August 26, 2003 -
August 26, 2003 - US Central Command says another American soldier has been killed in a bombing northwest of Baghdad in Iraq. A total of 139 soldiers have been killed since President Bush declared major combat over -- which is one more than died during the heavy fighting before that declaration. The violence in Iraq could soon be a part of life for a man who's worked at City Hall in Eden Prairie for nearly two decades. Don Uram (YER um) has been serving as Eden Prairie's director of management and budget, and is going to try his skills in a Basra, Iraq. He's joining a nonprofit called Research Triangle Institute International, which aims to improve local government in Iraq under a contract with the US government. Don Uram (YER um) joins us now.
August 21, 2003 -
August 21, 2003 - The Minnesota Twins are just half game behind the first place Kansas City Royals in the American League Central Division. Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Star Tribune’s LaVell Neal about the chances that the Twins can take the lead.
August 21, 2003 - An accident report from investigators in South Dakota outlined the speed that Congressman Bill Janklow was going when was involved in an accident that killed a Minnesota man. Janklow reportedly ran a stop sign last weekend... and collided with motorcycle rider Randy Scott who died at the scene. A memorial service for Scott was held yesterday in his hometown of Hardwick, Minnesota. Joining us from Sioux Falls is Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland. -- latest investigation (he was driving 75 in 55 zone, no alcohol in either janklow or scott) -- ARe criminal charges more likely because of this report? (yes) What are possible charges? -- What do the vehicles look like? (Hetland got a look at the cadillac and motorcycle) -- tell us about the memorial for randy scott (she wasn't actually there, but can say over 400 at service yesterday, in town of about 200) -- political options for Janklow, political ramifications in South Dakota.
August 20, 2003 -
August 20, 2003 - While the old stand-bys like pork chops on a stick, carnival games, and big concerts draw more than a million people, all of those oldies but goodies had to get their start somewhere along the 144 year history of the fair. Jerry Hammer, executive vice president of the Minnesota State Fair talks about what's new for 2003.
August 12, 2003 -
August 8, 2003 - State budget cuts to child care programs are beginning to reverberate through the child care industry. The state legislature cut 86 million dollars in child care subsidies to help close a projected 4-point-2 billion dollar budget deficit. The child care cuts took effect on July 1st.... and may lead to a wave of child care center closings. Joining us on the line is Scott Smith... who wrote about this issue in this week's edition of "The Business Journal."
July 18, 2003 - A retired military officer now living in western Wisconsin is asking farmers across the Upper Midwest to donate used farm equipment for shipment to Iraq. Peter Strzok (STRUCK) already has at least fifteen tractors and tillers on hand that he expects to ship to Iraqi farmers in the northern part of the country. They'll use the equipment to improve production of two main crops: wheat and barley. Stzrok (STRUCK) is doing the work as head of a non-profit group called the Agency to Facilitate the Growth of Rural Organizations. He says he was inspired by Iraqis he met 10 years ago while working in the country.