October 8, 2010 - Gov. Tim Pawlenty is standing by his decision to ignore a federal request for input on a key piece of health care reform. The Department of Health and Human Services had asked states for their recommendations on "insurance exchanges." These are online marketplaces where consumers can compare and buy health plans. Pawlenty opposes health reform. He said today (Friday) exchanges are big government interfering with the free market. But three years ago, Pawlenty advocated a similar idea. Elizabeth Stawicki reports: During his radio show today, Gov. Tim Pawlenty expanded on why he decided against sending in a Minnesota health department report about health insurance exchanges. He said the best insurance exchange is the free market:
November 24, 2010 - It's been an interesting year for health stories. A huge healthcare reform bill passed Congress... but the debate after the fact seemed to raise more rancor than the discussion leading in. An earthquake kills hundreds of thousands in Haiti... followed by a deadly outbreak of cholera. In the meantime, America's epidemic of obesity has spread to other nations across the globe. But, even with all those challenges and uncertainties, medical analyst Dr. Hallberg says there is still reason to be hopeful when it comes to health and wellness at this customary time of thanksgiving.
January 26, 2011 - President Barack Obama appeared to give a nod to supporters of tort reform last night (Tuesday) during his State of the Union address. Even while defending his health care law, the President said he'd be open to "medical malpractice reform to rein in frivolous lawsuits." In the past Obama has shown some interest in reforming state medical malpractice laws but has stopped short of supporting federal caps on damage awards. But that is what Republicans want. Elizabeth Stawicki reports: Just this week, two Republicans and one Democrat in the US House Judiciary committee introduced what they're calling the HEALTH ACT -- the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare Act of 2011.
April 8, 2011 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on a second season at Target Field, looking at changes taking place at ball park for 2011…and into the potential impact it has had on the local economy. The new ballpark was a hit with fans in inaugural season and season tickets have already sold out for this season, but the financial success for the city and local businesses is more complicated.
June 27, 2011 - On this Midday program, MPR President and APMG CEO Bill Kling answers your questions one last time as part of the Ask the President series. After 45 plus years, Bill Kling is moving on.
August 9, 2011 - MPR’s Brandt Williams profiles John Gordon, who as the radio broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins, has documented some of the biggest moments in the team's history. Gordon announced he will retire after the 2011 Twins season comes to a close.
August 22, 2011 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Midday host Gary Eichten about his announcement of retiring in January of 2012. Crann asks what stands out for Eichten over the decades long career at Minnesota Public Radio.
September 5, 2011 - For some baseball fans, a trip to the ballpark is not complete without a cold beer. For MPR reporter Brandt Williams, one of the best things about going to a baseball game is listening to the sound of the ballpark's mobile bartenders…the beer vendors.
September 22, 2011 - MPR’s Martin Moylan reports that General Mills is creating a stir with its hiring of two unrepentant potheads to promote its box of Fiber One high-fiber brownies.
November 8, 2011 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson reports on creation of four Native American radio stations in Callaway, Nett Lake, Cloquet and Cass Lake. Gunderson interviews tribe members behind the efforts to provide service to American Indian audiences in the northern Minnesota area.