July 29, 2003 - New federal data shows the AIDS rate is up for the first time in 10 years. In 2002, the number of Americans diagnosed with AIDS increased 2.2-percent. The news is worse in Minnesota. The number of new AIDS cases here rose 6-percent in 2002, largely due to new infections among African immigrants. Bob Tracy is the director of community affairs and education at the Minnesota AIDS Project. He says it's important to pay attention to national trends. But he says Minnesotans should also be aware of what's happening in their own backyard.
July 29, 2003 - Cuts in the state's budget took affect July first. Minnesotans who receive aid are starting to feel the difference. People who need state assistance for child care got a case of sticker shock this month. Lawmakers increased fees and co-payments along with cuts in some services to balance the state's budget. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
July 30, 2003 - Many laws passed by the Minnesota Legislature this past session will take effect on Friday, including one that lawmakers hope will reduce the number of medical errors. The law creates a statewide reporting system for medical mistakes. It gives the Minnesota Department of Health authority to collect information and create a database of the errors. DFL Senator Steve Kelley sponsored the bill in the Senate, and he's on the line now. That is DFL Senator Steve Kelley.
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.