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December 26 - 30, 2005
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Monday, Dec. 26, 2005 |
Still rebuilding Sri Lankan village, one year after tsunami
One year ago today, an earthquake touched off devastating waves that killed more than 200,000 people in south Asia. The Indian Ocean tsunami drew worldwide attention, as people geared up to help survivors rebuild their homes and their communities. Some of that help came from Minnesota. Evan Balasuriya is a local Sri Lankan businessman and former owner of the Sri Lanka Curry House in Minneapolis. He organized groups of volunteers to travel to Sri Lanka and rebuild one village, and he joins us now.
Donors come through for regional charities
The holiday season is a time when many charities get the bulk of their donations. This year, representatives of many non-profits have held their breath, fearing donor fatigue. While a few charities around the state are struggling, more often than not, donors have come through. Minnesota Public Radio's Sea Stachura reports.
Vikings won't be in the playoffs this year
The Minnesota Vikings will not be going to the playoffs. The team's postseason hopes were dashed last night when they lost 30-23 to the Baltimore Ravens. They had needed a victory to stay alive. Meanwhile, the Twins are making deals that will determine next year's roster, and the Gopher football team is getting ready for their year-end appearance in the Music City Bowl in Nashville. Joining us now with an update on the local sports scene is Morning Edition sports commentator Steve Rudolph.
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Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005 |
Intelligent Design debate simmers at U of M
The supporters of Intelligent Design suffered a significant defeat this month when a judge banned the concept in Dover, Pennsylvania science classrooms. But proponents continue their efforts to bolster the idea of an intelligent creator in discussions about science. A dispute simmers at the University of Minnesota where an otherwise respected scientist insists on teaching a class questioning the validity of evolution. Intelligent Design is one of the topics he explores. He is under fire from a colleague who sees it as an intrusion of religion into established scientific thinking. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
University of Minnesota - Crookston anticipates big changes
The University of Minnesota - Crookston can trace its roots back to 1905. Originally started as a high school, the college's role has transformed over the years, from an ag school to a four-year college. More changes are in the works for the Crookston campus. School officials have been ordered to develop a new mission. That kind of talk can mean many things, in Crookston, no one is sure what the changes will be, but they are coming. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Reha reports.
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Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005 |
Pawlenty plans talks to keep Twins stadium deal alive
Gov. Pawlenty says he wants to step in and revive a Twins stadium proposal that's currently on life support. Pawlenty said he's willing to meet with Twins executives and members of the Hennepin County Board to make sure that an agreement between the county and the team does not expire this weekend. The Twins and the county board have agreed on a plan to increase a countywide sales tax to help build a $478 million stadium in downtown Minneapolis. But officials with the Twins and the county board say there's no guarantee the stadium plan will survive, even with the governor's help. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Legislative leaders react to Twins stadium news
Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with Republican Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum and Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson.
St. Cloud area voters pick two Democrats in special election
The campaign leading up to the election was an unusual one. A week before the election, the state Supreme Court removed a Republican from the House ballot after Democrats raised questions over the candidate's residency. The election won't change the balance of the House or Senate. And political experts aren't sure if the election is an accurate gauge of what might happen in this fall's election. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Post reports.
What's behind the mystery rust
Duluth port officials are laying plans for a study that might explain why underwater steel is rusting away at an astonishing rate. Some 14 miles of harbor walls are made out of sheet steel that's showing severe damage from rust in some places. It could cost millions of dollars to replace the walls. Now, money has been approved for a study on what's going on, and what might be done to fix it. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
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Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005 |
In the mayor's chair
Chris Coleman will be inaugurated Tuesday Janurary 3, 2006 as St. Paul's 45th mayor. In November, Coleman ousted fellow DFLer Randy Kelly from office with 69 percent of the vote. Coleman's family has deep roots in St. Paul and a strong commitment to public service. Chris's father Nick Coleman was senate majority leader in the mid-1970s, but friends and family say Chris is not part of any political dynasty. They say hard work and a love for the city got him into the mayor's chair. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Former Twin Jeff Reardon blames anti-depressants for his actions
Former Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Jeff Reardon faces an arraignment at the end of January. Reardon allegedly robbed a jewelry store in Florida this week, and has been released on 5000 dollars bond. According to police, Reardon thinks the medication he's on for depression made him rob the store. Reardon has been taking anti-depressants since the death of his 20-year-old son in February of last year. To talk over these issues, we've called Dr. Ken Duckworth, the medical director for NAMI, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Dr. Duckworth is also a practicing psychiatrist and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Historical Society wants museum at Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling is a cornerstone of Minnesota history. But while the fort has a powerful story to tell, it doesn't tell it very well. It's only open four months a year, its guides focus on just one period - the 1820s - and attendance has been steadily dropping. To reverse the fort's fortunes, the Minnesota Historical Society wants to convert it into a prime tourist attraction. It will ask Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the 2006 Legislature for $22.6 million to renovate the fort's historic but deteriorating cavalry barracks into a modern museum and visitor center in time to mark the 150th anniversary of Minnesota's statehood in 2008. Nina Archabal is the director of the Minnesota Historical Society, and she joins us now.
Looking ahead to 2006 in the theater world
2006 is likely to be a big year in the local theater world, and will include the opening of the new Guthrie Theater. Joining us with a look ahead is Dominic Papatola, Minnesota Public Radio arts commentator and St. Paul Pioneer Press theater critic.
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Friday, Dec. 30, 2005 |
Vote outcome could bring end of NWA mechanics strike
Striking union mechanics at Northwest Airlines have until nine o'clock this morning to vote on a settlement agreement with the company. A "yes" vote would end the walkout, but strikers would be laid off instead of returning to work. Even after four months on strike, union leaders say members should reject the settlement and continue their stand. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
Lawmakers hear cry for property tax changes
Many Minnesota homeowners were surprised to find that their property taxes will jump by double digits next year. Disgruntled homeowners have packed some truth-in-taxation hearings in recent weeks to express their outrage. Advocates of property tax reform hope that frustration will pressure legislators to overhaul the system, but a major change appears unlikely to happen next session. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Genetic research finds success in Fargo
A Fargo company has developed technology to speed the process for creating and producing new vaccines. Aldevron produced the worlds first DNA based vaccine to save endangered birds from West Nile virus. The company may help change the way vaccines are developed and produced. In the past two years, the company has received millions of dollars in government grants for a variety of vaccine research projects. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Gunderson reports.
Minnesota has stricter drunk driving law this New Years Eve
After the New Years party this year, don't forget that Minnesota has a stricter drunk driving law than last year. In August, Minnesota became the last state in the union to implement a .08 drunk driving threshold. That's lower than the previous limit, which was .10 percent. This is the first New Year's Eve with the .08 level, and the State Patrol will be out enforcing the new law this weekend. Joining us now is the Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, Mark Dunaski.
Weather with Mark Seeley
University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley discusses today's snow and looks ahead to the winter weather.
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