June 25, 2001 - The Independence Party of Minnesota is now under new management. The Party is trying to pick itself up, after falling into debt, and failing to elect any candidates for the legislature last year. All of that despite electing Governor Jesse Ventura 3 years ago on what was then called the Reform Party Ticket. The Governor and his allies split away from the Reform Party last year... and re-named themselves the Independence Party which held its state convention over the weekend. That's where they chose Jack Uldrich as its new chairman. He joins us on the line now.
June 26, 2001 - Most Minnesotans know what the word Minnesota means. It means "sky-tinted water." It's a combination of the Dakota Indian words "mini," which means water, and "sota," which means somewhat clouded. But do you know how your city or town got its name, or that nearby lake or river? The Minnesota Historical Society recently published the third edition of the book, "Minnesota Place Names," which explains how cities and other places got their names. Ann Regan is the managing editor of the Minnesota Historical Society Press.
June 27, 2001 - For a closer look at what's included in the new tax bill, we called Dan Salomone, executive director of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association. He says the bill represents historic reform and is a victory for Governor Ventura:
June 28, 2001 - The House and Senate today overwhelmingly passed a 760(M) million dollar tax bill that includes broad property-tax reforms. Ventura plans to sign the bill tomorrow. The tax bill was the biggest sticking point in the legislative budget impasse but work at the capitol is far from over. Lawmakers still haven't finished four major spending bills and the Department of Employee Relations has already begun shutting down some government services. Julien Carter is overseeing the shutdown process. He says he's watching action at the Capitol closely as he proceeds with shutdown plans:
July 2, 2001 - One of the most contentious issues of this legislative session was the debate over how much to spend for public colleges and universities. Governor Ventura said the state couldn't afford to give everyone all the money they wanted. Some lawmakers say the governor made a big mistake and the lean budget will take a tollon the state's economic development engine. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports:
July 3, 2001 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports that multiple players on the Minnesota Twins may be chosen for the upcoming 2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Halfway through their baseball season the Minnesota Twins are perched at the top of their division, with the second best record in the American League. The strong performance of a team many experts picked to finish last remains the surprise story of the year in baseball.
July 4, 2001 - MPR’s Mary Losure reports that after massive storm in BWCA, which many considered a catastrophe, is providing a rare opportunity for scientists to study how a wilderness recovers from a massive natural disturbance. Losure interviews Alan Heine, forestry Professr at University of Wisconsin; and Lee Frelich forest ecologist at University of Minnesota.
July 4, 2001 - A day before Independence Day, a record 15,000 soccer fans turned out at the National Sports Center to wave Old Glory and cheer the U.S. national women's team in its 1-0 victory over Canada in a holiday exhibition match. MPR’s William Wilcoxen captures the day.
July 4, 2001 - MPR’s Lorna Benson talks with Marlin Bree, a boater who was among a few unlucky people caught on Lake Superior when hundred-mile-an-hour winds whipped up 30-foot waves.
July 5, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio's Chris Julin visits Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, Wisconsin. The center turns tourists and school groups into voyageurs for a day, and takes them out on Superior in a huge, Montreal canoe.