June 23, 2003 - Officials from Minnesota's public and private colleges say they're pleased with today's (Mon) long-awaited U.S. Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. The court ruled that race can still be used as a factor in college admissions decisions -- if it is used sparingly. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 20, 2003 - The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge told a St. Paul audience last night (Thurs) that safety doesn't just come from Washington, but from the efforts of states, cities and counties. Ridge delivered the keynote address at a symposium that attracted about 300 Minnesota public safety business, and government leaders. Ridge told the group that public and private partnerships will be critical to keeping America safe in the years ahead. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 13, 2003 - The University heads into its 2004 fiscal year July 1st, looking for ways to manage a significant hit to its base funding from the state. University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks says solving the budget challenges will mean sacrifices from every corner of the institution. From layoffs to tuition increases, Bruininks spelled out his recommended 2004 operating budget today Helms reports.
June 9, 2003 - There are ten candidates vying for the 2004 democratic nomination for president. The first primary isn't until January, but the candidates are already in high gear raising money. Once, Democrats could count on Minnesota for votes, but many say that's no longer the case. Now Democratic hopefuls come to Minnesota looking for money. And at this point in the presidential campaign, money is everything. Candidate Howard Dean of Vermont attended a fundraiser last night Helms reports.
June 2, 2003 - Leaders of Minnesota's two public higher education systems are feeling better about the outcome of the Legislative session. Lawmakers had cut the systems' appropriations 15 percent earlier in the session. But they also just approved 108 million dollars for building improvements at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Governor Tim Pawlenty is expected to sign the bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
May 26, 2003 - Minnesotans around the state commemorated Memorial Day today (Monday). At the state capitol, Korean immigrants were among hundreds who celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Korean war. Earlier this morning at the Fort Snelling National Cemetary in Minneapolis, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman and an audience of veterans honored those who died fighting in the nation's wars.
May 21, 2003 - The cost of going to a public college in Minnesota will likely go up hundreds of dollars this fall. Governor Tim Pawlenty is expected to sign a higher education funding bill that cuts each of the state's public university systems 15 percent. The bill that passed at the end of the regular session provides 10 million dollars more than Pawlenty had proposed. Still, critics say the cuts are short-sighted and will lead to an erosion of quality at the state's colleges. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
May 14, 2003 - Some leaders in the non-profit, philanthropic, and business communities are calling on non-profits to show funders quantifiable results from their work, rather than rely on pure charity. Philanthropy in difficult economic times was the subject of a panel discussion last night Helms reports.
May 12, 2003 - Concern about the spread of SARS is affecting college campuses across the country and in Minnesota. So far, three universities in the U.S. have said they do not want families from SARS affected countries to attend their graduation ceremonies, and one high profile university is banning some Asians from attending summer school. Minnesota colleges are just starting to develop their own SARS policies. Officials say while it's wise to be cautious, it's important to keep fear of SARS in check. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
May 8, 2003 - Hundreds of state politicians and political staffers turned out last night Helms has more.