|
January 17 - 21, 2005
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
|
Monday, Jan. 17, 2005 |
What would King think of gay marriage?
Monday is the official recognition of the birth and life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a day when many Americans reflect on King's work for justice and equality. For some it is an opportunity to speculate about what King would say and do about today's issues had he not been struck down in 1968. Few doubt that King would still be fighting against racism, poverty and war. But there is some disagreement over where King would stand on other hot-button issues like gay rights, especially the right to marry. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
Governor to deliver State of State in Rochester
Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be in Rochester on Tuesday to deliver his third annual State of the State address. It will be his first such address given outside the Capitol building, but Minnesota lawmakers will be listening carefully as the governor lays out his priorities for the upcoming legislative session. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Laura McCallum, Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief.
Is bonding for roads a good idea?
In the next few weeks, lawmakers will consider a fundamental shift in how Minnesota builds roads. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed "bonding" to pay for $4.5 billion of highway projects -- in other words, taking out a giant loan. The governor and his allies say it is a common-sense, fiscally responsible idea. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich looks at some of the hard truths behind bonding for roads.
Vikings season over with loss in Philadelphia
The football season is over for the Minnesota Vikings. They were beaten yesterday in the second round of the NFL playoffs by the Eagles: final score Philadelphia 27, Minnesota 14. On the positive side, wide receiver Randy Moss stayed on the field for the whole game and did not pretend to pull his pants down. Neither did Sean Jensen who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Jensen about the game and about the season that has passed.
|
|
Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005 |
Governor to outline priorities in State of the State
Gov. Tim Pawlenty travels to Rochester Tuesday morning to deliver the annual State of the State address. He will outline his priorities for the upcoming legislative session including funding for a genomics partnership involving the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. That partnership is considered one of the main reasons Pawlenty's opted to take the speech on the road. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally reports.
Momentum gaining for mergers and acquisitions
In the first ten days of the new year, Minnesota companies announced more than $1 billion in mergers or acquisitions. Nationally, corporate combinations finally picked up towards the end of last after a slow-down starting in the recession year of 2001. Several factors are likely to fuel more deal making this year. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin has this look at how the trends might affect Minnesota.
|
|
Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005 |
Pawlenty highlights Rochester in State of State speech
Gov. Pawlenty used his third State of the State address on Tuesday to call for establishing a long-desired university in Rochester. It was one of several nods to the immediate audience. Pawlenty took his annual address out of the Capitol, delivering it from a Mayo Clinic facility. The governor also used the speech to outline the parameters of the budget he will release in a week. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
Report criticizes handling of gambling in Minnesota
A report from the Minnesota Legislative Auditor says state gambling officials could be doing a much better job regulating Native American casinos and Canterbury Park's poker card room. The report, released Tuesday, is also critical of pull-tab charitable gambling, saying only about four cents from every dollar spent on pull-tabs ends up benefiting charities. Some lawmakers are calling the audit long overdue. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
MAC endorses step toward airport expansion
The Metropolitan Airports Commission has overwhelmingly endorsed a preliminary step in an $860 million proposal to expand Twin Cities International Airport. The MAC voted 14-1 to spend about $10 million to develop an expansion plan for the smaller of the two terminals at the airport. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
More talk of a Vikings sale
There's more talk today about a potential sale of the Minnesota Vikings. Team president Gary Woods confirms that he's talked with Arizona businessman Reggie Fowler, who is reportedly ready to make an offer for the Vikings. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Sean Jensen, who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
|
|
Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005 |
Medical mistakes linked to 20 deaths in Minnesota
State officials say at least 20 patients have died in Minnesota hospitals in the last couple of years due to medical errors. The first of its kind report by the state Health Department lists serious medical errors and poor care that occurred between July 2003 and October 2004. Health care officials say they hope it pushes hospitals to improve treatment. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Catholic and Lutheran leaders highlight plight of poor
The budget season is getting underway at the state Capitol. And as lawmakers try to close a projected $700 million deficit that does not include inflation, the leaders of the state's two largest religious denominations are urging a different approach to funding human services. Minnesota Public Radio's Toni Randolph reports.
Canadian beef is target of Sen. Dayton bill
Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton says he will introduce legislation that would derail Department of Agriculture efforts to reopen the U.S. market to Canadian beef in March. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
|
|
Friday, Jan. 21, 2005 |
A legislator's day
It can take awhile for an outsider to learn the rules, customs and jargon of the Minnesota Legislature. That process must be expedited when an outsider suddenly becomes an insider. State Representative Matt Dean is an example. He is a Republican who was elected to the House in November, representing Stillwater and northern Washington County. It is the first public office he has ever held. To get a sense for what the legislative process is like from the perspective of a first time lawmaker, Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer and the programs production staff followed him around for a day last week.
Harness track approval may spur development
The approval of a new horse racing track in the north metro has business interests and some public officials buzzing about the possibilities for development. The Minnesota Racing Commission approved a harness track and a card club room for Columbus Township in Anoka County earlier this week. County officials say the track would bring a new entertainment venue for a booming part of the state, and possibly new stores, restaurants, and a hotel. Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum says it might be a good place to put a racino, a combination of race track and casino, that could generate money for the state. MPR's Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart.
Citizens League reports on transportation
Minnesota's transportation funding debate gets a big jolt today with the release of a Citizens League study. The private, non-profit Twin Cities public policy group recommends that gas tax revenue, constitutionally dedicated for road and bridge building, be used for additional transportation needs. The study also says Minnesota's transportation problems will not be solved until more of the hidden costs are exposed and users pay more of them directly. One influential lawmaker welcomes the report but takes issue with its ideas. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
Health Savings Accounts selling for banks
A growing interest in health savings accounts could provide a large business opportunity for banks. The tax-sheltered accounts are used by individuals to pay medical expenses and are touted by supporters as a way to contain rising health care costs. Now banks, in Minnesota and across the country, are beginning to offer the accounts. MPR's Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Nicole Garrison-Sprenger, who covered this story for this week's edition of "The Business Journal."
Climatologist Mark Seeley's weather comments
In his weekly interview, University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses heavy lake-effect snow this week in the Arrowhead region of the state. He also brings with him the new seasonal climate outlook which shows equal chances for above or below normal temperatures from February to April.
|
| Morning Edition Archive |
|
|
|
© 2024 | Home : Terms of Use : Your Privacy Rights