October 23, 2003 - The third day of the strike by University of Minnesota clerical workers passed with no sign of movement from either side to break the impasse. No talks have been scheduled since the negotiations broke off Monday evening. Since the strike began the two sides have disagreed about how many workers have taken to the picket lines. The university says nearly sixty percent of the 19-hundred workers covered by the clerical contract have shown up for work. Union leaders say the number is half that. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa reports.
October 24, 2003 - Minnesota Health Department officials say there's plenty of vaccine to go around this influenza season. But having flu vaccine available and preventing the spread of the flu are two different things. Many people still need convincing to undergo innoculation. Dr. Jon Hallberg is the medical director of the University of Minnesota Primary Care Center and our regular medical analyst. He says the flu virus kills nearly 36,000 Americans each year and infects up to 20 percent of the US population.
October 24, 2003 -
October 24, 2003 - One year ago tomorrow (SATURDAY) the Minnesota and national political worlds were thrown into shock and confusion when Senator Paul Wellstone, his wife, daughter, and five others were killed in plane crash eleven days before the election. His supporters, his admirers, and those who came to rely on his voice in the Senate say they're still grappling with the loss -- and fighting to advance his agenda. But Wellstone was also a polarizing figure during his political career. He never won election to the Senate with more than 50-percent of the vote. And many of his critics said he was better at giving speeches than at passing bills. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this look at Wellstone's political legacy.
October 27, 2003 - The number of Minnesotans who are at high risk of developing diabetes over the next decade is forecast to rise dramatically... to more than 500-thousand. The problem is getting so severe... that a broad-based coalition of doctors from health organizations... including the Minnesota Health Department... and the Mayo Clinic... has formed a steering committee to address the issue. They're launching a formal plan later today that's designed to slow down the increasing rate of diabetes. It's called the "Minnesota Diabetes Plan 2-thousand-10." Joining us on the line is Dr. Michael Gonzales-Campoy (cam-POY).... chairman of the steering committee. That is Dr. Michael Gonzalez-Campoy, the president-elect of the Minnesota Medical Association.
October 27, 2003 - No contract talks were scheduled today (Mon) to break the impasse between the University of Minnesota and its clerical workers union. Nearly 800 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal workers have been on strike since Tuesday on the university's four campuses. The clerical workers rejected what university officials have characterized as their last, best offer. It includes a wage freeze in the first year and a two-and-a-half percent increase in the second year. Employee health care costs would also rise under the proposal. A week into the walkout, strikers appear to be having mixed success in disrupting university business. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
October 28, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty's task force on addressing rising health care costs held its first meeting yesterday. Pawlenty wants the 18-member group to present ideas to him before the Legislature begins its work in February. The governor and others are concerned Minnesotans won't be able to afford continuing double digit increases in health insurance premiums. The difficulties with Pawlenty's challenge were evident during the committee's first meeting and some in the group worry that they might not meet Governor Pawlenty's January deadline. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
October 29, 2003 - A University of Minnesota official suggested today (Weds) it may be time to head back to the table with striking clerical workers to discuss contract issues other than the key sticking points of wages and benefits. The union's top union official reacted warily, but didn't reject the idea. On the ninth day of the work stoppage it was a rare sign of movement. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
October 29, 2003 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill looks back at fight to stop the pollution of Lake Superior, an early chapter in the history of the environmental movement. It established the principle that the government can force industry to clean up its pollution.
October 30, 2003 - Radio talk show host and political commentator Rush Limbaugh put the issue of drug abuse on the front pages a few weeks ago with his admission that he's addicted to the drug OxyContin and other painkillers. OxyContin is the same drug that's perplexed physicians and law enforcement officials in northern Minnesota because its abuse has become one of their biggest problems. Dr. Jon Hallberg is medical director of the University of Minnesota Primary Care Center and our regular medical analyst here on All Things Considered. He says OxyContin presents a particular dilemma.