March 26, 2003 - Both public and private humanitarian organizations are trying to figure out the best way to help Iraqis affected by the war. Intense fighting, especially in the southern part of the country, has made it difficult to get aid to Iraqi civilians. At the same time, fewer than expected refugees have crossed into other countries. Joining us on the line now is Hugh Parmer, President of the Minneapolis-based American Refugee Committee, which is working on setting up services in southern Iraq.
March 26, 2003 -
March 25, 2003 -
March 24, 2003 - President Bush meets today with Congressional leaders to discuss paying for the war. The President is expected to present a cost estimate which could total 70 to 90 (b) billion dollars. That doesn't include money for securing and rebuilding Iraq after the end of hostilities. On Friday, the Senate voted to trim 100 billion dollars from President Bush's proposed 726 billion dollar tax cut package to help pay for the war. Joining us now are Minnesota's two U-S Senators, Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Mark Dayton. That is DFL Senator Mark Dayton. We also heard from Republican Senator Norm Coleman. Coming up in just a minute or so, live coverage of a news conference from Central Command in Qatar.
March 24, 2003 - As the war in Iraq continues... and so does business at the State Capitol. The session is about half-over, and both the House and Senate continue to work on a budget that's designed to close a 4-point-2 billion dollar projected budget deficit. The Pledge of Allegiance and some gambling bills are also on the docket this week. Joining us on the line is Laura McCallum.... MPR's Capitol Bureau Chief.
March 24, 2003 - More major airlines are expected to cut flight schedules and jobs this week as the slump in travel bookings because of the war in Iraq takes a toll on the airline industry. Northwest Airlines announced Friday that it is laying off about 49-hundred employees. The company says it is also reducing its flight schedule by about 12 percent and pulling 20 planes out of service. Flight attendants, mechanics, customer service agents, and pilots will be among those laid off. Daryl Jenkins is the Director of The Aviation Institute at George Washington University.
March 19, 2003 -
March 19, 2003 - One woman in Clear Lake, Minnesota may have found something that both anti-war protesters... and supporters of a war in Iraq can agree upon: sending care packages and letters to soldiers overseas. Charleen Baune (BONE-ee) has been sending packages to soldiers.... most of whom she's never met... for weeks. She sees it as a positive way that anyone .... no matter their opinion about the war... can channel energy toward supporting troops abroad. Joining us on the line is Charleen Baune (BONE-ee).
March 19, 2003 - In Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources is warning property owners that burning restrictions are coming soon. Department officials say they're gearing up for what could be a busy fire season. Dave Schuller is a Firewise Program Specialist at the DNR, and he's on the line now.
March 18, 2003 -