November 26, 2003 - Minnesotans had grown used to seeing former Governor Jesse Ventura in the national limelight. But they might not have expected Governor Tim Pawlenty to draw much attention from the national press or Washington opinion-leaders. Nonetheless, Pawlenty has maintained a relatively high national profile in the last few months, particularly as he touts his plan to re-import less expensive prescription medicines from Canada. Some observers say it shows astute political instincts. Others say he's may have gone out on a limb. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
November 27, 2003 - Each day, thousands of Minnesotans go hungry. And their numbers are growing. Officials at area food shelves say there are more hungry people this year than last. They also say individual and corporate donations are not keeping up with the increased demand. The squeeze is causing many food shelves to run a deficit and it's forcing area food banks to limit their donations. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports. <Marty Mumma and Julie Kelly take a morning stroll on Thanksgiving morning. The two women are making the rounds in the Mall of America for this year's Hunger Walk. Mumma, of Eagan, and Kelly of Minneapolis are just two of the three thousand people who are walking past the closed stores of Bed Bath and Beyond, Victoria's Secret and Sam Goody to raise money for Minnesota's six area food banks. Mumma and Kelly say they're taking part in the Hunger Walk to help the less fortunate.
November 28, 2003 - Most law firms in the twin cities do pro bono work. But only the six major law firms offer free legal clinics. Leonard, Street and Deinhard was the first to open an office in one of the poorest areas of Minneapolis. The one room office is located in a health clinic that serves clients that are mostly poor people of color. And many of the clients are immigrants who don't speak English. Recently, the firm celebrated the 10th anniversary of it's clinic. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports:
December 3, 2003 - This year's World AIDS Day brought news that both the United Nations and the World Health Organization will step up efforts to combat the global AIDS epidemic. It also served as a reminder that, during the last two decades, over 22 million people have died of the disease and 40 million are now infected with H-I-V, the precursor to the disease. Dr. Jon Hallberg is medical director of the Primary Care Clinic at the University of Minnesota. He says, despite medical advances, three million people around the world still die of AIDS each year.
December 3, 2003 - A new state economic forecast released today (WEDNESDAY) shows the state has not completely resolved its budget problem. The forecast projects a relatively modest deficit of 185-million dollars in the current two-year budget cycle. The last Legislature tackled a much larger four-and-a-half billion dollar shortfall. Republican leaders say the deficit is manageable with current resources, but some groups are already calling for tax increases. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
December 3, 2003 - Minnesota finance officials release the state's latest economic forecast today (WEDNESDAY). The last forecast - released in February - showed a projected four-and-a-half billion dollar deficit, which the Legislature eliminated with spending cuts, one-time money and accounting shifts. Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders say they don't expect today's forecast to show a dramatic upturn or downturn. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
December 4, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty's call for returning the death penalty to Minnesota is encountering stiff criticism from some who say the governor is trading on the publicity surrounding the disappearance last month of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin. One day after a convicted sex offender was arrested in connection with Sjodin's apparent abduction, Pawlenty said he'd support capital punishment in certain murder or attempted murder cases that involve sexual assault. But that plan is likely to face stiff opposition from lawmakers in both parties. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
December 5, 2003 - A diabetes expert testified for the defense today at the felony manslaughter trial of Congressman Bill Janklow. The former South Dakota governor is alleged to have run a stop sign at high speed last August, into the path of an on-coming motorcycle. The motorcycle's rider, Randy Scott, died at the scene. Janklow's attorneys are trying to show Janklow, who is a diabetic suffered a sharp drop in blood sugar just before the crash.
December 5, 2003 - Six hospitals in Minnesota have signed up to participate in a pilot program with Medicare. Some experts say it could eventually change the entire health care marketplace. It's called the Hospital Quality Incentive Demonstration Project. Scott Smith is here to talk more on this program.
December 9, 2003 - Several advocates for the poor say some Minnesota pharmacies are violating federal law. They say the pharmacists are refusing to provide drugs to low income people who can't afford a new drug copay required by the state. Federal law says pharmacies are required to give medicine to people who say they can't afford it. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....