May 14, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the stalemate over an abortion waiting period that continues at the Capitol. A massive health and human services spending bill that contains the controversial provision is languishing on Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum's desk, delaying an almost-certain gubernatorial veto. Both sides in the abortion debate are accusing each other of playing politics.
May 14, 2001 - The agency that manages the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis presented a report which concludes the public favors a new ballpark for the Twins…but the Vikings can make do in the Metrodome if it's renovated. Consultant John Himle, who distilled the comments into the report, says they show the public feels an urgency to deal with the Twins stadium issue. He also says the comments are not related to the teams current success on the field.
May 14, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports on a House committee approving a package that removes most of the public subsidies from the ballpark plan. The Twins say it's doubtful they would support such a deal, but they say they were encouraged by the suggestion they study the financing plan used for the Minnesota Wild hockey arena.
May 14, 2001 - Lawmakers at the Minnesota capitol have until one week from today to wrap up the session. Among other things, that means agreeing on a tax bill, a health and human services bill, and possibly a Twins stadium bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum is on the line now.
May 14, 2001 - Marv Koep, the fishing guide for Governor Ventura's fishing opener, discusses what he is expecting and how he is preparing for the big day. He says he's excited to have such a colorful governor in his charge, but he's also a little nervous.
May 14, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy about politics and a new documentary about his life, titled “I'm Sorry I Was Right.” McCarthy also answers listener questions.
May 15, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura has vetoed a sweeping health and human services bill because it contained an abortion waiting period. Meanwhile, the DFL-controlled Senate narrowly rejected the waiting period while working up a backup health and human services package.
May 16, 2001 - President Bush will be in Minnesota tomorrow to release the Republican administration's new energy policy. Political analysts say it's no coincidence the president is coming to St. Paul given the city's mayor Norm Coleman has all but OFFICIALLY launched a campaign to unseat DFL Senator Paul Wellstone. They also say Minnesotans can expect a steady stream of big name Democrats AND Republicans and almost certainly more visits from President Bush leading up to next year's election. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
May 16, 2001 - House and Senate committees will vote today (WEDNESDAY) on legislative redistricting proposals designed to account for population shifts in the 2000 census. Senate D-F-L'ers released their plan yesterday (TUESDAY), and Republicans immediately attacked it as blatantly partisan. The posturing comes as time is running short for a redistricting agreement yet this session. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
May 17, 2001 - With the dedication of Mondale Hall at the University of Minnesota Law School, MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki profiles Walter Mondale’s law career. Mondale has been most noted for his career in politics, virtually nothing has been written about his time at the University of Minnesota law school and how his education and contacts there shaped his future and ultimately the future of Minnesota and the nation. Segment includes numerous interviews.