June 17, 1997 - A solar-powered car using the same amount of power as a hair-dryer, but capable of breaking the speed limit on the open highway, is ready to hit the road. "Aurora 3" is the solar car built by University of Minnesota students to compete against solar cars from other schools in Sunrace '97, the cross-country contest which begins in Indianapolis tomorrow. Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr went along to watch preparations before the team left Minnesota.
June 18, 1997 - Governor Carlson says he's bringing the Legislature back for a special session on funding K-12 education, even though he and the Democrats say they haven't resolved the deadlock left over after the Legislature adjourned last month. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin kaste reports.
June 18, 1997 - The Minneapolis School Board has found a candidate for superintendent less than three weeks after ending its relationship with a private management firm. They're offering the job to a suburban district superintendent who spent five years as an administrator for Minneapolis schools. Board members say the state's largest school district has too many urgent needs to conduct a prolonged superintendent search. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
June 18, 1997 - The Rochester Board of Education heard from a committee last night that is recommending delaying the start times of all the district's schools. Supporters of the plan say it will help adolescents get the sleep they need and keep elementary school students off the streets before the sun comes up. Minnesota Public Radio's Brent Wolfe reports from Rochester.
June 19, 1997 - School district administrators throughout the state are preparing for the coming school year with an unclear picture of their finances. The Minnesota legislature will meet in special session next week to work on a new K-12 education funding bill. Governor Carlson vetoed the first bill because it did not include his tax credit plan. The lack of a funding bill will begin causing problems for schools when the fiscal year ends June 30th. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
June 23, 1997 - The candidate for superintendent of Minneapolis schools says the failure rate of students of color is the biggest challenge facing the state's largest school district. Carol Johnson, the current superintendent of St. Louis Park schools, told school board members today how she would address that and other challenges. The board spent two hours interviewing its lone candidate for the job. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
June 23, 1997 - Governor Carlson and DFL-Legislative leaders met today to discuss a K-12 education funding bill. The governor vetoed a funding bill at the end of the session because it did not contain $150-million in tax credits and deductions that parents could apply toward private and religious school tuition. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports the new DFL proposal contains four key components, including raising the state's minimum wage.
June 24, 1997 - Minnesota's 8th District DFL Congressman Jim Oberstar says airline officials should "clean-up their act" or the Congress will act. Oberstar is pushing legislation called the Airline passenger's bill of rights. Under the plan, airlines would be required to disclose their flight delay and cancellation policies. They would have to provide food and bathrooms during lengthy delays. The plan also calls for the airlines to double the payments passengers receive for lost luggage or for being bumped from a flight. Oberstar says he's encouraged by moves Northwest Airlines is making to respond to passenger complaints.
June 25, 1997 - Midday previews the special session of the Minnesota Legislature with guests Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe and House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum. Education funding is the main topic. Listeners also call in with questions.
June 25, 1997 - Governor Carlson has called state lawmakers into special session tomorrow. A K-12 education funding bill is the motive for the session, but some other bills, such as lowering the legal blood alcohol for drunk driving and raising wages for some state officials, are likely to come up. As Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports the special session seems like deja vu.