May 9, 2001 - On his third day in Minnesota, the Dalai Lama addressed a joint meeting of the Minnesota Legislature, touching on his constant themes of human rights, faith and each person's responsibility to make personal change. He also met with Governor Ventura, and made his third public speech at the University of Minnesota.
May 9, 2001 - (FOR WED. M.E.) Lawyers expect a full day of testimony in St. Cloud today , in a trial for a misdemeanor driving offense that has been complicated by allegations of racial profiling. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich has this Mainstreet report.
May 9, 2001 - Live coverage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's address as part of the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series at Northrop Auditorium. Following the speech and audience questions, MPR host Dan Olson speaks with three guests: Hamline University Religion Professor Mark Berkson, St. John's University Asian History Professor Richard Bohr, and local Tibetan leader Wangyal Ritzekura.
May 10, 2001 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews David Gisch, the Emergency Preparedness coordinator for Dakota County, about damage assessment after several tornadoes and funnel clouds touched down along a path south of the Twin Cities. Gisch says the damage is most severe in a farming area just east of Northfield.
May 10, 2001 - Second Hour: A speech by author Ernest Gaines. He wrote A Lesson Before Dying. He spoke at the Hennepin County. Tapes are available through the Hennepin County Library Foundation.
May 11, 2001 - Jane Ranum, author of the state senate's racial profiling bill INTRO: The Minnesota state senate has developed a compromised plan to combat racial profiling. The Senate Finance Committee approved the plan where the state offers law enforcement agencies money for video cameras for their squad cars. But to get the money, law enforcement agencies would have to have their officers collect data about traffic stops. Joining us on the line is Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Ranum of Minneapolis. -- How much money is involved? -- How would it work? -- How many law enforcement agencies want to participate in this? -- What about the House? How will the two sides come to an agreement on a plan? What could that agreement look like? -- Why didn't the state senate agree to have mandatory data collection?
May 11, 2001 - Matt Hoy, Twins vice president for Operations, discusses new security measures being put in place at the Metrodome after unwanted activity during a game by fans in the previous week. The team will distribute a "Fan Code of Conduct" card to fans as they enter. It states: “The Minnesota Twins are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable ballpark experience."
May 11, 2001 - Republican Jim Abler owns two buildings, leased to charter school parents. In the 1999-2000 session, he broke public trust when he voted for the state to give money to charter schools. It was a matter of conflict of interest.
May 11, 2001 - Minnesota Twins' unexpected success on the field is helping persuade in a new Minnesota House stadium proposal. In it, citizen contributions are stripped from the proposal and state government would contribute only by waiving the tax on construction supplies.
May 11, 2001 - The Minnesota House has voted 89-to-43 for a six-point-three billion dollar health and human services funding bill that includes a 24-hour abortion waiting period. Governor Jesse Ventura says he'll veto the entire bill if it arrives on his desk with the abortion provision. His veto would cut off state funding for programs ranging from nursing homes to welfare on July 1. Supporters of the waiting period say Ventura should reconsider his threat. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...