November 16, 2000 - The U-S Surgeon General's office and other federal health agencies say the rising rates of HIV and AIDS cases among Native Americans signal a possible epidemic. It's long been known that HIV and AIDS have been a problem within other minority communities, most notably African Americans and Hispanics, but officials worry the disease could spread more quickly in the country's small American Indian population. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
November 16, 2000 -
November 17, 2000 - Members of the Surface Transportation Board heard from citizens of Rochester about their views of the railroad going through the city.
November 17, 2000 - On his weekly radio show today, Governor Ventura defended his new job as a color commentator for the X-F-L football league. Ventura will work ten Saturday night games for the XFL's first season starting in February.
November 17, 2000 - A panel of bioethicists, geneticists and reproductive specialists gathered at the University of Minnesota this afternoon friday to discuss how the nation should adopt a policy on the genetic screening of embryos. Last month, doctors at the University of Minnesota transplanted stem cells from a newborn's umbilical cord into his older sister who suffered from a rare genetic disease. Since a stem cell transplant was the only way of saving the 6 year old girl, the parents genetically screened an embryo that would match their daughter. That has bioethicists worried that future parents may start "tailoring" children to their liking. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
November 17, 2000 -
November 20, 2000 - After years of wrangling, the University of North Dakota is preparing to decide the future of the schools Fighting Sioux nickname. The Sioux name was chosen in 1930, and is a focus of school pride. Since the 1960s people have challenged the name, some charging it is offensive to Native Americans. A commission studying the use of the Sioux nickname held its final meeting today. Next month the U-N-D president will recommend keeping or changing the nickname. The states board of higher education will make the final decision. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Gunderson reports.
November 21, 2000 - Adressing a sold-out crowd at the Minneapolis Hilton Monday, former South African president Nelson Mandela spoke of the need for people on opposite sides of debates to respect one another, and of the ability of the U.S. to influence attitudes on racism around the world. His message was above all a hopeful one that any society can acheive justice. Mandela declined to express an opinion on the U.S. presidential election, but spoke glowingly of President Clinton's efforts to reach out to African nations. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 21, 2000 - Minnesota's State Canvassing Board will meet later this morning to certify results of this month's election. After the results are certified, Minnesota's second congressional district may be in for a recount. Four-term Democratic Congressman David Minge says he'll seek a recount because he lost to Republican Mark Kennedy by only 150 votes. Alana Christenson, manager of the recount, discusses this effort.
November 21, 2000 - After months of consideration, a committee looking into alternatives for a privately financed Minnesota Twins ballpark has come up with a funding proposal. While the group, called New Ballpark Inc., says Twins owner Carl Pohlad has to contribute heavily to a new stadium, members of the committee say developers and investment groups could conceivably come up with 140 million dollars to build the park. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...