September 27, 2001 - Talks resume today (Thursday) to try to avert a state employee strike scheduled to begin Monday. Nearly 30-thousand workers are ready to walk off the job over wages and health insurance, unless their two unions and state negotiators can reach an agreement in the next four days. The fallout from the terrorist attacks this month may put extra pressure on both sides to reach a deal. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
September 24, 2001 - It might become more difficult for international students to attend college in Minnesota. The FBI says some suspects and material witnesses in the September 11th terrorist attacks appeared to have entered the country on student visas. Some Minnesota schools say that could prompt changes in how the government issues those visas. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano has more:
September 13, 2001 - A potential state employees strike has been delayed until October first. Union and state negotiators yesterday (Weds) postponed the strike deadline in deference to the crisis caused by Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the East Coast. A mediation session that had been scheduled for today (thurs) has been rescheduled for September 27th, in hopes a strike can still be averted. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
September 5, 2001 - The University of Minnesota is welcoming back students for the beginning of the fall semester. The challenge for many of the school's almost 40-thousand thousand undergraduates is figuring out how to pay for the rising cost of an education. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
August 29, 2001 - A new survey shows a small drop in teen smoking in Minnesota. The "Target Market" anti-smoking campaign wanted to see IF and TO WHAT EXTENT its efforts had made an impact. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
August 21, 2001 - Public safety officials say distracted driving has become a major problem in Minnesota. It contributes to thousands of car crashes every year, including many that result in injury or death. Today (Tuesday) the state launched a billboard campaign to get drivers to avoid distractions such as food, phone calls, and personal grooming -- and give all their attention to the road. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
August 14, 2001 - Minneapolis is alive with gospel music this week. The Gospel Music Workshop of America has come to town where thousands are honing their craft and studying the BUSINESS of gospel music. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
August 9, 2001 - Tonight one last batch of greyhounds will burst through the gates at St. Croix Meadows Greyhound Track in Hudson, Wisconsin. The owner has decided to shut it down due to consistent financial losses and his desire to put a casino on the site. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
July 10, 2001 - The national convention of the Communications Workers of America wrapped up today in Minneapolis. The union's 2,300 delegates heard AFL-CIO president John Sweeney and others talk about the importance of expanding union membership in Minnesota and nationwide.
July 5, 2001 -