February 7, 1997 - Supporters say the tobacco bill was weakened by an amendment from Rush City DFL'er Loren Jennings who proposed eliminating a provision that would ban shelf displays of cigarettes in stores and move cigarettes to behind the counter. That touched off a floor debate on how much access kids should have to cigarettes in stores. Here's an edited sample of some of the debate.
February 10, 1997 - Midday looks at drunk driving and the proposal to reduce the legal blood alcohol limit for driving to .08 with Steve Simon, University of Minnesota law professor and director of the MN Criminal Justice System DWI Task Force; and Lynn Goughler, public liaison and legislative chair of the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
February 10, 1997 - Minneapolis officials are considering opening up the city's private trash hauling contract to competitive bids for the first time in 25 years. At least one council member thinks the city could save several million dollars a year by seeking other bidders. The consortium of haulers that now handles the waste admits the city might be able to save some money -- but contends small haulers would likely go out of business in the process. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports.
February 10, 1997 - Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life is planning a rally tomorrow at the state capitol to protest a medical procedure sometimes referred to as "partial-birth abortions." Banning the relatively rare abortion procedure is an MCCL priority this year, but some lawmakers say they're not as concerned about MCCL's priorities as they used to be. MCCL lost a powerful ally when House Speaker Irv Anderson was toppled last month, and that's translated into a loss of clout at the Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
February 12, 1997 - Paul Wellstone is planning to retrace Robert Kennedy's tour of the South to focus attention on the plight of the poor. The tour is also prompting questions about whether Wellstone aspires to higher national office. Al Eisele says Wellstone's candidacy would probably be met with surprise on the hill. Eisele is editor of "The Hill," a political newsletter in Washington D.C. He also served as an aide to Vice President Mondale.
February 12, 1997 - State lawmakers are considering a package of new regulations designed to make snowmobiles safer for riders and pedestrians. The legislation comes in response to the record-setting pace of snowmobiling deaths this winter: 26 so far, including two children who were on foot when they were run over. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
February 12, 1997 - A Senate committee has dismised an election challenge by failed state DFL Senate candidate John Derus of Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports.
February 13, 1997 - As state and local officials around the country struggle to comprehend the complexity of welfare reform they're watching each others efforts to see what can be learned. North Dakota is out front in one area, with a new system to handle what used to be Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or AFDC. Minnesota Public Radio’s Dan Gunderson reports.
February 14, 1997 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton State of the City address. Sayles Belton described Minneapolis as a strong, vibrant place, but also stated a need of stronger efforts to reduce gang violence. In addition to crime prevention, the mayor also highlighted education and economic development efforts.
February 17, 1997 - Teens comment on teen smoking laws.