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.
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.