May 8, 2007 - The Ham Lake fire continues to burn unpredictably and furiously at the end of the Gunflint trail. Governor Pawlenty flew over the fire this morning and spoke with residents. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill spent much of the day with fire crew members and joins us now from the Gunflint.
May 8, 2007 - Author Sherman Alexie isn't shy about sharing. He's a prolific writer whose novels and short stories often describe the paradoxes of life as a Native American in the 21st century. Alexie told Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr that he's been thinking lately about violence. What resulted is a book of gritty fantasy called "Flight" which is about a young man named "Zits.'
May 10, 2007 - Will the session end in gridlock? Broadcast: Midday, 05/10/2007, 11:00 a.m. Wednesday brought another veto from Gov. Tim Pawlenty, this one on the higher education bill. With just a week-and-a-half left in the session, will the DFL-controlled Legislature and the governor be able to agree on a budget? Guests: Duane Benson: Former Republican Senate minority leader. Roger Moe: Former DFL Senate majority leader.
May 11, 2007 - MPR’s Roseanne Pereira speaks with buddhist monks at the Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery in Minneapolis, as they prepare to take part in a tantric choir performances in Minnesota.
May 12, 2007 - Minnesota is set to become the twentieth state in the nation to have a statewide smoking ban. Early this morning, the Minnesota House passed a bill that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants across the state. Governor Pawlenty says he'll sign it. The bill's passage comes after a day of doubt about whether there were enough votes to get it to Governor Pawlenty's desk. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
May 15, 2007 - It's a rare novel that opens with instructions on how it should be read. But that's exactly how Heather McElhatton's "Pretty Little Mistakes" begins.
May 15, 2007 - That is photographer Doug Ohman who took the pictures in a new book from the Minnesota Historical Society Press called "Cabins of Minnesota." Bill Holm wrote the accompanying text.
May 17, 2007 - Governor Pawlenty and legislative leaders continued their budget negotiations behind closed doors in the Governor's office today . There have actually been several meetings to hammer out the best way to craft a two year budget. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck joins us now with an update on the budget talks -- Tom could you give us the latest? ----TOM:Well, we don't know a lot. The major players haven't been offering specifics on the budget. Republican House Minority Leader Marty Seifert said they were extremely close to a deal on the budget yesterday but are only somewhat close today. Seifert said today was basically the blowup day where lawmakers try last ditch efforts to get their key priorities into the budget. GRETA Who's talking and what's the scene? DFL House Speaker Margaret Kelliher, DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, Marty Seifert and Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem have been meeting in one of the side rooms just outside of the governor's office -- now last night reporters could get a peek into the room through one of the outside windows. The drapes were closed today and not even staff members have been allowed into the room.
May 18, 2007 - MPR's Karl Gehrke reports that the personal stories of several Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homeowners have been turned into songs for Minnesota Chorale "Sing Me a Home" concert. The performance is part of the chorale's outreach program called "Bridges."
May 18, 2007 - Former governors offer advice on ending a session . Broadcast: Midday, 05/18/2007, 11:00 a.m. Legislators and the governor have three days to wrap things up -- and there is much wrapping left to do. Two of Minnesota's former governors have some advice for today's lawmakers on bringing the session to a successful conclusion. Guests: Wendell Anderson: Minnesota governor: 1971 - 1977. Arne Carlson: Minnesota governor: 1990 - 1998.