February 16, 1999 - The White Bear Lake milk processing plant linked to listeria contamination will re-open tomorrow. State agriculture officials say they couldn't determine the exact cause of the contamination, but they're satisfied with the plant's clean-up and employee training plans.
February 17, 1999 - Tobacco companies are confirming the presence of cadmium, ammonia, lead, formeldehyde, and arsenic in most cigarettes. In compliance with a new Minnesota law, 65 companies have filed information with the state health department on over seven-hundred brands of cigarettes. The vast majority contain at least trace amounts of these toxic substances in their lit cigarettes. Health researchers say its well-known that cigarettes contain harmful chemicals. Dr. Harry Lando, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, says the public disclosure may just make some smokers more aware of what they're inhaling.
February 17, 1999 - The government's fraud case against Piper Jaffray got underway in a Minneapolis court room yesterday. The securities and Exchange commission is suing Piper and 5 current or former employees for their handling of a mutual fund whose value plunged because of investments in derivative securities.
February 17, 1999 - MPR's Kathryn Herzog has this Mainstreet report on concerns of nuclear power plants and Y2K. Of all the alarming scenarios related to possible computer failures in the year 2000, perhaps most critical to public health is the safety of America's 103 nuclear power plants. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the Y2K computer bug poses little threat to safety systems at nuclear reactors, but some nuclear power opponents say the utilities back-up plans for Y2K are not good enough to ensure the public's safety.
February 17, 1999 - Minnesota lawmakers are debating whether to relax a state ban prohibiting them from receiving gifts from lobbyists. The current law is very strict... but supporters argue they aren't about to let their votes be bought for a cup of coffee or a cookie. Opponents say changing the law opens the door to more money in politics.
February 18, 1999 - As Eric reported Artspace, the organization that's adopted the Shubert theater must raise twenty to thirty million dollars to re-open the theatre. If they can't do it, the theater will be torn down. Wendy Holmes-Nelson of Artspace says the heavy-duty fundraising will start this spring.
February 18, 1999 - The desire for artistic expression is inherent in every human being. That's the view at the Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts which is opening a new play this weekend. Interact is the only place of it's kind in the country, offering people with mental and physical disabilities a chance to become artists. A Mind in Flames" is about mental illness written and performed by artists who know first hand what it's like to live with schizophrenia, depression, and paranoia.
February 18, 1999 - The Shubert Theatre in downtown Minneapolis is finally inching toward its new home. Moving the 90-year-old building is a costly project fraught with delays, so arts supporters and city officials are relieved it's finally on its way.
February 18, 1999 - The family of a Minneapolis man killed in a high speed chase says police need more training to avoid similar tragedies. Last November a Minneapolis police officer struck Steve Winkel's truck while chasing a burglary suspect. Today, members of a Minnesota House committee approved a measure which more than doubles the pursuit training police must take. The measure also increases penalties for people who try outrun police. But the next House committee to hear the bill has questions about funding the measure.
February 18, 1999 - Governor Ventura took a break from the state capitol today and took his show on the road to the small town of Delano, about half an hour west of Minneapolis . Ventura says he's beginning to feel isolated from the people who elected hi,m and he made the trip to get back in touch with the grassroots.