May 5, 2003 - The latest Minnesota Public Radio Pioneer Press opinion poll shows overwhelming approval of George W. Bush's performance as president. The majority of respondents said the president is doing a "Good" to "Excellent" job. His handling of the war in Iraq gets particularly high marks. But even those who support the president say he must work hard to revive the domestic economy in order to remain popular. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
May 8, 2003 - The board of directors of the HMO, Medica, is asking a Hennepin County District judge to release the company from the oversight of the court and Attorney General Mike Hatch. Hatch is challenging the request. He appointed several members of the current board in 2001 after a contentious battle that led to splitting off Medica from Allina Hospitals and Clinics. Hatch now says the board isn't doing its job. He wants them to appoint new board members and hire a CEO. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 9, 2003 - The infection rate of new HIV AIDS cases in Minnesota has stabilized. But there's a troubling exception to that trend. The infection rate is growing among the state's African born immigrants. Between 2001 and 2002 new cases jumped 41-percent. In an effort to combat the rise in new cases, the Minnesota Department of Health has launched a special outreach program aimed at African immigrants. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally reports.
May 9, 2003 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly interviews Minneapolis poet Betsy Brown about her book, "Year of Morphines," which preserves in verse her memory of two women who didn't survive breast cancer; her mother and sister. Brown reads from book.
May 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty is bringing together leading experts on biotechnology for a summit next week in Minneapolis. Biotechnology is a big priority for Pawlenty. He's pushed for biotech tax-free zones and has encouraged the U of M and the Mayo Clinic to form a biotechnology partnership. The summit, which starts Monday, will bring together business leaders, scientists, and educators. Heath Lukatch, managing director of Piper Jaffray Ventures based in San Francisco will also be there to provide a national perspective.
May 9, 2003 -
May 12, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty convened more than 600 scientists, entrepreneurs, and executives in Minneapolis today for the "Governor's Biosciences Summit." Pawlenty told the crowd Minnesota has the people and ideas to be a biotech leader. "Biotechnology" involves using living organisms to make anything from medicines to plastic. Critics of the governor say Minnesota may have a tough time competing, and Pawlenty should focus on more important priorities. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
May 13, 2003 -
May 13, 2003 -
May 14, 2003 - Some leaders in the non-profit, philanthropic, and business communities are calling on non-profits to show funders quantifiable results from their work, rather than rely on pure charity. Philanthropy in difficult economic times was the subject of a panel discussion last night Helms reports.