September 9, 1999 - One of the more spectacular moves in soccer is the "header" where a player soars in the air to smack the ball into the net with well-placed nod of the head. In recent months there has been rising concern among soccer parents caused by reports heading may damage young brains. A study reported in this weeks Journal of the American Medical association found possible risk of chronic traumatic brain injury for amateur soccer players. The report concludes that due to the worldwide popularity of soccer the observbations could have important public health implications. Now a pair of Twin Cities soccer dads have come up with what they hope is an answer... a protective headband. But as Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Stucky reports there's disagreement over whether this kind of protection is really needed.
September 9, 1999 - What exactly prompted Donald Blom to confess to the kidnapping and killing of Katie Poirier is unclear. But after more than two months in prison, Blom gave a statement to authorities yesterday in which he confessed he kidnapped Poirier and said the human remains found on his property are hers. Blom's attorneys discouraged him from making the plea agreement, since he'll still likely face life in prison without parole. But Blom said he wants to get the matter behind him.
September 9, 1999 - Members of the Poirier talked to the press today, less than 24 hours after Donald Blom confessed to killing 19 year old Katie Poirier. More facts about the case also emerged, including Bloms willingness to talk with investigators about other killings where he is a suspect.
September 10, 1999 - Governor Ventura used his weekly radio show to criticize the media for focusing on his personal life.
September 10, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports on teacher raiding, which is becoming a common practice as the nation faces a teacher shortage. In Minnesota, competition between districts means the best staff is often going to the highest bidder.
September 10, 1999 - Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year begins today at sundown. It's a time to look forward, and for looking back. The Jewish Community Center in St Louis Park is offering a chance to do a little of the latter, through an exhibit about life in Luboml --a small, predominately Jewish town in Poland before World War 2. Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman reports the show is sponsored by a Twin Cities family which has a special interest in this slice of history.
September 10, 1999 - Hundreds of people filled the pews of Moose Lake's Hope Lutheran Church last night for a special prayer service for Katie Poirier and her family. The church has served as the headquarters in the search for Poirier since her disappearance from a Moose Lake convenience store last May. Wednesday the Poiriers learned Donald Blom confessed to kidnapping and killing their daughter, and the search headquarters became instead a place for grief and consolation.
September 13, 1999 - The debate over whether Governor Ventura's money-making activities violate state conflict of interest laws shows no sign of ending. One legislator plans to introduce a bill holding elected officials to the same standards as state employees, and the Minneapolis city attorney is considering an activist's complaint over Ventura's return to the wrestling ring last month. An internal memo written by a state ethics officer concluded if Ventura were a typical state employee, he would be violating the law.
September 13, 1999 - A national interest group in favor of lower taxes is wading into next year's Senate Race in Minnesota. The group, "Americans for Tax Reform" is running 600 thousand dollars worth of television ads to give Republican incumbant Rod Grams some early exposure. Campaign finance laws don't allow the ads to actually ask the public to vote for Grams and a spokesman from Grams campaign says they had nothing to do with the ads. Larry Jacobs is associate professor of political science at the University of Minnesota. He says the ads are one way for this particular interest group to shape the election agenda.
September 13, 1999 - In tomorrow's election primary, West Duluth voters will narrow the number of people seeking to replace the late Representative Willard Munger at the state legislature. Six candidates are vying for the seat. The character of the campaign has varied by political party, with some candidates getting personal... and others offering a unified voice.