August 1, 2003 - A new law takes effect today (FRIDAY) that offers Minnesotans a different way to dispose of human remains. Along with burial, entombment, and cremation, Minnesotans can now chose a process called "alkaline hydrolysis." The method uses high temperature, pressure, and pH levels to break down remains to a sterile liquid and smooth white powder. Republican Senator David Senjem sponsored the bill. He's also the Environmental Affairs Coordinator for the Mayo Clinic, and he's on the line now.
August 4, 2003 - Dentists who serve lower income adults say they expect a new law to make things difficult for them. The law, which takes effect in October, will cap state-subsidized payments for adult dental services. The change was part of the Legislature's efforts to balance the state's budget. Dentists say they're worried the law will present an ethical dilemma and could prompt many to decide against treating lower income individuals altogether. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
August 4, 2003 - Minnesotans who want to quit smoking now have a new tool. The Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco is launching a website today (MONDAY) that's designed to help people kick the habit. Quitplan-dot-com is free, and offers several features, including an experts forum where smokers can get answers to questions that come up in the process of quitting. Jan Malcolm is the MPATT board chair and a former state health commissioner. She's on the line now. That is former state health commissioner Jan Malcolm who is the chair of the MPATT board.
August 5, 2003 - Massachusetts Senator and Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry paid a visit to Minnesota today to speak out against the U.S. Labor Department's proposed changes to the nation's overtime rules. He also lobbied Minnesotans at a fundraiser in Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
August 6, 2003 - This weekend 19 year old Private First Class Michelle Loftus will be the subject of celebration at her family farm near Rochester. Loftus was seriously injured in an attack near Baghdad two weeks ago July 23rd. Loftus is lucky to be alive. She's now on the mend and recovering well. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik visited her this week.
August 6, 2003 - Some business owners and policy makers are back home this morning after three days in Mankato discussing entrepreneurship. The participants were part of 6th Annual Minnesota Rural Summit, which focused on entrepreneurship as a rural economic development strategy. Jane Leonard is the acting director of the Minnesota Rural Partners, which organized the event. She's on the line now. That is Jane Leonard, the acting director of the Minnesota Rural Partners.
August 7, 2003 - Today is Healthy Hemp Bread Day in Minneapolis. Mayor R.T. Rybak is making that declaration this afternoon at French Meadow Bakery... the only bakery in the country that makes bread out of hemp seeds. MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Lynn Gordon, founder of the bakery.
August 12, 2003 - The Republican landslide in November's election left Democrats with little leverage at the state Capitol. Only the Senate remained in DFL control, and by the slimmest DFL margin since the state began partisan elections in the early 70s. The result was predictable -- although they managed to blunt the impact of some of the proposed Republican budget cuts, no major DFL initiatives succeeded in the last session. In part four of our Right Turn series, Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum looks at the challenges facing DFL leadership in the Legislature.
August 12, 2003 - A new study finds some Web sites advertising products containing Ephedra fail to disclose potential adverse effects of the supplement, and some make misleading statements about its safety and efficacy. The study is published in the August issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Millions of Americans use dietary supplements containing ephedra to lose weight, build muscle and boost energy. It has been linked to some well-publicized cases, including the death of a 23-year-old Baltimore Orioles pitcher who died this year after taking an over-the-counter drug that contains ephedra as its primary ingredient. Dr. Bimal Ashar is a physician and assistant professor of medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He's the senior author of the study, and he joins us on the line now.
August 13, 2003 - Minnesota's new budget has been law for barely a month, too soon for nonprofits, local government officials and health care professionals to know its full impact. In May, led by Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Republican-controlled House, the Legislature passed a two year budget that erased a $4.2 billion deficit without raising taxes. Critics warned that approach would threaten Minnesota's high quality of life. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports the impact on the state's quality of life may not be known for some time.