Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.
December 19, 2000 - If you're looking for a holiday show to see this December, there's no lack of them to choose from. Minnesota communities and theatre companies all over the state are showing old favorites, and new ones too. That means it's a busy time for theater critics. Dominic Papatola writes for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He's been running around the Twin Cities for the past month trying to see. and review, shows in the metro area. He came by the studio to talk about what he's been doing and what he's seen.
December 19, 2000 - Minnesota's drunk driving laws are about to get simpler, and tougher. As of January first, patrol officers will be able to confiscate drunk drivers' registrations and impound their vehicles on the spot. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Reha reports supporters see the changes as much needed tools to remove habitual drunk drivers from the highways, but critics say they are the first salvo in an effort that will lead to over regulation of their industry.
December 19, 2000 - Right now law enforcement officials in most Minnesota counties have no easy way of sharing information about criminals. That means if officials arrest someone in their county, they may not know that the suspect has a criminal record somewhere else in the state. A bill that will be introduced in the upcoming Legislative session would fund the development of a network for tracking criminals. CriMNet would give officials access to criminal justice records statewide. Last session, as part of Katie's Law, the Legislature approved funds to develop a model for such a system. DFL Senator Jane Ranum is the chair of the Senate crime prevention committee, and talks with MPR News.
December 19, 2000 - Future Tense for December 19th reports on images of women in video games. Video games have long been criticized for their violent nature. Now a new report blasts them for their portrayal of girls and women. Child advocay group Children Now examined best-selling games for Sony Playstation, Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo 64. The group says many of the games promote unrealistic body images and stereotypical female characteristics, such as provocative sexuality, high-pitched voices and fainting. Patty Miller is director of the Children and the Media Program at Children Now.
December 19, 2000 - A new report on drug abuse trends by the Hazelden Foundation finds that "club drugs" are on the rise in the Twin Cities metro area, especially the drug known as ecstasy. Ecstasy is a form of methamphetamine that has hallucinogenic properties. It is considered a "club drug" because it is often used at rave parties and at nightclubs. Carol Falkowski. author of Hazeldon's report, speaks with MPR News.
December 20, 2000 -
December 20, 2000 - The country is turning grey. Recent census projections show within 20 years a quarter of the population will be over 65. That population shift requires numerous changes for cities and counties; including housing, transportation and heath care. While those three areas may seem the most critical, many seniors say they're looking for independent living with plenty to do. And that's become a challenge for the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mainstreet radio's Cara Hetland reports:
December 20, 2000 - The University of Minnesota football team has suspended 12 players for stealing and using a long distance access code. They have until Friday to make full restitution, or they miss out on next week's bowl game in Florida. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports.
December 20, 2000 - Former State Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm says the best way to prevent many of outbreaks of e-coli and listeria is through cold pasteurization and irradiation.
December 20, 2000 - As President-elect Bush figures out who he wants in his Cabinet one of the names that is mentioned prominently is Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson. Thompson met with Bush yesterday and is considered the leading candidate for Secretary of Heatlth and Human Services. Steve Walters covers the governor for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and speaks with MPR News.