September 13, 2002 - Officials at the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center are alarmed at the number of birds they've seen with symptoms of west nile virus. Until a year ago, only about a dozen bird species were known to be hosts to the virus, primarily crows and blue jays. But the National Wildlife Health Center now estimates between 110 and 120 bird species have been infected. The Raptor Center's Dr. Patrick Redig says it seems like the most recent epidemic got its foothold in southern Ohio, and then advanced quickly to the Midwest. Redig says its too early to determine the extent of the West Nile outbreak in Minnesota's bird population:
September 18, 2002 - Republican Norm Coleman and DFL Senator Paul Wellstone are both claiming victory with the most recent polls showing Minnesota's US Senate race remains very tight. A Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press poll shows Wellstone with 47 percent support, Coleman with 44 percent. Because that falls within the three percentage point margin of error, the race is a statistical tie. Wellstone backers say they're pleased months of what they call negative attacks have not eroded the incumbent's support. Coleman's camp claims the Republican is in good shape because he's been able to keep up with Wellstone even though Wellstone has outspent him.
September 18, 2002 - The University of Illinois is reporting the first West Nile virus death in a dog in the United States. Officials at the school say the eight-year old Irish Setter-golden retriever mix may have had another immunity compromising infection that contributed to his death. The virus primarily attacks birds, but mosquitoes can pass it to humans, horses and other hosts. The only other documented case of West Nile in a dog occured in Botswana in 1978. Dr. Jeff Bender is an assistant professor of veterinary public health at the University of Minnesota. He says pet owners shouldn't worry:
September 20, 2002 - You can also listen to the full debate on your computer by visiting our Campaign 2002 page at Minnesota-Public-Radio-dot-org.
September 24, 2002 - The four major party candidates for Governor held a debate in front of a business-minded audience today (TUESDAY) in St. Cloud. The candidates pushed issues important to areas outside the metro; access to health care, business development and the state's budget. But the candidates hit on one issue several times, transportation. The candidates said traffic congestion across much of the state will get worse in the future. But each one offers a different solution to the problem.
October 2, 2002 - Northwest Airlines says it will cut up to 1600 flight attendant jobs, because of a continuing slowdown in air travel after last year's terrorist attacks. Northwest says it expects about 500 actual layoffs by years end. Company officials say they hope a voluntary leave program will reduce the number of layoffs. However, the flight attendants union says the leave program is much less attractive than a program established a year ago. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
October 2, 2002 - Two Minnesota-based companies are on BusinessWeek magazine's list of the nation's top ten corporate boards. The magazine gives the boards of Medtronic and 3M high marks for independence, accountability and quality. By comparison, Apple, Xerox and Gap all made the "worst" list. And the magazine reserved companies like Enron, Tyco and Worldcom for a brand new category called the "Hall of Shame." Business Week Management Editor Louis Lavelle says 3M and Medtronic are both newcomers to the "best" list:
October 7, 2002 - DFL Senator Paul Wellstone today (Mon) announced he has received the endorsement of the nation's most powerful veterans' association. The Veterans of Foreign Wars' national political action committee is backing Wellstone in his tight reelection contest against Republican Norm Coleman. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
October 8, 2002 - A new book tells the story of the bygone life of a country doctor. For almost forty years, Dr. Roger MacDonald cared for people in the remote communities of northern Minnesota. His book is called A Country Doctor's Casebook. In style it's a lot like James Herriott's tales of a Yorkshire veterinarian. Roger MacDonald talked with Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill.
October 9, 2002 - Republican US Senate candidate Norm Coleman spent the day promoting a plan to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for seniors. Coleman is sharply criticizing DFL Senator Paul Wellstone for being unable to deliver such a plan. Wellstone is accusing Coleman of promoting a solution that would benefit the pharmaceutical industry more than it would help seniors. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...