February 18, 1997 - Many people are pretty sick of winter by now. But at least one group will be sorry to see it end. The "Courage Alpine Ski Program" has changed the lives of many disabled people who used to dread winter. Minnesota Public Radio's Kathleen Hallinan takes a look at the nearly 30 year old program that started in southeastern Minnesota.
March 18, 1997 - Midday examines the ethics of cloning with guests Susan Wolf, assistant professor of Law and Medicine at the University of Minnesota Law School and faculty associate at the University's Center for Bio-medical Ethics; and Thomas Bouchard, University of Minnesota psychology professor. Wolf and Bouchard also answer listener call-in questions.
March 24, 1997 - Several recent racially-motivated attacks against Somali immigrants in Rochester have shaken the city's image as one of the best places to live in America. Citizens have responded by signing pledges of non-violence and businesses have donated thousands of dollars to a fund to help police catch the attackers. Much of the racial tension in Rochester shows up in the community's young people. Minnesota Public Radio's Brent Wolfe prepared this report on why racism is surfacing among teenagers and what the schools are doing about it.
March 28, 1997 - The Pope called for a worldwide end to child prostitution and the growing sex tourism industry. Thailand is among the Asian countries where both problems pose excessive risk to HIV. While HIV infection rates are dropping in Europe and the U.S., health experts warn that HIV is escalating in Asia. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports on some efforts underway in Thailand to help educate people about the disease.
April 2, 1997 - A panel of State Senators is contemplating raising the gas tax to pay for better state highways -- even though a gas tax hike has stalled in the House of Representatives. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports: Members of the Senate Transportation Budget committee aren't supposed to spend their time talking about what's going on over in the House, but these days they can't help themselves. Bloomington Republican Bill Belanger despairs openly about the House's unwillingness to raise more highway dollars: ((It's GRIM there... even if Rep Carruthers gets involved over there, it's GRIM, so....))
April 3, 1997 - The Minnesota Attorney General's office is investigating last week's closure of a Saint Cloud organization serving people with disabilities. Central Minnesota Care Centers, which included one of the state's eight Centers for Independent Living, appears to have been at least half a million dollars in debt. As many question how the financial crisis could have happened, state and county officials and former center staff are moving quickly to provide emergency services to affected clients. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
April 15, 1997 - A revolution is underway in medicine that could result in the mainstream acceptance of ancient healing techniques. Practitioners of accupuncture, massage and herbal remedies have often clashed with western-style doctors over a lack of strong scientific backing. But patients have been more receptive. A 1993 Harvard Medical School study found one-third of Americans use some form of alternative medicine. Each year, Americans spend more than 13 billion dollars out-of-pocket on these procedures and products. As Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports, consumer interest in alternative medicine is forcing a dramatic change in the structure of modern medicine.
April 24, 1997 - Midday looks at health care with guests David Thorson, a family medical physician; and Jan Malcolm, vice president of Public Affairs and Philanthropy at Allina Health. Topics include family practice, managed care, and insurance companies. Thorson and Malcolm also answer listener call-in questions.
April 28, 1997 - A Voices of Minnesota with Dr. Virginia Lupo of the Hennepin County Medical Center, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. An interview with the author of "Becoming the Parent You Want to Be"... early childhood educator Janice Keyser, who says parents need to follow their own values, rather than those found in a book. Also, Sasha Aslanian's "Odd Job" segment with a dialect coach.
April 30, 1997 - The scenes and stories of the devastating flood are prompting people across the state to contribute to what is now a steady stream of cash, food and supplies. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes has a look at what one city is doing to help.