February 11, 1997 - As of last month, the U.S. government no longer views drug addiction or alcoholism as disabilities for purposes of government assistance. Congress passed a law last year that cut off disability benefits for more than 200,000 chemically dependent people. The payments came under attack after reports that some recipients used government checks to buy drugs and alcohol. But some social service workers say ending the disability payments will make many former recipients homeless. Minnesota Public Radio's John Biewen reports.
February 11, 1997 - The Duluth public school district will become the first in the state to hire a for-profit company to operate a "charter school." The State Board of Education has voted to approve The Edison Project Charter School proposal. The charter school deal comes as Governor Arne Carlson is proposing new legislation that could open the door to an unlimited number of charter schools in Minneosta. Minnesota Public Radio's Hope Deutscher reports. It has been more than 20 years since Mary Miller attended Birchwood elementary, the same school her daughter now attends...Miller says it's apparent Birchwood h
February 11, 1997 - A quickly growing company nestled in the tiny northwestern Minnesota town of Carlstad is quickly getting an international reputation for it unique product. The company's called "Mattracks." They make something that can transform a standard four wheel drive pick up truck into an all terrain machine capable of driving through almost anything. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
February 12, 1997 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports that there's a chance deep snows of the 96-97’ winter are only "part one" of a weather disaster. The spring flood potential may lie in a secret hidden within the snow…the water amount it contains.
February 12, 1997 - Statewide standardized testing would be required for Minnesota primary and secondary schools under an agreement reached at the capitol this week. The Senate added a testing provision to the bill restoring 337-million dollars in planned cuts to schools. The bill now goes to a conference committee. Legislators and state education officials must now agree on what kind of tests should be used to measure academic achievement. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... --------------------------------------------------------- | D-CART ITEM: 7006 | TIME: 5:21 | OUTCUE: sound out --------------------------------------------------------- Minnesota's top education official says statewide standardized testing is the key to improving education for all students in the state. Robert Wedl, commissioner of the Department of Children, Families and Learning says
February 12, 1997 - Paul Wellstone is planning to retrace Robert Kennedy's tour of the South to focus attention on the plight of the poor. The tour is also prompting questions about whether Wellstone aspires to higher national office. Al Eisele says Wellstone's candidacy would probably be met with surprise on the hill. Eisele is editor of "The Hill," a political newsletter in Washington D.C. He also served as an aide to Vice President Mondale.
February 12, 1997 - State lawmakers are considering a package of new regulations designed to make snowmobiles safer for riders and pedestrians. The legislation comes in response to the record-setting pace of snowmobiling deaths this winter: 26 so far, including two children who were on foot when they were run over. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
February 12, 1997 - David Foster Wallace is best known for the giant novel "Infinite Jest", which, despite its daunting length, was apparently popular enough to be released in paperback recently. Wallace has also been writing non-fiction essays, which are now collected in a much less-imposing book.
February 12, 1997 - A Senate committee has dismised an election challenge by failed state DFL Senate candidate John Derus of Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports.
February 13, 1997 - Midday rebroadcasts award-winning MPR documentary Song Catcher, Frances Densmore of Red Wing. Following documentary, MPR’s Gary Eichten holds a discussion with guests Marcia Anderson, chief curator and head of the Museum Collections Department at the Minnesota Historical Society; and Faith Bad Bear, assistant curator of Ethnology at the Science Museum of Minnesota.