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April 11 - 15, 2005
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Monday, April 11, 2005 |
Red Lake teacher talks about shooting
It has been three weeks since 16-year-old Jeff Weise went on a killing spree on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Ten people died that day, including Weise, who shot himself. Elementary and middle school kids head back to school this morning. High school students and teachers will have a chance to go back into the high school building for a healing ceremony, before classes resume tomorrow. Many teachers have been silent, at least publicly, about what they saw that day. Chris Johnson is a shop teacher at Red Lake High School. Johnson agreed to talk at his rural home with Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson.
Undocumented workers wrestle with filing taxes
The April 15th to file taxes causes most Americans stress and anguish. But for the millions of people living and working illegally in the United States, filing taxes can be an advantage. It is an opportunity to prove their economic contribution and document their residence here. The IRS allows them to file using a special number. But some immigration critics do not like the idea of a federal agency accommodating illegal immigrants. Minnesota Public Radio's Bianca Vazquez Toness has the story.
High gas prices prompting behavior changes
Gas prices are averaging a $2.20 a gallon across Minnesota and the government predicts they will stay that way for quite some time. Remember, at this time last year, when we were grumbling about paying $1.70 a gallon? Sounds like the good old days. As Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports, the high prices are prompting some drivers to make changes.
Bonding bill signing highlights week ahead at the Capitol
Gov. Tim Pawlenty signs the nearly $1 billion dollar bonding bill into law today. Some lawmakers are expected to join him at a high profile signing ceremony at a park-and-ride lot in Coon Rapids. The bonding bill funds transportation and other building projects across the state. Despite the accomplishment, lawmakers still face tough decisions this session, especially on the budget. And another committee deadline looms this week that could put some proposals, like the governor's gambling bill at risk. Joining us to preview the week ahead at the Capitol is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum.
Solo drivers can sign up for HOV lane access
Minnesotans who drive alone, but who want to take the high occupancy lanes on Highway 394, can sign up for accounts that will let them do that starting today. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is poised to actually open the lanes, also known as HOT lanes next month. But the department is opening a customer service center today to sign up motorists ahead of time. A solo driver with an account gets a transponder they put on their windshields, which will enable them them pay for entering the HOT lanes. Joining us on the line is Kevin Gutknecht, spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
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Tuesday, April 12, 2005 |
Part of Devil's Chair falls down
Part of the well known rock formation called "The Devil's Chair" has fallen down. The chair used to stand 30 feet tall along the St. Croix River, and was part of the official logo of the city of Taylors Falls. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Dan Raedeke, one of the owners of Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours.
NWA chief to testify before State Senate
Northwest Airlines CEO Doug Steenland will testify today before the state's Senate Transportation committee. Steenland is expected to discuss the plan for expanding the Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport, and the financial challenges the airline is facing. Steenland is coming to the Legislature voluntarily, but only after the transportation committee voted to subpoena him. The financial stability of Northwest Airlines has been debated at the Minnesota Legislature a number of times. Former Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe was involved in many of those discussions and he joins us now.
Sorting out free credit reports
Residents of Minnesota and other Midwestern states became eligible in March for free annual credit reports under a new federal law. The legislation is taking effect in stages across the country. While getting your report may be a snap, getting it in order may not be. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
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Wednesday, April 13, 2005 |
Listings not yet available.
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Thursday, April 14, 2005 |
Northwest to lay off 600 mechanics
Mechanics for Northwest Airlines in the Twin Cities knew it was coming, but union officials say the news was still difficult to take: 600 of their jobs will be eliminated by the first week of July. This follows 140 layoffs announced in March. Yesterday's announcement comes just one day after the company's CEO took questions from a state Senate committee. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Republicans in House prepare no-gambling "plan B"
Republicans in the Minnesota House have passed a resolution that sets spending limits for various areas of state government. The resolution is unusual in that it contains two sets of spending guidelines - one set relies on money that would come from a controversial plan to expand gambling, the other does not. Republican leaders say they are giving Democrats a choice - if they do not like the gambling proposal, the state will not have as much money for education. Many DFL legislators say that is a choice between bad and worse. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Bancroft award winners announced
Explorer Ann Bancroft is back home in Minnesota, after red tape put an unexpected end to her latest expedition. Bancroft and Norwegian Liv Arnesen were trying to become the first women to cross the mostly frozen Arctic Ocean, but had to stop because of a dispute between two logistics companies that operate near the North Pole. Tonight, Bancroft will speak at the 9th annual Ann Bancroft awards, which recognize the achievements of girls and women. One of this year's winners is Mary Steiner Whelan. Whelan is the founder of an organization called Give Us Wings, which helps women in Kenya and Uganda. But Whalen says she does not try to tell African women HOW to improve their lives.
Wolves hanging on for playoff spot
The Minnesota Timberwolves still have a very very slim chance of making the NBA playoffs this year. The Wolves beat Golden State last night while Memphis lost to Houston. For Minnesota to make the playoffs they would have to win all four of their remaining games, while Memphis lost all four of their games. This is quite a turnaround from a year ago at this time when Minnesota was battling for the top-seed in the playoffs. Joining us on the line is Brit Robson who covers the Timberwolves for the City Pages.
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Friday, April 15, 2005 |
The consequences of taxes on growth
As the budget debate heats up at the Capitol, groups opposed to tax increases are making their voices heard. The Taxpayers League of Minnesota holds its annual tax day rally at the Capitol today, and business groups have been running ads around the state. The groups say raising taxes will stifle job growth in the state. Advocates for a tax increase say scrimping on education and other state priorities will do far more harm to Minnesota's economy. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
The new Walker: More than a museum
There's a huge party planned in Minneapolis this weekend. People from all over the world are flocking to the newly expanded and renovated Walker Art Center. The center is opening after more than a year of construction. Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs reports the new building not only adds space for more artwork, but it marks the beginning of a new era for the institution.
Business focus on crime in downtown Minneapolis
Business leaders are joining forces with police to fight crime in downtown Minneapolis. After nearly two years of discussion, several groups have come up with new proposals for improving the safety of the downtown area. Sarah McKenzie covered the story for this week's edition of The Business Journal. She's come by the studio this morning.
Mark Seeley's weather comments
University of Minnesota climatologist Mark Seeley tells us about the earliest 90 degree reading in the Twin Cities. Just three years ago, the airport recorded a 91 degree day, the earliest ever recorded. Seeley also tells us about the conference "Bridging the Water Gap" in Hopkins, Minnesota where presentations are being made on water and a number of topics like the environment, human health, and even spirituality.
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