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July 19 - 23, 2004
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Monday, July 19, 2004 |
MPR Poll: Presidential race a dead heat
A new poll suggests Minnesota voters are evenly divided between re-electing President George Bush or replacing him with Democratic rival John Kerry. The survey -- commissioned by Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press -- shows 45 percent of likely voters favor Sen. Kerry and 44 percent support Bush. Ralph Nader attracted two percent. Those results have not changed much in the last few months. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
No relief soon for LRT related traffic tie-ups
Relief could be a long way off for Minneapolis motorists stuck at traffic lights favoring Hiawatha Light Rail trains. City engineers admit they have few options left to improve traffic tie-ups where roads intersect the tracks. At some intersections south of downtown drivers waiting to cross LRT tracks are backed-up for as many as four blocks during rush hours. City traffic experts are discussing the possibility of giving cars more right-of-way at the intersections. Metro Transit and state transportation officials, however, say slowing the trains any further violates a federal agreement and risks losing riders. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
Iron workers simmering over prospect of replacement workers
Negotiations resume today between the United Steelworkers and Cleveland Cliffs Incorporated. The two groups hope to head off strikes at taconite plants in Hibbing and Eveleth, up on Minnesota's Iron Range. Contracts expire July 31st, but differences remain over pension and health care benefits. Steelworkers say talks have been soured by Cleveland Cliff's threats to hire replacement workers if the mines are struck. Late last week, steelworkers rallied to protest that plan. Bill Hanna is the Executive Editor of the Mesabi Daily News, which is based in Virginia, Minnesota and is watching the story. He's on the line now.
Airport noise insulation money may be cut today
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is expected to vote today on a plan that would scale back the next phase of its noise insulation policy. If that happens, thousands of homeowners near the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport will receive less free insulation against jet noise than they expected, and they might have to share in the cost. A MAC panel recommended the change last week, citing in part the need to spend more money on security. But the move immediately prompted criticism from some activists and local officials. Yesterday, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak visited Michelle and Jeff Ingersoll's home in south Minneapolis to draw attention to the issue. Michelle Ingersoll joins us now.
"Monday Markets" comments from MPR's Chris Farrell
Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest developments in the economy, and looks at the week ahead in the financial markets. He says the major factors affecting the markets this week are expected to be corporate earnings reports, and the congressional testimony of Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.
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Tuesday, July 20, 2004 |
Seagren to lead state Department of Education
Sources tell Minnesota Public Radio that Gov. Tim Pawlenty will name Republican State Representative Alice Seagren as his next commissioner of education. Pawlenty is expected to make the announcement at a news conference this morning. The governor has been looking for a new education commissioner since the DFL controlled Senate refused to confirm Pawlenty's first choice, Cheri Pierson Yecke. Several education leaders across Minnesota applaud the announcement, saying Seagren is well qualified for the job. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Bloomington passes smoking ban
The Bloomington City Council has passed the first metro area smoking ban. Starting September 1, all restaurants, bars and other workplaces in Bloomington become smoke-free. The council passed the ban voting six to one after four hours of testimony and debate that stretched into early this morning. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Smoking ban could go on the ballot in Fargo
In Fargo, North Dakota, voters may decide if bars and some restaurants will be exempted from a smoking ban. City commissioners received 4,500 petitions at their meeting last night to put a smoking ordinance on the November ballot. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
MPR Poll: Minnesotans divided on Iraq
A new poll shows Minnesotans continue to be divided about the war in Iraq and its aftermath. The Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press poll finds no overwhelming concensus on whether the U.S. intervention will make things better in Iraq, and whether it will improve the United States' standing in the world. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Homes around airport to get less help on noise
Homeowners around Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport say some assistance paying for air conditioning falls far short of what they expected to help sound-proof their homes. The Metropolitan Airports Commission moved that proposal forward at its meeting yesterday, despite accusations of betrayal from around 200 residents and politicians who crowded their chamber. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Crossfire host previews visit and talks politics
The co-hosts of CNN's Crossfire program will be in Minnesota tonight to debate issues in the November presidential campaign. Commentators Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson are known for their aggressive discussion of political topics. Tucker Carlson is the conservative voice on Crossfire. He's also covered politics from around the world for dozens of magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. He says the Upper Midwest is in play in this fall's presidential election, but he doesn't think Minnesota is much of a battleground state.
Independence Party hoping for more this election year
Today is the filing deadline in Minnesota for people who want to run for public office. People who want to run for U.S. House of Representatives, or the state legislature, or for many local posittions have to file as a candidate by today if they want to be on the ballot this fall. Many Democrats and Republicans are likely to appear on ballots, but some voters will also see candidates for the Independence Party of former Governor Jesse Ventura. Jack Uldrich, is the former state chair of the Independence Party. He says the party did not attract as many candidates as it would have liked.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2004 |
MPR Poll: U.S. winning war on terror
One day before the scheduled release of the long-awaited Sept. 11 Commission report, a new poll shows most Minnesotans think the United States is making progress in the fight against terrorism. The Minnesota Public Radio - St. Paul Pioneer Press poll also found that about half of Minnesotans believe the terrorist group Al Qaeda did collaborate with Iraq. That's contrary to the findings of the interim report already released by the 9/11 Commission. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Federal funding cuts freeze out some who need housing
A cutback in federal funds has forced many Minnesota counties to freeze applications for the country's largest housing welfare program. The result is that poor people who want housing help, including many with physical and mental disabilities, are being told there's none available. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
Mayor Rybak throws support behind Minneapolis smoking ban
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is throwing his support behind a smoking ban in his city. The proposal he backs is one that a diverse task force of businesses, anti-smoking advocates, and citizens have hashed out over the past few weeks. The task force recommended a ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants in the city starting next March. The city council is expected to debate the task force's proposal and vote on a smoking ban tomorrow. Supporters of a ban on the council appear to be one vote short of a majority. Joining us on the line is Joe Hesla, a citizen of Minneapolis and a member task force.
St. Paul doctor has advice about your medical privacy
Usually when we get advice from a doctor, it's about how to treat an ailment. Dr. Irving Lerner has some advice for what patients should do while waiting to see the doctor. Lerner is the medical director for oncology at United Hospital in St. Paul and a commentator for Minnesota Public Radio. He has these thoughts about protecting your privacy.
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Thursday, July 22, 2004 |
Gov. Tim Pawlenty discusses issues before Kosovo trip
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and a delegation of officials and business leaders leave today for Kosovo where they will visit Minnesota National Guard troops. It is the governor's third such trip overseas. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Gov. Pawlenty before his departure.
MPR Poll: Personal finances flat while gas prices rise
There may be an economic recovery going on, but many Minnesotans are still waiting to feel it. According to a new Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press poll, most people say their household financial situation has not changed over the past year. One thing they are feeling is higher gas prices -- though most people have not been concerned enough to change their driving habits. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Rare fossils found in North Dakota valley
In a dry riverbed in eastern North Dakota, people on their hands and knees carefully uncover some rare bones. This river valley was gouged from the earth 10,000 years ago by water from melting glaciers. Mainstreet Radio's Dan Gunderson was at the dig this week with paleontologist John Hoganson as his team unearthed the bones of a giant sea turtle. The discovery is from a time and place far removed from the North Dakota wheat fields.
Bar and restaurant group proposes its own smoking ban
A group representing thousands of bars and restaurants in Minnesota has signaled its support for a partial smoking ban in the 7 county metro area. The proposal from the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association would exempt those establishments that make more than 50 percent of its profits from alcohol sales. It also exempts private clubs, and those businesses with bars clearly separted from eating areas. The group says their proposal would create a level playing field for bars and restaurants across the metro area. Joining us on the line is Mike Jennings, president of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association.
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Friday, July 23, 2004 |
Minneapolis council member Benson undecided on smoking ban
The Minneapolis City Council is expected to vote today on a citywide smoking ban. Earlier this week, a task force comprised of council members, health advocates and business owners recommended a ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants starting March 31, 2005. The council is one vote short of the seven it needs to pass the ban. Scott Benson is one of two undecided Minneapolis council members, and he joins us now.
Pawlenty agrees to fix city aid glitch, defender budget
Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he will fix two budget problems on his own, giving up his insistence that they could only be addressed in a special legislative session. One problem affects state aid to cities, the other a public defender budget shortfall. The governor says he decided to reverse course because it is unlikely there will be a special session. Until yesterday, Pawlenty had maintained that he was legally prohibited from correcting the problems. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Molitor enters the Hall of Fame this weekend
St. Paul native Paul Molitor will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this weekend. Molitor went to Cretin High School and played ball at the University of Minnesota. During his 21-year pro career, he had 3,319 hits, registered a career batting average of over .306, and was named the MVP of the 1993 World Series. He was elected into the Hall in his first year of eligibility. Baseball analyst Bill James wrote and edited "The Baseball Abstract" for over a decade. He is the author of nearly forty books, including "Whatever Happened to the Hall of Fame?" Mr. James joins us now.
Schwans new ways to generate business
In its quest to grow sales, the Schwan Food Company is trying some new techniques. The Minnesota-based company is best known for its distinctive yellow trucks that deliver ice cream and frozen foods right to your door. But now Schwan is reaching out in new ways, to new customers. Nicole Garrison-Sprenger covered the story for this week's edition of "The Business Journal." She's come by the studio this morning.
Friends making music together with Minnesota Orchestra
Two good friends will be making great music over the weekend with the Minnesota Orchestra. Andre Watts is the featured pianist in a program tonight conducted by Andrew Litton, the artistic director of Sommerfest. The performance is another chapter in the long history of their friendship and musical collaboration. Minnesota Public Radio's Toni Randolph prepared this report.
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