January 5, 2000 - Two state legislators are reviving the idea of "covenant marriages", an optional form of marriage contract that would make it tougher to get divorced. Supporters say "covenant marriages" would strengthen families and reduce poverty and even crime rates, but some critics are worried about what they perceive as an attack on modern divorce laws. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
January 5, 2000 - Travelers could have a few more options for airline travel in the coming months. The Metropolitan Airports Commission is close to approving a plan that will free up seven gates for new carriers at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. The MAC has been under pressure to make it easier for Northwest's competitors to gain a foothold in the market. Jeff Hamiel is the executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. --------------------------------------------------------- | D-CART ITEM: 6511 | TIME: 3:53 | OUTCUE: "...gates at MSP." --------------------------------------------------------- Jeff Hamiel is the executive director of the Metropolitan airports commission. The full Metropolitan Commission will vote on the
January 6, 2000 - MPR’s Lynette Nyman reports on Governor Jesse Ventura’s address to a group of employers, doctors, and health insurance administrators meeting in St. Paul to discuss the problem of rising health costs.
January 6, 2000 - A new study shows frogs and toads can be killed by very low levels of nitrogen fertilizer in the water where they live and breed. Run-off from fertilizer is a problem worldwide, so the findings could help explain the mysterious decline of amphibians across the globe. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports. Oregon State University zoologist Andrew Blaustein
January 6, 2000 - An East coast man with a history of unrealized stadium plans around the country has unveiled another...this time for the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. Socrates Babacas (BAB-buh-cus) says he has a plan to build a three hundred and fifty million dollar retractable roof stadium in the northern Twin Cities suburb of Lino Lakes. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports. Before revealing ANY details of his stadium plans, Massachusetts businesman Socrates Babacas enlisted the services of a cleri
January 6, 2000 - Minnesota has one of the lowest percentages of uninsured children in the country. But the Children's Defense Fund estimates 60 to 80-thousand Children in the state still lack coverage. Jim Koppel is the executive director of the Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota. He says providing insurance coverage for every child in the state is a big job: Jim Koppel is the executive director of the Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota. Thu 25-MAY 23:31:29 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
January 6, 2000 - Low grain prices, volatile foreign markets and more are making life difficult for farmers these days. The time is long gone when they could simply concentrate on raising a bumper crop. So some producers are banding together in an effort to create leverage in the marketplace. Their efforts are part of a broader campaign in farm country to find new markets for their products. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Reha reports. A crew of three is on duty at the Pet Care Systems plant just north of Detroit Lakes.. (sfx of plant rolls up here and fades under......) When operating at peak production 30 workers are manning the large clanking machines that load and seal pet litter into bags, The bags then get rolled onto wooden pallets where they're sealed in plastic, and made ready for shipment. Pet Care's product is kitty litter with a dif
January 7, 2000 - St. Paul school officials are seeking public input on plans to end social promotion in the district. Last night, Superintendent Pat Harvey and school board members outlined the plan during a forum at Central High School. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports. NARRATION: During the presentation, Superintendent Harvey made it clear she believes social promotion produces more harm than good. Harvey said students should advance to higher grade levels only after meeting requirements.
January 7, 2000 - The Guthrie Theatre is focusing its two-year-long search for a new theatre site on Minneapolis' downtown riverfront. A Guthrie representative met with city officials late Thursday who say the Theatre is interested in land next to where the Minnesota Historical Society's Mill Ruins Park project is taking shape. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports. Minneapolis mayor Sharon Sayles Belton says her meeting Thursday afternoon with a Guthrie representative convinces her the Theatre is now interested in the riverfront location. The site is three blocks north of the Metrodome, on the Mississippi riverfront, near where the historic Stone Arch bridge curves across St. Anthony Falls. Sayles Belton says Guthrie officials will talk over their options at a Monday board meeting. audio . . . that's the one they want to try advance to their
January 7, 2000 - Minnesota House Republicans are proposing a Privacy Bill of Rights for Minnesotans. Republicans want to stop state government agencies from selling mailing lists, and force telemarketers to register with the state. The proposal drew criticism from DFL state attorney general Mike Hatch. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports. Republican house majority leader Tim Pawlenty says the electronic exchange of personal data can be frightening.