August 28, 2000 - When Minnesota's Reform Party broke away to become the Independence party last spring, self-employed software developer and political newcomer Jim Gibson seemed assured of being its lone candidate for U.S. Senate. But in the meantime a more competitive primary race materialized within the party. Environmental activist Leslie Davis has joined the fray, as has Buford Johnson, a former party official and military veteran. And while the candidates in the D-F-L have similar views on many of the issues, the Independence party candidates have run more idiosyncratic -- if low-profile -- campaigns. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil has this report.
August 28, 2000 - A new state law that takes effect next year will make Minnesota the first state to require welfare and health care case workers to report illegal immigrants to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Legislators who wrote the bill say the policy will discourage immigrants from entering Minnesota illegally and gaining access to state welfare services. Critics say the law targets all immigrants, including those in Minnesota legally. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports
August 28, 2000 - Minnesota voters say education is the most important issue facing the state, but they generally feel public schools are already on the right track. Results of a new Minnesota Public Radio, Saint Paul Pioneer Press, KARE-TV poll also show mixed feelings about statewide testing and graduation standards. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
August 28, 2000 - The high cost of prescription drugs is becoming a key issue not only for Congress, but also for the Minnesota Legislature. House and Senate Democrats say passing a bill that lowers drug costs for Minnesotans without drug coverage is their top legislative priority, and Republicans say they're also concerned about the problem. But the drug industry is certain to oppose a state solution. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
August 29, 2000 - After several years of falling C-section rates, Caesarean births are increasing again. The national C-section rate is close to 22-percent of all births. The rates have been rising for the past three years, with a 4-percent increase last year alone. Dr. Bill Gold is the Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield. He says he's not sure why c-section rates are going up.
August 29, 2000 - By a 257-to-114 vote, union members approved a contract last night with the Pepsi Bottling Group, ending a two-month old strike by workers at the Pepsi bottling plant in Burnsville. Union officials had previously rejected two contract offers from the company. The union was seeking a three-year, four percent annual pay raise. They also wanted better retirement and health care benefits. Larry Yoswa is the head of Teamsters Local 792, and he's on the line now.
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September 1, 2000 - The U-S Department of Health and Human Services has released a report that ranks Minnesota among the top 10 states for binge drinking, youth smoking and teen marijuana use. Some health care experts say results of the agency's annual National Household Survey on Drug Abuse show the state needs to do more to stop teens from experimenting with "gateway drugs." Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
September 4, 2000 - St. Louis County Commissioners are being asked to reconsider their denial of support for a methadone clinic that's opening in Duluth. Clinic operators have the necessary permits to open, but would like a vote of support from the county. But county Commissioners say there's no need for the clinic in St. Louis County. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports: {Colonial Management Group of Orlando, Florida, now operates two methadone clinics in the Twin Cities, and dozens in other states. They plan to open a third Minnesota clinic in Duluth.