August 6, 2001 -
August 1, 2001 -
August 1, 2001 -
July 31, 2001 -
July 30, 2001 - The Minnesota Department of Human Services will send out letters this week to familes who could have some of their welfare benefits cut off next summer. The letters will explain possible extensions. The cutoff is part of a Federal Welfare Reform Act passed in 1996 which aims to encourage self-sufficiency, and places a five-year limit on cash assistance. This past session the Minnesota legislature passed some extensions, but not everyone will qualify. Last week, we heard from a woman who is working 25 hours a week and following welfare rules-- and will probably qualify for an extension of her benefits. Today, we talk with Dionne Smith. Dionne needs to find a job before next July or she will lose some of her benefits. She is 33 years old and she says things got tough for her early on.
July 30, 2001 -
July 13, 2001 -
July 13, 2001 - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is looking into problems at both the Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear power plants. The NRC says that the problems didn't affect the health or safety of workers in either plant, or the residents who live nearby them.
July 12, 2001 - The weather has been dry as a bone in the last three weeks in Minnesota. Since mid-June, the Twin Cities has had only 4 days with rain. The recent dry weather is making life difficult for farmers who, a few weeks ago, were worried about flooding.
July 12, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura's trade trip to Canada is in full swing. Yesterday, the governor met with business leaders in Toronto, and was a guest speaker at the COMDEX Canada technology convention. Later today, he'll be the keynote speaker at the Toronto Board of Trade, where he'll talk about his role in promoting Minnesota business and tourism. Jennifer Wells, a reporter and a business columnist for the Toronto Star newspaper, provides commentary.