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January 2 - 6, 2006
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
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Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 |
Vikings head coach Mike Tice fired
The search is on for a new head coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Mike Tice was fired shortly after his team won its last game of the season 34 to10 over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings finished 9-7 on the year, but it was not enough to make the playoffs or to save Tice's job. Owner Zygi Wilf issued a press release on Tice's firing while players were still in the locker room, and some of them were upset that they learned of their coach's fate with the media still in the room. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Sean Jensen, who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Looking ahead to labor relations at Northwest
At Northwest airlines, the new year begins with the company and its three largest unions preparing for intense negotiations over Northwest's request for concessions. Members of a fourth union, the mechanics, just voted to continue a four month old strike. Joining us now with some analysis is Gary Chaison, Professor of Labor Relations at Clark University in Massachusettes.
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Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006 |
Pharmacists report some problems as new Medicare drug benefit begins
Several Minnesota pharmacists say they're having some trouble with the new Medicare Part D drug benefit, which started on Sunday. The program provides drug coverage to anyone enrolled in Medicare, the health insurance program for seniors. Pharmacists say they can't fill some patients' orders because of computer or paperwork problems. They also say some customers have been reluctant to enroll in the program because it's too confusing. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Authorities explore ways to curb underage drinking
Underage drinking made headlines last fall in northwest Minnesota. In September, the body of a 19-year-old college student was found in the Red River. His death was linked to binge drinking at a fraternity party. A month later, an 18-year-old Fergus Falls man who was binge drinking was severely injured when he fell from a rooftop. The two incidents have people wondering how kids get their booze. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Reha reports.
Pawlenty outlines illegal immigration reforms
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is taking his push for slowing illegal immigration to a new level. The governor is expected to announce a major reform plan today in St. Paul and follow it up by flying around the state to repeat his message in cities across the state. The new proposal come a month after the governor released a controversial report on the costs of illegal immigration. Critics say the report ignored the benefits that immigrants bring to communities and the economy. One of the governor's stops today will be in Worthington, where immigrants make up a big part of the workforce. Joining us on the line is the mayor of Worthington, Alan Oberloh.
Monday Markets
Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell discusses the latest economic news.
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Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006 |
Governor's moves on immigration shaking up politics
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is cracking-down on illegal immigrants with new proposals that are also making a splash in state politics. Yesterday, the governor outlined a series of ideas to identify illegal immigrants and strictly enforce immigration laws. Those proposals follow-up on what has become a controversial report the governor released last month on the costs associated with illegal immigration. Political observers say Pawlenty is tapping into an issue that concerns many Minnesotans, but they also say his ideas could alienate Latino voters. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
New effort to provide free college tuition
There's a new program that'll offer two years of free college tuition, to low income, inner city kids from Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools. The official announcement of the "Power of You" program is Monday, but yesterday, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman touted the effort during his inaugural address. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with one of those working on the effort in Minnesota, Donovan Schwichtenberg, the president of St. Paul College.
Warroad boys hockey to host U.S. Olympic womens team
The media is having some fun with an unusual hockey game to be played in Warroad. The headlines read "Battle of the Sexes" and the story is about Wednesday night's game between the defending state high school champion Warroad boys hockey team, and the U.S. Olympic Womens hockey team. Warroad has a rich hockey tradition, and is the home of several fomer Olympians, so, the U.S. team managers say it is an opportunity to thank the region for its support of hockey. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with one of the Warroad coaches Dennis Fermoyle.
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Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006 |
'Mortgage foreclosure rescues' cost some their homes
Hundreds, and possibly thousands, of Minnesota homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments have become victims of a controversial lending practice known as mortgage foreclosure rescue. They've signed agreements designed to retain ownership of their homes. But in many cases, the deals lead to eviction and loss of the owners' home equity. The deals have drawn the attention of state officials, and have outraged a group of private practice attorneys who are trying to help some of the victims. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
Ford plant: from Rangers to homes and retail?
If the St. Paul Ford plant closes some real estate experts say the site is likely to be converted to residential and retail use. State and city officials are trying to convince Ford to keep the plant open and spare its nearly 2,000 jobs. The company is expected to announce its plans later this month. But the factory sits on prime riverfront real estate, and experts say its days as an industrial site would probably end if Ford leaves. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Lawsuit could test First Amendment rights of bloggers
A Democratic public relations consultant is suing a Republican blogger for defamation The lawsuit pits Blois Olson against Michael Brodkorb. Olson is president of PR firm New School Communications and a well-known Democratic political commentator. Brodkorb is a Republican who publishes the blog "Minnesota Democrats Exposed." In the lawsuit to be filed in Dakota County District Court, Olson disputes a series of postings by Brodkorb about criticisms Olson made of the congressional campaign of fellow Democrat Coleen Rowley. Some say this case could be a key test of the First Amendment rights of bloggers, but media attorney Paul Hannah says Brodkorb is not the first blogger to be sued for defamation.
Ramsey County to ask legislature for downpayment on new light rail line
Ramsey County says it will ask Minnesota lawmakers this session to borrow $50 million as a downpayment on a proposed light rail line. The line would run in the Central Corridor along University avenue between St. Paul and Minneapolis. According to county officials, the eleven-mile-long rail line would cost about $840 million. Rafael Ortega is a Ramsey County commissioner, and he chairs the Ramsey Regional Rail Authority. He joins us now.
Twin Cities known for long-running plays
If you're looking for a play to see in the Twin Cities this weekend and the latest in innovative theater is not your thing, you have your choice of several, dependable, long-running shows. While the metro area has a reputation for its innovative stage work, it is also known, somewhat more quietly, for hosting long runs of plays. "Triple Expresso" has been running in Minneapolis since 1997, for example. "We Gotta Bingo," which opened in St. Paul this past fall, is hoping to stay for two years or more. Here to talk about this trend is Dominic Papatola, Minnesota Public Radio arts commentator and theater critic for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Boys win unusual hockey game in Warroard
In an unusual battle of the sexes last night, the boys beat the women. In an exhibition game played at the Gardens Arena in Warroad, the Warroad Boy's hockey team defeated the U.S. Olympic Women's Hockey team 2-1. There was a standing-room-only crowd in attendance for the game. Among the people on hand was Jon Michael, a broadcaster with KQ92 in Warroad. He joins us now.
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Friday, Jan. 6, 2006 |
Pawlenty proposes high-tech security for drivers licenses
Gov. Pawlenty wants the state to add facial recognition technology to Minnesota drivers' licenses to prevent identity theft. Pawlenty Thursday outlined a series of identity theft proposals. The announcement came one day after Attorney General Mike Hatch criticized the Pawlenty administration for selling drivers' license data. The dueling news conferences indicate that identity theft could be a hot topic in this year's governor's race. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
National data privacy expert discusses drivers' license data
Don Gemberling is a national expert on data privacy issues and the former director of the Information Policy Analysis Division of the Minnesota Department of Administration. We called him to learn more about the privacy of drivers' license information in Minnesota.
Vikings expected to hire Childress as coach
Several news organizations are reporting that the Minnesota Vikings will name a new head coach later today. The team is expected to announce that Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brad Childress has the job. Childress will replace Mike Tice, who was fired on Sunday after the Vikings finished the season with a 9-7 record and missed the playoffs. Joining us now with the latest is Sean Jensen, who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
New American RadioWorks documentary explores Intelligent Design
Later today, host Gary Eichten will be airing a new documentary from American RadioWorks on the controversy over Intelligent Design. The debate rages on despite a judge's ruling last month in Dover, Pennsylvania that dealt a blow to those who say the Theory of Evolution can't explain all of creation. The judge ruled that the concept of "intelligent design" -- which argues that certain aspects of the natural world are so complex they must have been the work of a designer -- doesn't belong in the public schools. In this new documentary called "Intelligent Designs on Evolution," producer Mary Beth Kirchner explores the roots of our debate over life's "origins."
Podcasts for the frozen
Any ice angler can tell you about casting. The question is, do they know about podcasting? It's not a fancy way to drop your line, but a downloadable audio program that can be produced in a broom closet or even an ice shack. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recently produced its own podcast about ice fishing. Officials hope to inform anglers around the state. So far not too many are biting. Minnesota Public Radio's Sea Stachura reports from Rochester.
Zeitgeist returns to town with spectacle of theater and music
Theater and music collide once again on stage today and tomorrow, when the old Twin Cities favorite Zeitgeist comes back to town. The group has been on the road for five years. The show they're brining back is called "Sound Stage," and it's a spectacle that combines theater and music. It includes what looks like a musical jungle gym. It was written by California composer Paul Dresher, and Zeitgeist is bringing the show back to where it premiered in 2001 at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Karl Gehrke has more.
Deb Brown takes gardening questions
It's the first Friday of the month, and fans of Midmorning probably expect to hear the Garden Guru, Deb Brown, later this morning. But we're taking a break from the hour-long call-ins with Deb over the winter months. Instead, we are happy to have her answer a few questions that you have called in or e-mailed to us here on Morning Edition.
Weather with Mark Seeley
University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley talks about the unusually warm weather and looks ahead to the weekend forecast.
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