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May 3 - 7, 2004
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Monday, May 3, 2004 |
Kerry confident of victory in Minnesota
More evidence today that Minnesota is a battleground state in the 2004 presidential race. Sen. John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, is coming to the Twin Cities just a week after President Bush made a stop here. Kerry is hoping to keep the state in the Democratic column, a place it has been every presidential election since 1972. The Massachusetts senator will raise money, and deliver speeches to supporters. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry.
Kerry tries to repel Bush in Minnesota
Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic candidate for president, is due in Twin Cities this evening for series of fundraisers at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Last week, President Bush was in town raising money and trying to drum up support for his re-election campaign. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
Lawmakers have just two weeks before adjournment
Lawmakers at the State Capitol have a full slate of issues to resolve with just two weeks left before the state's constitution forces them to adjourn the regular session. Lawmakers are working on fixing a projected $160 million budget shortfall, and passing a bonding bill which would borrow money for construction and improvements across the state. They're also considering Gov. Tim Pawlenty's stadium plan, and the State Senate is considering whether to not confirm some of his commissioners. Joining us is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum.
Pioneer Press in flux
In the past year, the St. Paul Pioneer Press has suffered a bitter labor contract battle, defections from the staff, and reports of sinking morale in the newsroom. Angry reporters accuse the paper's corporate owner, Knight Ridder, of pushing profits over quality. The dispute has prodded Minnesota's oldest paper into something of an identity crisis: Is it a major metropolitan daily, or a more modest "hometown newspaper?" Into this challenging mix, add a new, young publisher -- whose dad runs the parent company that owns the paper. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Innovative project to preserve prairie
These days it is common to hear about projects to restore tall grass prairie or trout streams. A plan to do both on the same property is a bit more unusual. Add to that, an attempt to revive a disappearing oak savannah and you have a project that's not only different - it's ambitious, time-consuming and expensive. But as Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports, the vision of one very determined man could become a model for restoration work in a unique part of the region known as the Driftless Area.
Garnett named MVP and Wolves advance
The Minnesota Timberwolves have scheduled a press conference for this afternoon when they are expected to announce that Kevin Garnett has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Garnett led the league in rebounding this year and was third in points per game. The announcement comes on the eve of the Timberwolves first trip ever to the conference semi-finals. Minnesota begins a seven game series with the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night at the Target Center. Joining us on the line is Brit Robson who covers the Timberwolves for the City Pages.
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Tuesday, May 4, 2004 |
Big Crowds, big bucks for Kerry in Minnesota
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry says a fundraising stop in Minneapolis last night pushed his campaign over the $80 million mark. Kerry appeared at the Minneapolis Convention Center where he energized Minnesota's DFL base and reached out to independent voters. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
Republican congressman responds to Kerry visit
Democrats are not the only ones interested in Kerry's visit to Minnesota. Republicans in the state are also watching the candidate closely as they try to help president Bush win the state's 10 electoral votes. Last week, we spoke with officials with the Kerry campaign when president Bush made a visit to Minnesota. Today, it is the Republican's turn to respond. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy who represents the sixth congressional district. Congressman Kennedy has been a strong supporter of President Bush.
Public meets five St. Paul chief finalists
St. Paul residents got a chance to interview the city's five candidates for police chief last night. The finalists answered about a dozen questions at the first of two public candidate forums in St. Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Seniors asking questions about discount card
Starting this week, Medicare recipients can begin enrolling in a drug discount card program. The cards are meant to help seniors pay for medicine until the new Medicare prescription drug benefit takes effect in 2006. Seniors across Minnesota have been attending informational meetings on the new benefit and have mixed feelings about the new law and any potential savings from it. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Garnett named NBA's MVP
Today is Kevin Garnett day in Minneapolis. Mayor R.T. Rybak made that proclamation one day after Garnett was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player. As Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports fans and sportswriters have long suspected Garnett would win the coveted trophy this year.
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Wednesday, May 5, 2004 |
Proposal for hydro-electric plant in Minneapolis faces uphill battle
A proposal to build a small hydro-electric plant along the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis appears headed for defeat. After more than a dozen years of plans and studies, the vision for water-powered turbines is being derailed by a growing population of downtown residents who have turned the once-industrial area into a posh, urban neighborhood. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Timberwolves lose first game of Western Conference Semifinals
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Sacramento Kings 104-98 last night in the first game of the Western Conference Semifinals. It was the Wolves' first loss at home during the playoffs this season. It means, for now, the Timberwolves have been stripped of home court advantage through this best-of-seven game series. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
Prescribed burns offer cure for tired prairies
Burning restrictions are still in effect across much of Minnesota as dry conditions raise the danger of wildfire. But fire is also a tool that helps keep prairie landscape healthy. Nature Conservancy fire crews plan to set fire to thousands of acres of prairie this spring. Mainstreet Radio's Dan Gunderson reports.
Addiction recovery book turns 50
A little black book that's been a big help to people overcoming addiction turns 50 years old today. The book is called Twenty-Four Hours a Day and has taken its place along with other treatment classics like Alcoholics Anonymous and The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The three books are commonly given to those in treatment for addiction to alcohol or drugs. The author of Twenty-Four Hours a Day, Richmond Walker, was a alcoholic himself. He approached the Hazelden Foundation in Center City, Minnesota 50 years ago to publish the book. Since then, more than nine million of copies have been sold or given away. Nick Motu is vice president for Publishing and Educational Services at Hazelden. He says the book contains thoughts, prayers, and meditations for each day of the year. He says it's a special book because of how it speaks to people in need of support.
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Thursday, May 6, 2004 |
Harrington recommended as next St. Paul police chief
Cmdr. John Harrington, a 26-year veteran of the St. Paul Police Department, is the choice of a special committee to become the city's next police chief. Mayor Randy Kelly has the final say over the nomination to the City Council. Kelly spent Wednesday interviewing Harrington and other finalists. Harrington says he hopes he'll be the mayor's choice to replace William Finney, who's retiring this summer after 12 years as head of the department. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
South Dakota Symphony Orchestra names a new music director
The year-long search for a new music director for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra is over. David Gier was selected from over 250 applicants. Gier is also an assistant conductor for the New York Philharmonic. He'll take the baton in September. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports.
Some Native Americans critical of recent Star Tribune series
A protest in the form of a four-day walk around the expansive Leech Lake Indian Reservation begins today. Some Native Americans in the Leech Lake community and others in the state are upset about a series of stories that appeared recently in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The series, "The Lost Youth of Leech Lake," was about the difficult lives that children and young people lead on the reservation. Organizers of the protest walk are calling it the "We Are Not All on Drugs Walk." It's just part of the conversation that's been sparked by the series. Joining us this morning are two people, with two different perspectives. One is Larry Oakes, the reporter who wrote the articles. The other is Dr. Brenda Child, a professor of American Studies and history at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Child was one of the authors of an editorial that appeared in the Star Tribune criticizing the series.
Minneapolis rock foursome "Coach Said Not To" releases debut CD
"Coach Said Not To" is a Minneapolis rock foursome that deliberately tries to defy categorization. The band finds great fulfillment in making every song sound different in some way. Its members believe that in terms of tempo and melody, today's rock music isn't nearly as rich as it could be. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts has this profile of the band "Coach Said Not To," and its debut CD of the same name.
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Friday, May 7, 2004 |
Sviggum and Johnson on legislative endgame
Minnesota lawmakers are running out of time to reach agreement on some big issues. The legislature is constitutionally mandated to adjourn in just over a week, but so far there is no plan for fixing a $160 million budget shortfall, and no bonding bill to borrow money for building projects around the state. Both the House and Senate are still considering stadium legislation, too. Legislative leaders are looking at backup plans in case they are not done in time. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Republican Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum, and DFL Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson.
Casino bills go down in the House
A plan to build a metropolitan area casino to benefit two northern Minnesota Indian tribes has suffered a significant setback. Last night, the House Taxes committee voted 13 to 9 against the proposal, which would also have provided millions of dollars to state coffers. The package was vigorously opposed by the majority of the state's tribes, who feared a new casino would eat into the revenues of their established operations. Supporters of the plan, however, say they will look for other ways to revive it. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
Senate passes rival social studies standards
It is now up to House and Senate negotiators to try to come up with a plan for teaching social studies in Minnesota public schools. The DFL-controlled Senate approved its set of social studies standards last night as part of a larger education policy bill. The vote was 34 to 31. Supporters say the Senate's learning requirements are less prescriptive than the plan approved by the Republican House. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
Bush makes stop in La Crosse
Wisconsin takes center stage today in the 2004 presidential race. President Bush is traveling through the state on a bus tour. The latest polls in Wisconsin show different results. President Bush led one, and Senator John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic nominee led another. One of the places Bush will visit today is La Crosse, Wisconsin. It will be his third appearance there as president. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Joe Heim, political science professor at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse.
Rochester opens new arts center
Rochester is getting ready to party this weekend to celebrate the opening of its new art center. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports.
U of M Morris allows boarding horses on campus
This is a busy time of year for college students. They have got finals to worry about. Some will be graduating soon. For others there's a summer job or maybe summer classes to plan out. And of course students need to squeeze in an active social life. Homework and tests are important, but you have got to make time for your friends. Just ask Tracey Headley who says, "He is my best friend. I talk to him Nikki about everything. For a long long time, he was the best person I've ever met. He's not really human, but he acts like it most of the time." Nikki is a horse. Horses are an important part of life for about 20 students at the University of Minnesota at Morris. This is the only college in Minnesota that lets students board their horses on campus. Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post has more.
Warden Oil site cleanup begins
Demolition crews knock down the former headquarters building of Warden Oil near downtown Minneapolis today. Neighbors hope the long awaited cleanup of one of the state's most polluted sites marks the beginning of better times for an area once used as the city's dumping ground. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
Global marketplace in old Sears building in jeopardy
A plan to put a global marketplace in the old Sears building in Minneapolis is in jeopardy because of rising costs to build the project. Three development groups have high hopes that the marketplace could offer a unique shopping experience, and attract tens of thousands of people a day from across the Twin Cities. The marketplace would occupy up to 80,000 square feet in the huge Sears building. Allina Hospital and Clinics recently said that they would put their headquarters there too. Joining us in the studio is Scott Smith who wrote about this story in this week's edition of "The Business Journal."
Climatologist Mark Seeley on Minnesota's low water table
University of Minnesota climatologist Mark Seeley discusses the cumulative precipitation deficit since last July, now amounting to 7 to 12 inches below normal in many places is certainly evident in many Minnesota rivers and streams. He also talks about a movement to retire the names of especially damaging hurricanes.
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