May 14, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the stalemate over an abortion waiting period that continues at the Capitol. A massive health and human services spending bill that contains the controversial provision is languishing on Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum's desk, delaying an almost-certain gubernatorial veto. Both sides in the abortion debate are accusing each other of playing politics.
May 15, 2001 - The Minnesota Nurses Association and 13 Twin Cities Hospitals ended negotiations last night on a proposed contract the nurse's union says is unacceptable. After negotiating for 14 hours yesterday, the hospitals came forward with their final contract proposal which one hospital spokesperson called "unprecendented." The union says the raise isn't adequate and will recommend that its members reject the proposal when the union votes on Thursday. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 15, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura has vetoed a sweeping health and human services bill because it contained an abortion waiting period. Meanwhile, the DFL-controlled Senate narrowly rejected the waiting period while working up a backup health and human services package.
May 15, 2001 - America's war on drugs is almost 30 years old now and costs taxpayers $40 billion dollars a year. Those who fight the war on drugs point to successes: drug cartels busted, tons of drugs confiscated, drug dealers jailed. Yet, today the price of cocaine is at an all-time low, the purity of heroin is at an all time high, and new designer drugs, such as ecstasy and methamphetamines, are everywhere. Illegal drugs are part of the fabric of American life. The following is an excerpt from a new hour-long special from American RadioWorks, "America's Drug War." Host Deborah Amos explains that one of the hardest parts of the business for the drug lords is managing the profits.
May 16, 2001 - That's Hillary Boyce, an editor at New Moon: A Magazine for Girls and their Dreams. The magazine has declared today "Turn Beauty Inside Out Day."
May 17, 2001 - Nearly 9,000 nurses will vote today on a proposed contract for 13 Twin Cites hospitals. Earlier this week, the union's leadership rejected a final contract offer by the hospitals and are urging the membership to vote against the proposal. Since the nurses at each hospital will either ratify or turn down the proposed contract, the nurses, hospitals and prospective patients will be watching the vote closely to see if the nurses will strike. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 17, 2001 - The head of the United Nation's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) should step up and help solve starvation and world hunger crises. What are the environmental and ethical issues involved? Charles Remenschneider, North American representative on the FAO, is interviewed.
May 17, 2001 - The Minnesota Nurses Association reports an overwhelming turnout today as its members vote on a contract proposal from 13 Twin Cities hospitals. If the nearly nine thousand nurses vote against the contract, a strike is possible. We'll talk with representatives on both sides. First, Jan Rabbers is spokesperson for the Minnesota Nurses Association. She says the majority of bargaining units are recommending nurses reject the contract
May 17, 2001 - Foot and Mouth disease is a major threat to the United States. It could wipe out the entire livestock population of South Dakota.
May 17, 2001 - The state Legislature appears one step closer to a special session. The House, the Senate, and Governor Jesse Ventura were unable to reach agreement last night on a budget deal for major tax and spending bills. With only five days left before the Constitutional deadline for adjournment, all three sides say reaching agreement could prove elusive. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.