April 3, 1998 - State attorneys in Minnesota's tobacco trial showed industry memos that suggest companies knew low-tar cigarettes could be as dangerous as full-flavored cigarettes but never told the public. Attorneys introduced the memos during cross-examination of defense witness--David Townsend. Townsend is vice president of product development at the nation's second largest cigarette maker--R-J Reynolds. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports: A 1990 RJR memo said low-tar cigarettes aren't what they claim to be; and advertising ultra low-tar is misleading. It said smokers tend to smoke until they reach their individual requirement for nicotine by inhaling low tar cigarettes more deeply or subconsciously blocking vents on filters with their fingers or mouth.
April 3, 1998 - ST. PAUL Friday morning.edition. A comprehensive tobacco bill, which a U.S. Senate committee approved this week, could go to the senate floor next month. The action underscores the tobacco industry's eroding political influence--and hints at the national importance of information being released during the Minnesota trial against big tobacco industries. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen Louise boothe reports: The legislation would force tobacco companies to pay 506-Billion dollars over 25 years and curb their marketing practices. The bill grants fewer legal protections by allowing all lawsuits against tobacco companies, including class actions. It's legislation that supporters and opponents ALIKE say could kill the industry.
April 3, 1998 - Koch Refining Company will pay a 6.9 million dollar fine for environmental violations at its oil refinery just south of Saint Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports. Most of the penalty against Koch is for improper handling of the refinery's contaminated wastewater. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commisioner Peder Larson says the water was supposed to be piped to the refinery's treatment plant.
April 3, 1998 - The federal government this week released its first audit of itself, and the results are not good. You would expect that an operation the size of the U. S. government - $1.6 trillion a year - would lose track of a few transactions. But the General Accounting Office report finds the government doesn't know what it owns, or what it owes and doesn't have the record keeping system in place to find the answers. The good news is state government, at least in Minnesota, appears to have a much better handle on its affairs. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
April 3, 1998 - As the cleanup in Comfrey continues, teachers and students are struggling with how to complete the school year. Comfrey's K-12 building was heavily damaged by Sunday's twister. The plan is to move school to a building in the town of Sanborn. Books, computers, lab equipment and other material will be transferred and its hoped classes can resume April 13th. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports the longer term outlook for the school is not so certain. The school on the west side of town was among the first buildings to feel the mile wide tornado's 200 mile per hour winds: SOUND OF TARP FLAPPING
April 3, 1998 - (THIS ONE... a little long for news, maybe drop-in for ATC as "leg update") House negotiators may block $87 million in state money for the Minneapolis Convention Center unless the Senate relaxes its opposition to the Saint Paul hockey arena. Minnesota Public Radio's Maritn Kaste reports: The deadlock over the Saint Paul hockey arena is beginning to put other projects at risk. The Senate opposes the arena, so House negotiators are now saying they'll block the Minneapolis project, too. The threat is probably a bargaining tactic, but it worried Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton enough for her to rush over to the capitol earlier this afternoon to do damage control. House Speaker Phil Carruthers says he does not necessarily endorse his negotiators' tactics, but he thinks the Senate should be more fair to Saint Paul:
April 3, 1998 - Chris talks with with Kevin Hennessey about the Twins game and his cybercast of the home opener.
April 4, 1998 - The Jazz Image’s Leigh Kamman talks with Minnesotan Butch Thompson, a renowned American jazz pianist and clarinetist. Thompson discusses his recording of Scott Joplin work.
April 6, 1998 - House Speaker Phil Carruthers discusses the ending of the legislative session. Topics include tax rebate, St. Paul arena, education, and Health and Human Services bill. Carruthers also answers listener questions.
April 6, 1998 - Midday presents a broadcast of Grand Forks Mayor Pat Owens speaking to St. Peter residents at First Lutheran Church. Owens empathizes with St. Peter’s tornado disaster by reflecting on the devastating flooding that impacted Grand Forks the prior year. Program then turns to Vincent Harding speech on Martin Luther King, presented as part of coverage on 30th anniversary of King’s assassination, and his legacy.