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April 5 - 9, 2004
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
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Monday, April 5, 2004 |
Gopher women lose to Connecticut
The captivating season of the University of Minnesota women's basketball team ended last night at the NCAA Final Four semifinal in New Orleans. The University of Connecticut beat the Gophers 67-58. During their improbable run to the Final Four, the Gophers captured the attention of the state with a relentless style of play, led by stars Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville. Minnesota Public Radio's Jayne Solinger reports.
Bus strike enters its second month
It's been one month since 2000 Metro Transit workers went on strike. Neither the union nor the agency operating Metro Transit will budge. No new talks are scheduled. But this weekend, Union supporters asked all commuters to slow down and bring rush hour to a crawl. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Long-range transportation troubles loom for Twin Cities
The Metro Transit drivers strike has stranded thousands. However, experts say the problem pales compared to the transportation problems ahead. Advocates say the region's lack of transit isolates people without cars. Business leaders predict growing roadway congestion will stall the Twin Cities economy. A rising chorus of voices is clamoring for a comprehensive Twin Cities transportation plan to address the problems. But there's little agreement on what to build and how to pay for it. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
Public radio listeners asking, 'What about Bob?'
National Public Radio says it's sticking with its decision to reassign long-time Morning Edition host Bob Edwards, even though thousands of listeners around the country are unhappy with the decision. Some are threatening to withhold membership contributions if NPR doesn't reinstate Edwards. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
Lawmakers likely to work on budget plan this week
It could be a light week at the Minnesota Capitol, where lawmakers have two days off for Passover and Easter. When they are at the Capitol, lawmakers are likely to spend much of their time working on a fix for the state's projected $160 million shortfall. Joining us now for an update is Laura McCallum, Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief.
Twins take on Cleveland in season opener
The Minnesota Twins open their season tonight with a game at home against the Cleveland Indians. Former Twins great Rod Carew will throw the ceremonial first pitch. During the offseason, the Twins lost key players through free agency and traded others to cut payroll. Fans will be watching to see whether they can repeat last year's division title. La Velle E. Neal III covers the Twins for the Star Tribune. He joins us now.
Monday Markets
Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest economic news.
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Tuesday, April 6, 2004 |
Florida company settles illegal contribution charges
A Florida insurance company has agreed to pay $1 million to settle charges that it made illegal campaign contributions during Minnesota's 2002 gubernatorial contest. American Bankers Insurance admits no wrong-doing in settling the case -- but prosecutors characterize the $1 million payment as a penalty that speaks for itself. Charges are still pending against state Republican Party Chairman Ron Eibensteiner, who is accused of facilitating the alleged transaction. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Streetcars desired in Greenway
A bit transportation history could become a part of the future for the Minneapolis Greenway. There is a plan to bring back streetcars that would connect Lake Calhoun with the Mississippi River. Supporters say a route along the Greenway could carry more than 7,000 passengers a day, and would feed into the Hiawatha Light Rail Line. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with streetcar supporter, and Minneapolis City Council member Gary Schiff.
Future for Whalen, Lynx and womens basketball
Minnesota fans will welcome the University of Minnesota Women's Basketball team home tomorrow night at a rally at Williams Arena. The Gophers lost to Connecticut in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament, after a remarkable season that drew record crowds and created many new womens basketball fans. One group that's hoping to tap into that new interest is the Lynx, Minnesota's WNBA team. The Lynx have had trouble creating interest and drawing fans over the last few seasons. Last year, despite a playoff appearance, their average attendance fell to just over 7,000 from closer to 8,000 the year before, putting them 11th in the 14-team league. Joining us now is Pam Schmid, who covers the Gophers and the Lynx for the Star Tribune.
People talking about marriage all across state
A new Minnesota poll, released today, finds that 58 percent of those surveyed would support a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The Minnesota Legislature is one of many places these days where the definition of marriage is being debated. Most the discussion centers on who can get married. This morning we wanted to back up a step and ask, What is marriage? We put that question to some married couples. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Julin has this report.
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Wednesday, April 7, 2004 |
English-only drivers test debated
In the Minnesota House, lawmakers are expected to debate today on an amendment that would require drivers license tests be given only in English. The amendment was proposed earlier this week as an addition to a larger transportation bill. The written portion of the Minnesota drivers license exam is currently given in several languages, including Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Republican Representative Marty Siefert who is sponsoring the amendment.
State test scores level off, learning gap narrows
Minnesota eighth grade test scores in math took a slight dip this year, while reading scores remained steady from 2003. It is the second year in a row that the passing rate for the Basic Skills Tests in math has declined. But state education officials say the results released today begin to show some evidence that the racial achievement gap is narrowing. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
Seiler "abduction" raises questions for media
Audrey Seiler's alleged abduction from her apartment in Madison, Wisconsin got lots of play in local and national media last week. It competed with news about big developments in Iraq. Once Seiler's abduction was pronounced a hoax, critics pulled out their carving knives. Many have decried the media's knee jerk, obsessive attention to the story. They say it creates unwarranted fears about abductions. But how does the media weigh the risk of sensationalism against the need to inform the public about a missing person? Mainstreet Radio's Annie Baxter has a closer look at this question.
Rwandan genocide topic for American RadioWorks
It has been called the African Holocaust. Ten years ago, about 800,000 Rwandans died in one of history's swiftest genocides. When the killings began, the rest of the world claimed not to know the extent of the slaughter. World leaders would later apologize for turning their backs on Rwanda. But the genocide also saw acts of individual compassion and humanity. Some of these stories are told in a new documentary from American RadioWorks called "The Few Who Stayed: Defying Genocide in Rwanda." This excerpt from the special describes the work of Carl Wilkins, the only American to stay in Rwanda throughout the genocide. Wilkins distributed food and water to terrified people trapped in homes and schools, including an orphanage where hundreds of men, women and children were being threatened by militia hunting parties.
Ethiopian girl a winner of Ann Bancroft awards
Three Minnesotans and a Minnesota organization will be honored tonight at the 8th annual Ann Bancroft Awards, which recognize the achievements of girls and women. One of the winners is a 17-year-old African-American student. Tsione Wolde-Michael is the daughter of Ethiopian immigrants. She attends Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, where she's worked to promote tolerance and fight discrimination. Wolde-Michael founded the school's first Diversity Club. Last year, she was chosen to spend a summer at Yale as part of the "Junior Statesmen of America Program." Tsione Wolde-Michael came in to the studio to talk with us. She says, after she arrived at Totino Grace, she had second-thoughts about staying there.
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Thursday, April 8, 2004 |
State Senate approves its budget
Just a few hours ago -- a little after 4 a.m. -- the Minnesota Senate completed work on a budget package in a marathon floor session that began yesterday morning. The plan arrived in two pieces: one that erases a $160 million projected deficit and a second that provides more than $40 million for a wide spectrum of new or restored initiatives. The Republican minority criticized DFLers for loading their new spending and policy changes into one comprehensive plan, arguing the process overwhelmed any chance for careful consideration or debate. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
Stadiums financing from a business perspective
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's plan for funding new stadiums for the Twins and Vikings has generated a mixed response at the Capitol. The two committees that have considered the plan have kept it alive without recommending passage, generally a sign of difficulty for a bill. The plan calls for the teams to contribute a third of the construction costs, with the rest subsidized through local tax increases and a portion of the sales and income taxes generated in or around the new facilities. Pawlenty calls this an "investment in our quality of life". We wondered what we might learn if it were the business world -- not lawmakers -- facing this investment decision. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich took the stadium plan to some top financial professionals and got a decidedly skeptical reaction.
Contractor sues over domestic partner benefit requirement
A Burnsville construction company says it should not have to subsidize unmarried partners in order to be eligible for Minneapolis city contracts. Titus Construction has filed suit against the city challenging an ordinance that requires companies to provide domestic partner benefits in order to bid on city contracts. The lawsuit is part of a larger push by a national group to uphold traditional marriage. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports.
Good-bye rally for Gopher women basketball team
Gopher fans and players last night celebrated the eight months of hard work, sweat and tears that came to an end Sunday for the University of Minnesota women's basketball team. The Gophers made history this year, becoming the first U of M women's basketball team to advance to the NCAA Final Four. At a welcome home rally at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, hundreds of fans came to say goodbye and show their support for the team. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Timberwolves hitting crunch time
After 78 games, the real action for the Timberwolves is just beginning. The NBA playoffs get started in nine days and tonight Minnesota will be in Sacramento to play the Kings in a key game for both teams. The Wolves are just a half game behind the Kings in the race for the best record in the Western Conference. The Lakers and Spurs are only a game behind Minnesota. Where those four teams finish will determine who they face in the playoffs and who gets the home court advantage in the later rounds. Joining us now is Brit Robson who covers the Timberwolves for City Pages.
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Friday, April 9, 2004 |
House and Senate lay out different plans for balancing budget
The Minnesota House and Senate staked out their respective grounds this week by passing competing budget plans. Both plans would erase a projected $160 million deficit without dipping into the state's cash reserves. But the plans have several key differences that the Legislature will likely spend the last five weeks of the session trying to resolve. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Bus strike impacting food shelves
Both sides in the month-old Twin Cities bus strike will go back to the bargaining table on Monday. The two sides met with Gov. Pawlenty for several hours yesterday, but no agreement was reached. Meanwhile, the impact of the walk-out on drivers is stretching all the way to a Twin Cities food shelf. Minnesota Public Radio's Toni Randolph reports.
State budget battle includes debate over tax policy
Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota Senate continue to joust over tax policy. The Senate passed a budget earlier this week that raises $60 million by closing so-called corporate tax loopholes. But many Republicans and business leaders object to the plan, and even to the term "tax loophole." One of the changes included in the Senate bill would make it harder for corporations to call themselves "Foreign Operating Corporations." DFLers say companies can use that designation to shelter income from state taxes. Business leaders say it encourages companies to sell more of their products and services in foreign markets, which creates jobs here in Minnesota. Joining us on the line are DFL State Senator Larry Pogemiller, who authored that legislation, and Dan Salomone, revenue commissioner for the Pawlenty administration.
Milk: it does a political body good
It's not often that you hear about people going into the dairy industry. More often, the news is about farmers shutting down their dairy operations. And yet, a number of young people would love to enter the dairy business. A student at Ridgewater College in Willmar is so serious about his dreams of dairy farm ownership, that he's helping to draft legislation to make it possible. He came up with a proposal that would soften the blow of farm start-up costs. Mainstreet Radio's Annie Baxter has more.
Weather with Mark Seeley
University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses Minnesota weather history and the recent warming trend. He also looks ahead to the weekend forecast.
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