April 29, 1998 - The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is embroiled in a controversy that is sweeping museums across the country. Last night on ABC's "Nightline" program, a French family claimed one of the M.I.A.'s paintings was stolen by the Nazis' during World War II, and belongs to them. The Institute has launched its own investigation into the history of the painting, and believes it may have uncovered evidence that conflicts with the family's claim. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts has more.
April 29, 1998 - Each day there's another boarded up window reglazed after nailed into place in Saint Peter. But complete recovery from the tornado last month is a long way off. While many residents are concerned with the immediate work... some are looking to the longer term future. Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman reports. The clean-up was easy. Hundreds of people from all over the state came to cart away the debris from the streets of Saint Peter. It happened so fast people were shocked the city looked so good so soon after the tornado. But clean-up is not rebuilding, and that is what Saint Peter
April 29, 1998 - What is organic food? That question is at the heart of a fight between the U.S. Agriculture Department and organic farmers. New rules proposed by USDA leaves open the chance "organic" may include genetically modified food and items currently banned from carrying the label. A public comment period on the nation's first organic standard ends Thursday (April 30). Thousands have commented, a majority oppose a broad definition of "organic". Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports. : Most of the nation's organic farmers agree some sort of national definition of organic is needed. Right now organic is whatever individual state or private agencies say it is and that varies a great deal. Far
May 5, 1998 - Health officials in the Red River Valley are reporting a dramatic increase in deaths, miscarriages and other illnesses. Some are blaming last years flooding... but researcher say it will take months of study to know for sure... or even the extent of the problems. Minnesota Public Radio's Hope Deutscher reports... Victoria Rinerson (Rye-ner-son) sings with about a dozen other residents gathering at a morning worship service at the Sunnyside Nursing Hom
May 5, 1998 - [Desk attempted to smooth out levels on the last piece from Robertson but they are still a little wild. Operator should ride them, especially transitions from actualities to middle voice track.] The upper midwest's warm dry spring continues to cause concern about grass and forest fires. In northern Minnesota, forest fire crews have been on standby for weeks... newly planted seedlings may die without rain... and the summer construction season is in full swing a month ahead of schedule. This is one of the driest springs in ten years for northern Wisconsin, where strict fire restrictions are in place. Minnesota Public Radio's Todd Moe has the first of several reports on the effects of the dry weather around the region.
May 6, 1998 - A group out to reduce tobacco use in Minnesota says the state should get tough on enforcing the law which prohibits smoking under age 18. In addition Minnesota Decides wants to ban smoking in bars and restaurants. The group is described as "a community health partnership" led by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Anti-smoking activists welcome the report. They say Minnesota has fallen behind other states in smoking prevention. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports. --------------------------------------------------------- | D-CART ITEM: 7175 | TIME: 4:13 | OUTCUE: "...SOC --------------------------------------------------------- We brag about surviving cold winters and coping with mosquitoes and we point with pride to our 25 year old anti smoking law. The Minnesota Clean Indoor Act, the first in the nation, regulates smoking in public places including restuarants and work sites. Most winters are still cold and mosquitoes still bite but the state's anti smoking effort has been
May 7, 1998 - Speculation about how the jury might decide the tobacco trial has already started, even though it is still possible for the two sides to reach a settlement. George Annas is a Professor of Health Law at Boston University. He says a jury verdict for the state might not yield as much money as a settlement, but it would be impressive symbolically. Sun 28-MAY 11:20:20 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
May 7, 1998 - Closing arguments began today in Minnesota's tobacco trial. Settlement talks have collapsed, and the chief executive of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota says chances of a settlement are "extremely slim." He said one problem was tobacco companies' demand that they be protected against lawsuits by Minnesota counties. Hennepin County commissioners are informally debating whether to sue the tobacco industry to recoup county costs for treating sick smokers. Commissioner Randy Johnson says the immunity issue is moot: Hennepin County Commissioner Randy Johnson.
May 7, 1998 - Tobacco company attorneys present their closing arguments this morning in Saint Paul amidst rumors of settlement talks. Minnesota Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Skip Humphrey sounded like he'd prefer to settle Minnesota's tobacco trial but also said he's prepared to let the jury decide. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports: Humphrey spoke before an audience of public health professors at the University of Minnesota giving few clues as to whether he's close to settling the case. Settlement rumors have been flying since Monday when the St Paul Pioneer Press reported parties for the state, blue cross/blue shield and tobacco companies had outlined an agreement. That agreement reportedly called for the industry to pay five-billion-dollars over the next 25 years and submit to marketing restrictions to teenagers.
May 8, 1998 - Minnesota State Attorney General Skip Humphrey met with reporters and supporters this afternoon to outline some of the details of the tobacco settlement. Humphrey emphasized the elements of the agreement that are designed to reduce smoking among young people...... Minnesota Attorney General Skip Humphrey, speaking to reporters and supporters earlier this afternoon. Sun 28-MAY 11:19:21 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001