapolis Police Chief
William McManus says he is anxious to begin leading the Minneapolis Police Department. During his swearing-in address yesterday, McManus delivered a message that officers who perform well will win support. He says those who step out of line, however, will have to answer for their actions. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Tire burner opponents claim court victory
Opponents of a controversial tire burner proposed for Preston, Minnesota are claiming at least a partial victory. An Olmsted County Judge has ordered the state pollution control agency to revisit a permit it issued for the project. A group opposed to the tire burner brought the suit, arguing the need for an environmental impact statement. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally has this report.
General Mills rebuffs "loading" charges
General Mills CEO Steve Sanger yesterday defended the company's sales practices in a presentation to securities analysts. General Mills faces possible civil charges by securities regulators. A former employee alleges the company improperly sent customers excessive product shipments -- especially near the end of a fiscal quarter -- so General Mills could report better sales results. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
Possible bus drivers strike imperils LRT start
Both sides in a Twin Cities bus drivers dispute appear to be preparing for a strike. And now, Metropolitan Council officials say the labor problems will delay opening of the new light rail line. Amalgamated Transit Union officials say they intend to serve notice of their intent to strike. Drivers overwhelmingly rejected a final contract offer from the Metropolitan Council. Met Council Chairman Peter Bell says he sees no point in further talks with the Metro Transit drivers because both sides are at an impasse. One of the major sticking points is health care costs. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
Secretary Rod Paige defends "No Child" law
U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige is in Minnesota today to get feedback on the federal No Child Left Behind law. That law requires more student testing and puts pressure on low performing schools to improve. Paige's visit comes the day after the state senate education committee approved a bill that essentially allows Minnesota to back out of the the federal law. Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle say it is a case of a federal mandate that does not have adequate funding. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Secretary Rod Paige.
Ice Palace demolition begins today
Crews in St. Paul will start demolishing the Winter Carnival Ice Palace today , and it might not be easy. The walk-through palace was built out of 27,000 blocks of ice from Lake Phalen. And somehow, crews have to get that ice to the Mississippi River. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with David Crary, co-chair of the palace.
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Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004 |
Lottery changes proposed
Lawmakers today will introduce a plan for bringing the state lottery under more legislative control. The bill coincides with the release of a Legislative Auditor's report that's expected to be critical of the lottery's management structure and recent business practices. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Lawmakers begin work on sex offenders legislation
A Minnesota Senate committee on Wednesday began discussions toward legislation to crack down on sex offenders. Lawmakers are considering requiring polygraph exams, tracking devices and lifetime supervision for certain sex offenders. The measures could be part of a comprehensive Senate bill that will create longer prison sentences for sexual predators. House lawmakers are also working on sex offender legislation, but the two bills may have some significant differences. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Allina chooses old Sears site for new headquarters
The state's biggest health system has decided to move almost 1000 employees into the Sears site in Minneapolis. Allina's board made the decision, choosing the site over bids from St. Paul and Roseville. Joining us on the line is Allina President Dick Pettingill.
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Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 |
Public weighs in on Minneapolis school changes
Hundreds of people have attended hearings in Minneapolis the last two evenings in hopes of keeping their favorite schools from being closed. School board members are considering a cost-cutting proposal that would shuffle the students and staff at more than a dozen schools -- leaving nine of those school buildings empty. Declining enrollment and the associated loss of state funding have Minneapolis facing a $20 million shortfall for the next school year. The proposed closings would help shrink that deficit. But they would also upset many students, parents, and teachers -- some of whom attended last night's hearing at North High School. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.
Grocers push bill allowing them to sell wine
Minnesota grocers are attempting to resurrect a proposal that would allow them to sell wine in their stores. They say the so-called "Wine With Dinner" bill would make it easier for customers to do all of their shopping in just one stop. The bill has gone nowhere in the past three legislative sessions because of strong opposition from the liquor industry and public health groups. Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports.
Sun Country on the comeback trail
Sun Country Airlines is trying to lure business travelers on board. Less than two years after emerging from bankruptcy, the airline has 550 employees and 26 routes, and is looking for ways to increase the number of business flyers who choose Sun Country. Andrew Tellijohn covered the story for this week's edition of The Business Journal. He's come by the studio this morning.
Meteorologist Mark Seeley on a new seasonal outlook
University of Minnesota meteorologist Mark Seeley tells us about the latest Climate Prediction Center's forecast for March. In addition, he explains how freezing rain forms.
Walker Arts Center receives $10 million gift
The Walker Art Center is getting a major boost for its performing arts program. It is announcing a $10 million gift from local philanthropists William and Nadine McGuire. The money comes just as the Walker has closed its doors for a year-long expansion. It is one of the largest gifts ever made to the performing arts in Minnesota history. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Dr. William McGuire.
Local composer goes to Cuba
Composer Philip Blackburn is about to leave for Cuba, but he is not going for the weather. He intends to bask in the hot sounds of that island's legendary music. Blackburn is on a mission. He wants to create a sound portrait of Cuba and hunt out undiscovered musical talent. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Stucky has the story.
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