January 22, 2004 -
January 23, 2004 - Just a few years ago, a "blog" was simply a typographical error. In 2004, blogs are the buzzword of the presidential campaign. Every major presidential candidate has a blog of his own; and the candidates are discussed and dismissed on the millions of blogs that exist in cyberspace. A blog -- short for web log-- is something of a cross between an online diary and cybermagazine. This Sunday, Minnesota Public Radio will host the first sustained blog conversation on network radio. Christopher Lydon is an NPR reporter, blogger and the host of "The Blogging of the President." He says blogs can help form new communities.
January 26, 2004 - With health care costs and the number of uninsured people both rising, state lawmakers say health care will be a big issue in the upcoming legislative session. Senate DFLers and House Republicans are offering dramatically different proposals to lower the rising cost of health care. Meanwhile, a task force appointed by Governor Pawlenty is scheduled to release its ideas for reforming Minnesota's health care system by the end of the week. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 27, 2004 - Self contained (QUESTIONS ARE JUST PROMPTS, AD LIB AS NECESSARY) MOLPUS: Governor Tim Pawlenty today (TUESDAY) called on lawmakers to let Minnesota voters decide whether to revive capital punishment in the state. Pawlenty first proposed the idea last month after convicted Minnesota sex-offender Alfonzo Rodriguez, Jr., was arrested in connection with the disappearance of University of North Dakota student Dru Sjodin. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo joins us now from the Capitol. Michael, Minnesota hasn't had a death penalty in nearly 100 years. Why is Pawlenty raising the issue now?
January 28, 2004 -
January 28, 2004 -
January 29, 2004 - A new report says recent cuts in state child care subsidies are having a negative impact on many low income families and providers. Officials with the Children's Defense Fund and Child Care WORKS say eligibility reductions approved last year by the Minnesota Legislature have resulted in longer waiting lists, the closure of child care centers and the return of some families to welfare programs. But a key lawmaker is questioning the report's accuracy. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
January 30, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (fri) released details of the first phase of his plan to help Minnesotans import less expensive prescription drugs from Canada. The governor showcased a state website that lists two Canadian pharmacies that have 829 different medicines for sale to consumers. Minnesota is the first state in the nation to offer such a plan. Some critics say the website doesn't do enough to help Minnesotans obtain cheaper prescriptions. Others oppose the site and say they're contemplating legal action to shut it down. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 30, 2004 -
February 3, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (TUESDAY) outlined a series of proposals to help Minnesota's emerging biotech industry. Pawlenty has made biotech a top priority of his administration. But the governor's recommendations don't go as far as the proposals from the biosciences council he created last year. Industry experts say even if Pawlenty's package passes in its entirety, Minnesota will have to do more down the road to be a major player in the biotech industry. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...