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July 4 - 8, 2005
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Monday, July 4, 2005 |
Minnesota soldier killed in Afghanistan
Friends and family of Clarks Grove, Minnesota, native Corey Goodnature are mourning the Army Warrant Officer's death in Afghanistan. Goodnature was a helicopter pilot with a special operations unit. He was among 16 soldiers killed when their Chinook helicopter was shot down in the deadliest single incident for U.S. troops fighting the insurgency in Afghanistan. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.
A taste of public opinion on the state shutdown
It's the fourth day of Minnesota's partial government shutdown. Last week, Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders failed to come to an agreement over a two-year budget. As a result, about 9,000 state workers have been temporarily laid off. How is the average Minnesotan dealing with the shutdown? Minnesota Public Radio's Annie Baxter talked to people at the Taste of Minnesota and filed this report.
New book looks at history of Minnesota State Capitol building
There will be a big birthday bash later today for the Minnesota State Capitol. There will be music, tours, and an ice cream social to celebrate the building's 100th birthday. The building first opened in 1905 after nearly 12 years of planning and construction. Since then, it's been a hub of government and one of the state's most important public buildings. Leigh Roethke is completing her doctorate in art history at the University of Minnesota and is the author of a new book called "Minnesota's Capitol: A Centennial Story." She says when St. Paul architect Cass Gilbert was chosen to design the building, he had big ideas.
North Minneapolis teens attend Cambridge University program
Three North Minneapolis teenagers are at Cambridge University where they graduated from an International youth leadership program. They are among only a handful of Americans and the only African-Americans completing the two-year course. The students have been exposed to a wide range of new experiences, including overseas travel and contact with other young people from around the world. However, they also say they've had to confront stereotypes and low expectations some have of African-Americans. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2005 |
Minnesota wind energy sales increasing
Thousands of Minnesota residents have signed up to buy wind power from several state utility companies. They've done this voluntarily even though it raises their electric bill. About 16,000 customers, just under one percent of the state's households, have bought the option. Sometimes called "green power," wind-generated electricity taps a growing demand for environmentally friendly products. Even though most of their electricity will still come from conventional power plants, customers say they're boosting wind production. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Steil reports.
Is the Twin Cities Metro really a haven for the Creative Class?
Economist Richard Florida has declared the Twin Cities a world leader in attracting creative people. Florida draws a connection between the health of cities and their ability to attract what's defined as "the creative class." He describes the creative class as an increasingly mobile, educated and well-paid section of society. However, a Minnesota economist says while it's a nice idea, the "creative class" theory just doesn't hold water. Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs reports.
Patient medical records go electronic
It's been about a year since President Bush announced his plan to bring patient medical records into the computer age. The President wants most Americans to have an electronic patient record within the next decade. He says electronic records will make health care safer and more affordable. The idea poses many challenges that haven't been solved yet. Still, the switch from paper to electronic records appears to be well underway in Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports.
Open Ears
Many musicians have voracious listening habits. They expose themselves to an enormous range of music, both in and outside their area of expertise. "Open Ears" is a new series that taps into musicians' keen listening skills and vast musical knowledge. Each installment will feature a local musician talking about a favorite piece of music from a different genre. The "Open Ears" series is produced by Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts. Libby Larson is one of Minnesota's best-known composers. It turns out that for the last ten years, Libby Larson has been listening to a lot of "electronica," including rave, turntable, and re-mix music.
Market Report
Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest economic news.
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Wednesday, July 6, 2005 |
CEO: Northwest may go bankrupt without labor concessions
Northwest Airlines mechanics have asked the National Mediation Board to declare their contract negotiations with the airline are at an impasse. If the board grants the request, a strike could occur after a 30-day cooling off period. The union's move came on a day when the company's CEO said, the company would have to consider bankruptcy unless it can reduce its labor costs.
Minnesota Public Radio's Annie Baxter has more.
Opening arguments heard in McLaughlin trial
A courtroom packed with spectators heard graphic testimony yesterday as opening arguments began in Jason McLaughlin's murder trial. The 16-year-old is accused of shooting two fellow students at Rocori High School in Cold Spring nearly two years ago. The prosecution claims the shootings were premeditated. And even though McLaughlin has admitted to the shootings, his lawyer maintains the teen didn't intend to kill anyone. Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post has more in this report.
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Thursday, July 7, 2005 |
Gambling is sticking point in late-night negotiating session
Gov. Pawlenty and top legislative leaders returned to the bargaining table Wednesday night, but could not reach a deal to end the partial state government shutdown. Negotiators on all sides said progress was made during the late-night talks, but the Republican-backed plan for slot machines at Canterbury Park remained a key sticking point to solving the budget impasse. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
State employees struggling with uncertainty
State workers out of a job because of the shutdown are dealing with varying degrees of uncertainty. Some of those showing up at the rally at the Capitol Wednesday say they have enough vacation time and savings to get by. Other, mainly newer employees, find themselves in a difficult financial situation as lawmakers continue to lock horns. All those asked, though, say they're frustrated the budget impasse had to come to this. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
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Friday, July 8, 2005 |
Rocori shooting trial to move to crime scene
There was plenty of emotional eye-witness testimony at Jason McLaughlin's murder trial in St. Cloud yesterday. McLaughlin faces murder charges for the shooting deaths of two students at Rocori High School in Cold Spring nearly two years ago. Teachers, students and even the parent of one of the victims took the stand and recounted what happened on the day of the shooting. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Post was in the courtroom and has this report.
Still no budget deal as shutdown enters second week
Minnesota's partial government shutdown is now a week old. About 9000 state employees are out of work, and many state services are not available. Talks between Gov. Pawlenty and legislative leaders concluded around 3:30 a.m. Friday without a deal. For some insight into how lawmakers might close the deal, we've called two former legislators, DFL Senator Deanna Wiener and Republican Representative Peggy Leppik.
Rural telecom providers brace for changes
There's a new federal telecommunication law in the works and it's expected to have major implications for rural telecom providers. Minnesota has the third largest number of small-town telephone companies in the country. As a result, there's increasing concern that those outfits will be overlooked when it comes time to finalize the new legislation. Mainstreet Radio's Erin Galbally reports.
Behind the scenes of "Burrito Rider"
There is a place in the Twin Cities where grown adults spend their days thinking up adventures for dog-riding monkeys, and discussing how to make Mexican food float in the sky. It's called the advertising industry. While it's not quite Madison Avenue, Minneapolis has a long history as a top advertising city. Over the past few months, we took a behind-the-scenes look at an area firm developing a new ad for a national campaign. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Weather with Mark Seeley
University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley talks about Minnesota weather history and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.
3M looking for a new CEO
Minnesota-based 3M Company is looking for a new CEO, and the hiring decision will be made by 10 people who don't live here. Last week, the company's top man, James McNerney, was tapped to head up aircraft giant Boeing. His successor at 3M will be chosen by the company's board of directors. Sam Black covered that story for this week's edition of The Business Journal. He's come by the studio this morning.
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