December 15, 2005 - The play-writing world lost two of its titans in 2005 -- Arthur Miller in February, in August Wilson in October. The lives and works of both men were discussed at length at the times of their respective deaths, but now that we have a little distance, maybe we can talk without all the flowery language and rose-colored glasses about their legacy.
December 16, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty says he's meeting with groups across the state to discuss the impact of undocumented immigrants on the state of Minnesota. Pawlenty says illegal immigration is a serious national problem and needs immediate attention. He says he plans on releasing several proposals over the next few months to toughen the state's immigration laws. Critics say Pawlenty is using the issue of immigration as a political wedge to help him get reelected next year. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
December 21, 2005 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews members of Jack Brass Band, one of the few New Orleans-style brass bands in the Upper Midwest. Erik Jacobson and Mike Olander discuss the band’s CD “You Don’t Know Me” and fellow musician friends in the brass band scene.
December 21, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty and state lawmakers are pointing fingers at each other in the wake of a judges ruling that struck down a key tobacco fee. A Ramsey County Judge ruled yesterday that the 75 cent-a-pack fee violates a settlement reached with tobacco companies in 1998. That agreement brings in billions of dollars to the state from the tobacco industry to cover the costs of government health programs caused by smoking. The settlement also banned the state from making future claims on tobacco companies. Legislators approved the fee over the summer to help solve a state budget crisis, and the fee was projected to raise 400 million dollars over the current budget cycle. Governor Pawlenty is promising to appeal the decision. DFLer lawmakers say the governor's insistence that the measure be called a fee instead of a tax put it at legal risk. Minnesota Public Radio's Annie Baxter has more.
December 22, 2005 - The mother of a Minnesota guard member will get a chance to share her concerns with Governor Tim Pawlenty later this morning. Joan Najbar (NAY bar) is upset that her son had to leave college to train for possible deployment to Iraq. After talking with Gov. Pawlenty, she plans to protest, by herself, on the Capitol steps. Joan Najbar joins us now.
December 23, 2005 - The Minnesota trucking industry is asking Governor Pawlenty to temporarily suspend a two-month-old mandate that requires diesel fuel sold in the state contain two percent biodiesel. Truckers say they are experiencing more mechanical problems and they suspect that the fuel made from soybeans is to blame. John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association, says many of his members are pretty upset right now. That is John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association.
December 27, 2005 -
December 27, 2005 - James Lileks is a columnist for the Star Tribune Newspaper and the author of "Mommy Knows Worst: Highlights from the Golden Age of Bad Parenting Advice."
December 27, 2005 - The theater world lost one of its great voices this year, and Minnesotans remembered the twelve years he made St. Paul his home. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner August Wilson died in October of liver cancer at the age of 60. Wilson left the state in 1990, but he made a short homecoming in 1991 to address the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.
December 28, 2005 -