February 19, 2001 - The University of Minnesota was founded seven years before the territory of Minnesota became a state. The U of M is now in its 150th year. Through it's evolution from a preparatory school to a leading land grant, doctoral and research institution, the university has been an enduring fixture throughout Minnesota's history. All this week Minnesota Public Radio marks the sesquicentennial of the University of Minnesota with a series of reports called the "Universal U". Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire has the first of our ten reports.
February 19, 2001 - Dr. Ed Ehlinger at the U of M Boynton health service is interviewed about the cause of death.
February 19, 2001 -
February 20, 2001 - The University of Minnesota's medical school is in trouble. The institution has lost eighty-four faculty the past five years. And nearly a hundred highly trained professional staff are gone. U officials say in many cases they left for better pay and working conditions elsewhere. The impact on Minnesotan's isn't immediate, but the long term effect is worrisome because the University trains most of the state's doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists. And medical school research spurs business and job creation. U officials want to fill vacant medical school faculty spots, and they're asking Minnesota taxpayers for help. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
February 20, 2001 - The University of Minnesota has been under pressure to serve as an engine for Minnesota's economy--an idea factory that will generate new high tech products, industries and jobs. University officials are eager to show they're building stronger connections to business and industry and are working harder to commercialize innovations born at the U. But these efforts occur amid a raging national debate on whether academia and industry are getting too close. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin has the next report in our series, Universal U.
February 22, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura has announced a plan that he hopes will provide more health care coverage to Minnesota's children. Ventura teamed up with the Minnesota Council of Health Plans and the Children's Defense Fund to announce an outreach program to insure more Minnesota children. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
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February 23, 2001 -
February 27, 2001 - President Bush will address a joint session of Congress tonight. In the first major policy speech of his presidency, Bush is expected lay out plans for a one-point-six trillion dollar tax cut. He will also propose funding increases for education, the military and Medicare. We asked two Minnesota Congressmen for a preview of the President's speech. Eighth district Democrat James Oberstar says he doesn't think the President's proposal is fiscally sound:
February 27, 2001 - A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to enact a "patient's bill of rights" during this year's session. The lawmakers say the measure would ensure HMO's are held accountable when a patient is denied care. Last year, a similar measure passed the DFL controlled senate but failed in the Republican house. Supporters say they are confident the legislation has a better chance of passage this year since voters made it an issue in the last political campaign. But opponents say consumers won't back the bill once they realize how much it could cost. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..