September 23, 2003 - The anguish of childhood cancer has been mitigated in recent years by advances in treatment that make many cancers completely curable. However, a study published tomorrow in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that all the news is not good when it comes to long-term prognosis for victims of childhood cancers. Forty-four percent of adult survivors cite moderate to severe problems with anxiety, pain, and mental health. The nationwide study of more than 20,000 individuals is the largest study of long-term survivors of childhood cancer ever undertaken. Les Robison is a professor of pediatrics at the Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. He was the lead investigator for the study. He says it's important for cancer survivors to be aware of the long-term consequences of successful cancer treatment.
September 23, 2003 - The Univeristy of Minnesota has hired one the nation's leading stem cell researchers. Doctor Doris Taylor, who is currently at Duke University, will fill an endowed professorship called the Medtronic Bakken (BOK-in) Chair in Cardiovascular repair. University officials say she'll direct research that leverages the school's strengths in medical technology... with work done at the U's Stem Cell Institute... and the Biomedical Engineering Institute. That is Dr. Doris Taylor. Dr. Taylor says she expects to move to Minnesota and begin her work here in about a month.
September 24, 2003 - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty leads a trade delegation to Montreal this weekend. The trade mission is focused on biotechnology, as the governor tries to promote Minnesota as a place for biotech companies. Pawlenty and other biotech boosters say Minnesota is well poised to compete in the rush for biotech business. Skeptics say the state doesn't have the resources to become a major biotech player. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
September 24, 2003 - Minnesota state government may soon join a growing line of seniors and others crossing into Canada for cheaper prescription drugs. Governor Tim Pawlenty today (WEDNESDAY) announced he'll examine ways to reduce state health care expenses by taking advantage lower-priced medications available in other countries. The move puts him at odds with the Bush administration, which has steadfastly oppposed the importation of drugs, arguing it could expose consumer to unsafe products. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
September 29, 2003 - The state's two largest public employees unions today (MONDAY) overwhelmingly rejected contract proposals that state negotiators have previously called their last, best offers. The votes authorize a strike, but union leaders say they'll delay setting a strike date in order to return to the bargaining table. State officials, however, say there isn't much time left to reach a negotiated deal. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo joins us now from the Capitol. Michael, how does the strike vote change the dynamics? KHOO: The vote certainly gives union leaders a mandate to return to the state and ask for more -- mainly in the way of health benefits. And the margins were impressive. For the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 6, just over 80 percent of those voting cast a "no" vote. AFSCME represents 17,000 mainly clerical, custodial, and maintenance workers who would be eligible to strike. The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees represents 11,000 technicians and skilled specialists. Of those who voted, two-thirds voted "no." AFSCME executive director Peter Benner says the rejections send a clear message. BENNER: We are prepared to strike if we need to. But our first goal is to try to see if we can get the state back to the table and discuss this. KHOO: They hope to resume those discussions sometime this week.
September 29, 2003 - State employees could edge closer to a strike later today (MONDAY) if workers reject contract offers made by the state last month. The state's two largest unions will announce the results of balloting later this afternoon. Although state officials characterized the offers as their last and best, union officials urged members to reject the proposals, saying they unfairly transfer rising health care costs onto the backs of state employees. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
September 29, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty arrived in Montreal last night (SUNDAY) for his first trade mission, a two-day trip designed to promote Minnesota's biosciences and medical industries. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum is traveling with the Minnesota business delegation, and joins me now from Montreal.
September 30, 2003 -
October 1, 2003 - Prosecutors have until noon today to charge Susan Berkovitz for shooting two people on Monday at the Hennepin County Government Center. Berkovitz was arrested after fatally shooting her cousin, Shelley Joseph-Kordell and wounding attorney, Richard Hendrickson. The three were involved in a legal dispute over the estate of Berkovitz's father. Several people who came into contact with Berkovitz before Monday's incident say she displayed erratic behavior and harassed neighbors. Others say she has a history of filing frivolous and unnecessary lawsuits. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
October 1, 2003 - Changes in the state's medical insurance program for low-income Minnesotans took effect today (WEDNESDAY). The changes mean fewer people are eligible for MinnesotaCare and those who are eligible will have to pay more. Officials at hospitals such as the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis say they stand little chance of seeing additional payments from many poor patients. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.