May 8, 2003 - All Thing’s Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews Democratic Senator David Tomassoni about the K-12 education funding bills that have passed in the state House and Senate. Both would allow school districts to sell naming rights to corporate sponsors to raise extra revenue.
May 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is bringing together leading experts on biotechnology for a summit next week in Minneapolis. Biotechnology is a big priority for Pawlenty. He's pushed for biotech tax-free zones and has encouraged the U of M and the Mayo Clinic to form a biotechnology partnership. The summit, which starts Monday, will bring together business leaders, scientists, and educators. Heath Lukatch, managing director of Piper Jaffray Ventures based in San Francisco will also be there to provide a national perspective.
May 9, 2003 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on a Minnesota House Committee has voted to sell state land lying within the Federal Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. But it's raised fierce opposition from the environmental community and from within the Legislature. Report includes various speaking and interview clips.
May 12, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty convened more than 600 scientists, entrepreneurs, and executives in Minneapolis today for the "Governor's Biosciences Summit." Pawlenty told the crowd Minnesota has the people and ideas to be a biotech leader. "Biotechnology" involves using living organisms to make anything from medicines to plastic. Critics of the governor say Minnesota may have a tough time competing, and Pawlenty should focus on more important priorities. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
May 14, 2003 - Some leaders in the non-profit, philanthropic, and business communities are calling on non-profits to show funders quantifiable results from their work, rather than rely on pure charity. Philanthropy in difficult economic times was the subject of a panel discussion last night Helms reports.
May 19, 2003 - There are signs of better months ahead for the airline industry -- just at the time when Northwest says it needs painful sacrifices from workers. Northwest says it needs to save 950 million dollars a year by cutting jobs, wages, and benefits. The pilots have said they are willing to discuss new cuts. Other unions have yet to formally respond, but have angrily questioned the need for concessions. As Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports, winning givebacks from workers may be all the more difficult with air travel headed into the strong summer season.
May 21, 2003 - Target corporation officials are taking criticism from some investors for eliminating shareholder questions from the company's annual meeting today (Weds). Taking questions from the company's owners is a routine part of annual meetings. After today's meeting company officials elaborated on the role of grocery products in Target's growth strategy. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
May 23, 2003 - MPR’s Michael Khoo talks with All Things Considered host Lorna Benson about a Minnesota legislative plan that extends nuclear waste storage at Xcel Energy's Prairie Island plant. The proposal is meant to keep the facility operating through 2014, but has run into objections from environmental advocates. Critics say it lacks a strong commitment to renewable energy alternatives and provides no explicit role for lawmakers in future nuclear waste storage debates.
May 26, 2003 - The Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start for the summer tourist season. Tourism contributes nearly $10 billion to Minnesota's economy. Resorts and other tourist-oriented businesses are hoping for a summer season that will compensate for several years of struggle. Many Minnesotans will head to the water for a long weekend of fishing.
May 26, 2003 - The Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start for the summer tourist season. Tourism contributes nearly $10 billion to Minnesota's economy. Resorts and other tourist-oriented businesses are hoping for a summer season that will compensate for several years of struggle. Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports. Back Announce: