December 18, 2001 - The welfare caseload had been FALLING steadily since 1994, in part due to a federal welfare reform act that puts a five-year limit on benefits. This past summer, we talked with a series of women who were facing the benefit cutoff, and trying to find work. Shirley Hawkins is the single mother of one child who had recently started her first job. She was working in a temporary position at a packaging company doing everything from creating store displays to stuffing calendars into plastic bags. At that time, I asked her how she felt about her future. Jan Mueller works with welfare recipients at Lifetrack Resources, a social service agency in the Twin Cities that runs a job training program. She's on the line now.
December 19, 2001 - A Hazelden Foundation report says Minnesotans between the ages of 12 and 25 rank among the highest in the nation in illegal drug use, binge drinking and tobacco use. Researchers say the report shows more young Minneotans are engaging in risky behavior. They say the findings prove the state needs to improve its alcohol, drug and tobacco prevention programs ....even as some state lawmakers are urging that funds earmarked for anti-tobacco education be diverted to solve the state's budget woes. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 19, 2001 - As Tom reported, the Hazelden survey may be used by some Minnesota legislators as evidence that youth smoking prevention programs, paid for by the tobacco settlement, are not working. Republican Phil Krinkie of Shoreview would like the Legislature to consider using tobacco settlement money to help cover the state's two billion dollar shortfall.... and he's on the line now. Also joining us is State Health Commissioner, Jan Malcolm.
December 20, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on a legislative commission vote on the divisive issue of same-sex domestic partner benefits. The panel voted 7-to-5 to let the House and Senate decide for themselves whether to provide coverage for the same-sex partners of legislators and their staffs. The discussion foreshadows a larger debate in the upcoming session, with some lawmakers saying they'll vote to reject two union contracts that include the coverage.
December 20, 2001 - Mainstreet Radios Bob Reha reports on 40 of Sudan's “Lost Boys” that now call Fargo home. They are refugees from years of civil war plaguing their North African country. An estimated two million people have died in the conflict. The Fargo Lost Boys trekked from Sudan through Ethiopia to Kenya. They now are facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture, all while dreaming of returning home.
December 21, 2001 - Many charities say they're seeing increased demand for services, and fewer donations this year. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson checked in with some agencies providing food around the region.
December 21, 2001 - Scott Fischbach, the new head of the Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL).
December 26, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio’s Dan Gunderson reports on a pilot project on White Earth Reservation that is trying to reduce the effects of diabetes by bringing back a diet of traditional food.
December 27, 2001 - As the economic slowdown continues, more people are looking for work . Some have been forced into it, but there are other reasons. Some are considering giving up their jobs in metropolitan areas to move back to what they perceive as a safer environment. Since the September terrorist attacks areas like the Red River Valley have seen an increase in interest in what the region has to offer. Mainstreet Radios Bob Reha reports.
December 27, 2001 - MPR’s Cathy interviews Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney, on fight against elder abuse. Klobuchar will announce the results of a program designed to prevent abuse of the elderly. The Senior Initiative is one year old. Its team of four attorneys, an investigator, and a victim advocate has worked on 43 cases so far this year. Klobuchar says they've seen a wide range of crimes.