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.
May 15, 2003 - Legislative leaders are still trying to negotiate an overall budget deal. They're saying it's unlikely they'll finish by next Monday's deadline and believe they'll need at least a short special session to complete their work. One of the major differences between Senate DFLers and House Republicans is on the health and human services budget. The two sides are hundreds of millions of dollars apart and differ on several policy issues. The House is proposing cuts to state subsidized health insurance programs and childcare assistance to help balance the budget. Senate DFLers are proposing a cigarette tax increase to offset the proposed cuts. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
May 16, 2003 - A medical mistake has propelled a Wisconsin woman into the national debate over lawsuits over pain and suffering. Linda McDougal, who underwent an unnecessary double mastectomy at a St. Paul hospital, is campaigning against a federal move to cap lawsuit damages on pain and suffering. Supporters of the cap say multi-million dollar verdicts are driving up the cost of malpractice insurance and forcing physicians out of high-risk medicine. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports.
May 19, 2003 - With less than 24 hours left in this year's regular legislative session, House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on only two of eight major budget bills. Late last night (SUNDAY), they also resolved several contentious issue surrounding pay and job security for state workers. Negotiators wrapped up their work on bills funding Higher Education and Environment, Agriculture, and Job Development. That leaves six more budget measures to conclude later this week in an expected special session. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.